Erechtheus Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Erechtheus
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ERECHTHEUS. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Erechtheus
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
4
Meaning of the Name
Erechtheus is the name of a mythological king of Athens who was born from the earth itself and raised by the goddess Athena. The name carries associations of autochthony (earth-born origin), royal authority, and sacrificial leadership in Athenian foundation myths.
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 Erechtheus
Erechtheus
Mythological King
Legendary early ruler of Athens who sacrificed his daughters to save the city from invasion
Erechtheus (Historical Reference)
Athenian Royalty
Namesake of the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis, symbolizing Athenian autochthony
Erechtheus (Literary Figure)
Tragic Hero
Central character in Euripides' lost tragedy 'Erechtheus' about patriotic sacrifice
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
His story, particularly as dramatized by Euripides, explores themes of patriotic sacrifice, civic duty, and the terrible costs of leadership during wartime, making him a complex symbol of both Athenian pride and the burdens of kingship. The mythological narrative of Erechtheus sacrificing his daughters to ensure Athenian victory against the Eleusinians represents the ultimate expression of civic devotion, establishing a paradigm of leadership that would influence Athenian political ideology for centuries. His cult and the architectural marvel of the Erechtheion ensured his enduring presence in Athenian religious life, cementing his status as a foundational figure in the city's cultural memory.
Extended Personality Analysis
Erechtheus embodies the archetype of the sacrificial ruler whose primary characteristics include unwavering civic devotion, strategic wisdom, and the capacity for making devastating personal sacrifices for the greater good. As depicted in mythological sources, he demonstrates profound leadership qualities - courage in facing external threats, diplomatic skill in dealing with the gods, and the moral fortitude to make impossible choices when his city's survival hangs in the balance. His decision-making reflects a ruler who weighs collective security against personal happiness, ultimately choosing the path that preserves his people despite the profound personal cost.
However, his personality also carries tragic dimensions, particularly in his willingness to sacrifice his own daughters to secure Athenian victory, revealing a ruler who prioritizes civic duty above familial bonds. This complex characterization suggests a leader of immense resolve but also one burdened by the weight of kingship, embodying both the noble ideals of self-sacrifice and the psychological costs of absolute power. The mythological tradition presents him as both heroic and tragic - a king whose very strengths become the source of his deepest personal losses, creating a multidimensional portrait of leadership that acknowledges both its glory and its grief.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Erechtheus remains an exceptionally rare given name, primarily used in academic, historical, or mythological contexts rather than as a personal name for children. Its usage is almost exclusively confined to classical studies, historical fiction, or among families with strong connections to Greek heritage and mythology. The name appears occasionally in modern Greek contexts as a reference to classical antiquity, but it has never achieved mainstream popularity due to its complex pronunciation and strong mythological associations. Recent naming trends show minimal usage statistics worldwide, with the name maintaining its status as a scholarly and historical reference rather than a practical given name in modern naming conventions. Its appearance in modern times is typically limited to artistic works, academic publications, or as a symbolic reference to Athenian heritage and classical ideals.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Erechtheus symbolizes the profound connection between leadership and sacrifice, representing the ideal of the ruler who places civic duty above personal interest. His myth carries deep metaphorical significance as an embodiment of autochthony - the concept of being born from the earth itself, which for Athenians represented their unique claim to native status and divine favor. The name evokes themes of foundation and origin, the sacred bond between a people and their land, and the terrible costs of preserving civilization against external threats. Symbolically, Erechtheus stands at the intersection of human and divine, earth and sky, mortality and legacy, making him a powerful representation of how mythic figures bridge the gap between the cosmic order and human society. His story serves as an enduring metaphor for the sacrifices required to maintain social order and the complex relationship between individual suffering and collective survival.