Agape
Primarily a girl's name of Greek origin with 112 recorded births. Also given to 41 boys.
Meaning & Origin
agape (spiritual, altruistic, beneficial love)
Agape is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, from the Greek agape meaning 'divine love,' 'unconditional love,' or 'love that seeks no return' — the highest form of love in Greek philosophical and Christian theological tradition. The New Testament uses this word to describe God's love for humanity.
Agape is distinct from eros (romantic love) and philia (friendship) — it is the love that gives without expecting anything back, the love that shapes character rather than satisfying desire. Naming a daughter Agape is to name her for the most exalted form of love humanity has ever tried to define.
EtymologyShow more
Agape appeared in SSA records in 1992, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Greek roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 112 recorded births, Agape has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Agape was #14215 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #15288, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 40 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 37 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 29 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 6 | — |
The Story of Agape
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2020, Agape is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Agape are most likely born between 2010 and 2024.
How rare is Agape?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Agape — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1992, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2020s with 40 births that decade.
Agape by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(16 years, 1992–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #15288 |
| 2023 | 9 | #10311 |
| 2022 | 8 | #11249 |
| 2021 | 6 | #13517 |
| 2020 | 12 | #8412 |
| 2018 | 8 | #11450 |
| 2017 | 6 | #14182 |
| 2016 | 8 | #11806 |
| 2014 | 9 | #10992 |
| 2010 | 6 | #14999 |
| 2008 | 5 | #17578 |
| 2007 | 6 | #15545 |
| 2005 | 7 | #13041 |
| 2004 | 6 | #14215 |
| 2003 | 5 | #15830 |
| 1992 | 6 | #11753 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Agape as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Agape has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 41 births since 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Agape a boy's or girl's name?
When was Agape most popular?
How popular is the name Agape?
Can Agape be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1992–2024