Pollux
A boy's name of Greek origin with 35 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Pollux reads as a modern invention — a name that emerged in the 2000s and was likely coined by parents looking for something fresh rather than inherited.
The sharp, distinct quality of its ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
Pollux is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Pollux is a boy's baby name of Greek origin — the Latinized form of Polydeuces — meaning 'very sweet' (from poly, very, and deuces, sweet). In Greek mythology, Pollux was the immortal twin of Castor, together forming the Gemini constellation and revered as protectors of sailors at sea.
Pollux carries extraordinary mythological weight while remaining genuinely rare as a given name. It appeals to parents drawn to celestial, classical names with strong narrative backstories — a striking alternative to the more familiar Apollo or Orion.
EtymologyShow more
Pollux appeared in SSA records in 2008, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly draw from global cultures, invent new names, and blend sounds to create something entirely original. Its Greek roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 35 recorded births, Pollux has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Pollux has 6+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2008.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 7 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 22 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6 | — |
The Story of Pollux
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2015, Pollux is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Pollux are most likely born between 2008 and 2021.
How rare is Pollux?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Pollux is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2008, peaked in the 2010s with 22 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(6 years, 2008–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 | #10516 |
| 2018 | 5 | #13612 |
| 2015 | 7 | #10346 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13572 |
| 2010 | 5 | #13762 |
| 2008 | 6 | #12192 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pollux a boy's or girl's name?
When was Pollux most popular?
How popular is the name Pollux?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2008–2021