Ares

When a boy name brings the fire, there’s no putting it out. And so much can be said for a mighty moniker like Ares.

If you’re up to speed on your Greek mythology, you’ll know Ares as the fierce, formidable god of war—represented in ancient art with a helmet, a spear and the ultimate game face. As legend has it, Ares was both feared and revered, never shying away from a battle or a shot at revenge. His killer instinct is what stole Aphrodite’s heart, after all!

Etymologically speaking, Ares definitely lives up to its reputation. In ancient Greek, it comes from the word ἀρή (arē), which translates to “destroyer,” “bane” or “ruin.” Ares is also thought to have ties to the Sanskrit word irasya, meaning “ill-will”—proof that this name is a total force of nature.

While Ares is slowly inching its way up the baby-name rankings, it still has parents of The Bump feeling undecided. “One night, I was on the internet and saw the name, Ares. I automatically fell in love with it, and so did my boyfriend,” says a4smith, a member of the community forum. “Now I’m having second thoughts about it, and I'm not sure why. My mom said nobody will be able to pronounce it. I don't want anyone to say it wrong!”

In any case, it never hurts to be a little creative on the baby-naming journey. Get ready to watch your kiddo make serious first impressions with this awesome choice.

Fun Facts About the Name Ares

• Ares’ pop-culture surge: Data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) shows that Ares first skyrocketed to the Top 1,000 in 2013 and has steadily risen since—thanks (in part) to fantasy literature and superhero franchises.
• An off-limits name in the ancient world: Ares may be on the rise now, but, in ancient times, it was rarely given to children—likely due to its darker meanings and associations.
• A cool, subtle birth connection: Having a March baby? The month is famously named after Ares’ Roman counterpart, Mars.