Perseus

At a Glance

Meaning

Uncertain; popularly linked to a Greek root meaning 'to destroy' (disputed)

Origin

Greek

Gender

Boy

Pronunciation

PUR-see-usListen

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

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.

Names Like Perseus

These names share Perseus’s style, era or origin.

• Ambrose
• Basil
• Bishop
• Calix
• Cosmo
• Dimitri

FAQ

What does the name Perseus mean?

Uncertain; popularly linked to a Greek root meaning ‘to destroy’ (disputed). (Source: Wiktionary)

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.)

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.