Perseus

Perseus is an up-and-coming name with a plenty going for it, so it's no wonder it's almost tripled in usage since the 2010s. Given to nearly 170 boys in the US in a recent year, Perseus ticks the boxes as an ancient and mythological choice with contemporary possibility, plus an accessible and intuitive nickname to go with it.

Likely derived from the same root as Persephone, Perseus means "to destroy": a violent meaning perhaps, but reflective of the figure in Greek mythology. Borne by a heroic son of Zeus, Perseus is known for defeating Medusa and for saving Andromeda from a sea monster.

Used by writer Rick Riordan as the full name of one of the central characters in his popular Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, Perseus "Percy" Jackson, the name provides an unexpected way to the vintage nickname. So old it feels new, Perseus may appeal in the same way Atticus, Orion, and Atlas do: approachable but magical at the same time.

Perseus is also given to girls.

Pronounced PUR-see-us.

As of October 2026, Perseus ranked #1210 in US births in 2025 SSA, Nameberry popularity #699.