Dedalus

Greek
"craftsman"

Dedalus Origin and Meaning

The name Dedalus is a boy's name.

Dedalus is a masculine name derived from Greek mythology, referencing Daedalus, the legendary craftsman and artist who created the Labyrinth of Crete and fashioned wings of wax and feathers to escape imprisonment. This uncommon name carries connotations of ingenuity, creativity, and masterful skill. While rarely used as a given name historically, it gained some literary recognition through James Joyce's semi-autobiographical character Stephen Dedalus in 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' and 'Ulysses.' The name evokes classical education and intellectual aspirations, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with mythological depth and artistic associations. Despite its ancient origins, Dedalus maintains a somewhat modern, distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common classical names.

The name Dedalus in Pop Culture

  • Dedalus Diggle
    minor character in the Harry Potter series
  • Stephen Dedalus
    character in several novels by James Joyce