Achilles

Personally, I think this is a very queer name. Achilles, as a character in the Iliad, is definitely not straight (though ancient Greek people would probably not identify with modern labels and conceptions of sexuality). Although it was not specifically stated in the Iliad that he and Patroclus were romantically intertwined, it didn't really have to be since what we would now consider homosexual relationships were so normalized in that time. With details like Achilles' rage after Patroclus' death, them sleeping in the same bed, and Achilles requesting that they be buried in the same urn, it's safe to assume that they weren't just bros. I'm not posting any of this with malicious intent, I love the name Achilles because of its queer connotations. If you're writing a book with a gay character and want a really on-the-nose name for them, maybe consider Achilles. Hope this was educational :)

Don't like it. Makes me think of Achilles heel.

There is no such a thing as a "pretentious" name. Most common names are from saints, gods or other mythological/biblical characters. Aren't they all pretentious according to some people's distorted logic?
Achilles is a very cool name!

I love this name! It is a strong name for a boy, and would be great with Alexander. Achilles Alexander or Alexander Achilles. With the nickname Lex! So handsome!

I wanted to name my son this, but I had a girl :-)
So years later, I got a German Shepherd Dog and his name is Achilles! Fits as a dog name much better than a human name. Awesome name either way though.

My youngest son is named Achilles. He was born with a hole in his ankle, hence the name, as well as an atrial septal defect, otherwise known as a hole in the heart. It's a strong name for a strong boy (= I also liked it because it's a strong name without being overly masculine, trendy or sounding like a redneck name.

Achilles was the lover of, among others, Patroclus AND Troius (the latter of whom he killed in a lover's embrace). And if a child is named this, they'll probably be teased by "heel" a lot. I'm not very sure about the usage of this name.

This is a great name. I admire anyone who would give this to their son today.

You would have to be insane or just very pretentious to give this legendary, pompous name to a person.

I don't even know how to pronounce this name! I don't really think I would use it for my child. But it IS different.

I love the name Achilles, because I love the Iliad. I hate Brad Pitt as Achilles though, we are watching Troy in Classical Studies. It is a grossly inaccurate film, I mean good Lord, Achilles cuts off the head of an Apollo statue. This would never happen! The people of those times were terrified and completely in awe of the gods. Pious, that's the word. Ok, sorry about that, but, yeah, I love the name Achilles! It is such a strong heroic name.

Achilles would be a hard name to live up to. In Greek Mythology, he was nearly invincible except for his heel. Too many in-jokes I think.

I love Greek mythology names, but I like them better with the Swedish spelling. It sounds much simpler in Swedish. Like Akilles, it looks better then Achilles.

Makes me think of Brad Pitt from the movie 'Troy'--Strong, masculine, brave, handsome, rugged, beauty, and power. Ahh, yes it's a wonderful name, no? ;~D

I definitely like this name, because while it is very masculine (Achilles, the great warrior!) it's not macho, like the names of most warriors seem to be. Achilles was hidden away in the guise of girl and his best friend and lover, Patroclus, was a male. No one could ever call him dainty or demure, but he was certainly not a man's man sort of person. I think I would name a girl this, giving her an alliterating, female name for her middle name (or making this her middle name), like, Alice Achilles.

Makes me think of a Roman gladiator. Most likely because when I think of the name Achilles, I think of someone strong, who is a fighter. Someone advanced in the fighting profession, and the total opposite of a coward.

It makes me think of 'Achilles Heel'.