Amphitryon Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Amphitryon
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name AMPHITRYON. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Amphitryon
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
4
Meaning of the Name
Amphitryon means 'harasser on both sides' or 'double distress,' reflecting the mythological character's complicated life circumstances. The name suggests someone caught between conflicting forces or facing challenges from multiple directions simultaneously.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Uranus (Rahu)
Positive Nature
Strong sense of order, loyal, practical, and disciplined.
Negative Traits
Stubborn, overly serious, rigid, and prone to feeling restricted.
Lucky Colours
Blue, gray.
Lucky Days
Saturday.
Lucky Stones
Blue sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 7, 8.
Best Suited Professions
Managers, engineers, accountants, organizers.
What People Like About You
Dependability, discipline, practicality.
Famous People Named Amphitryon
Amphitryon of Tiryns
Mythological Hero and King
Led successful military campaigns and was the mortal father of Iphicles, though famously deceived by Zeus
Amphitryon (Molière's Character)
Literary Figure
Central character in one of the most influential comedies about identity and marital deception
Amphitryon (Plautus's Character)
Roman Theatre Character
Protagonist in the earliest surviving comedic treatment of the mythological story
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The character's transformation from mythological figure to literary archetype began with Roman playwright Plautus's comedy 'Amphitruo,' which established the theatrical potential of the story. During the Renaissance and Enlightenment, the theme was revived by major playwrights including Molière, Dryden, and Kleist, each adapting the story to reflect contemporary concerns about identity, social roles, and marital fidelity. The name 'Amphitryon' thus became synonymous with a specific type of comedic plot involving mistaken identity and supernatural deception, influencing countless subsequent works in theatre, literature, and eventually film.
Extended Personality Analysis
The name Amphitryon carries associations of nobility compromised by circumstance, suggesting a personality that combines regal dignity with profound personal vulnerability. Individuals with this name might be perceived as natural leaders who nevertheless face extraordinary challenges to their authority and identity. The mythological background implies someone who possesses military prowess and strategic thinking, yet must contend with situations where conventional strength and wisdom prove inadequate against supernatural or inexplicable forces.
This name suggests a complex psychological profile marked by resilience in the face of public humiliation and the ability to maintain composure during identity crises. The bearer might be seen as someone who embodies the tragicomic aspect of human existence—capable of great achievements and leadership, yet subject to forces beyond their control that test their dignity and self-concept. The name evokes a personality that navigates the delicate balance between public honor and private suffering, often emerging with deepened wisdom but permanent scars.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Amphitryon is virtually nonexistent as a given name for children, remaining firmly in the realm of literary and academic reference. Its modern usage is primarily confined to scholarly discussions of Greek mythology, theatrical history, and as an occasional reference in works exploring themes of identity duplication or marital infidelity. The name's extreme rarity makes it more likely to be encountered as a character name in experimental literature, avant-garde theatre, or as a symbolic reference in philosophical discussions about identity. Its complexity and strong mythological baggage render it impractical for everyday use, though it maintains a niche presence among classical scholars and those with specialized interest in mythological naming traditions.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Amphitryon represents the crisis of identity that occurs when one's external form and social role can be perfectly replicated by another, raising profound questions about what constitutes the essential self. The name has become a metaphor for situations where individuals find their positions usurped or their identities compromised by nearly identical replacements. It symbolizes the human struggle to maintain personal authenticity in a world where appearance and reality can become dangerously separated.
The story also carries symbolic weight regarding the intrusion of transcendent forces into ordinary human life, representing how divine or supernatural intervention can disrupt mortal relationships and social structures. Amphitryon serves as an archetype for the dignified victim of circumstances beyond comprehension or control, embodying the philosophical tension between human agency and predetermined fate. The name evokes the universal experience of dealing with perfect imitation and the psychological impact of having one's identity appropriated.