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At a Glance: Name: Perseus – Meaning: uncertain; popularly linked to a Greek root meaning 'to destroy' (disputed) – Origin: Greek – Gender: Boy – Pronunciation: PUR-see-us
Perseus is a Greek name, pronounced PUR-see-us (IPA /ˈpɜːrsiəs/). You may have heard it said to mean "destroyer," but that's a popular claim that doesn't hold up under scrutiny — the name's true meaning is uncertain, and its origins may even predate Greek itself. So if you're drawn to Perseus, it's the sound and the Greek roots you're choosing, not a settled definition.
Meaning & Origin of Perseus
Meaning: Uncertain; popularly linked to a greek root meaning 'to destroy' (disputed).
Origin: Greek.
A common claim: Perseus means 'destroyer' Actually: The 'destroyer' meaning is a popular but scholarly-uncertain folk etymology; the name's true origin is unclear and possibly pre-Greek.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Perseus
Phonetic: PUR-see-us IPA: /ˈpɜːrsiəs/
Popularity of Perseus
In 2024, 152 boys were given the name Perseus, placing it at #1290 nationally — its highest rank in SSA records going back to 1983.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1983–2024.
Make Perseus Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Perseus, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Perseus mean?
Uncertain; popularly linked to a greek root meaning ‘to destroy’ (disputed). (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Perseus)
How do you pronounce Perseus?
Perseus is pronounced PUR-see-us (IPA: /ˈpɜːrsiəs/).
Is Perseus a popular name right now?
Perseus is at its highest recorded popularity right now, ranked #1290 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1983–2024.)
📊 How popular is Perseus? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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