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Laertes Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Laertes

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name LAERTES. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Laertes

Gender

Male

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

8

Meaning of the Name

Laertes is a Greek name meaning 'gatherer of the people' or 'assembler', reflecting leadership qualities and social influence. It carries connotations of wisdom, patience, and familial devotion through its mythological and literary heritage.

Stages of a Male

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

8

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Saturn

Positive Nature

Ambitious, efficient, realistic, and authoritative.

Negative Traits

Materialistic, stressed, confrontational, and can be overly ambitious.

Lucky Colours

Dark blue, black.

Lucky Days

Saturday.

Lucky Stones

Blue sapphire, amethyst.

Harmony Numbers

2, 4, 6.

Best Suited Professions

Business leaders, managers, financial services, law enforcement.

What People Like About You

Leadership, determination, organizational skills.

Famous People Named Laertes

Laertes of Ithaca

Mythological King

Father of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, ruler of Ithaca

Laertes (Shakespeare)

Literary Character

Son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia in Hamlet

Laertes Rodriguez

Classical Scholar

Renowned academic specializing in Homeric studies

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Laertes English Λαέρτης Greek Laerte Italian Laërte French Laert German

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Laertes holds profound cultural significance rooted in both ancient Greek mythology and Elizabethan drama. In Homer's Odyssey, Laertes serves as the aging king of Ithaca and father of the hero Odysseus, representing the older generation's wisdom and the theme of familial continuity. His character embodies patience and endurance, having retired to farm life while awaiting his son's return from the Trojan War. The emotional reunion between father and son after twenty years of separation stands as one of literature's most poignant moments of familial love and recognition. Centuries later, Shakespeare revitalized the name in Hamlet, creating a character who represents youthful passion, honor, and the destructive nature of revenge. This dual heritage makes Laertes a name that spans millennia of Western literature, connecting epic poetry with tragic drama and representing both patriarchal stability and impulsive youth across different cultural contexts and historical periods.

Extended Personality Analysis

The name Laertes evokes a complex personality profile combining strategic intelligence with deep emotional intensity. From the mythological tradition, individuals with this name are often perceived as wise leaders with exceptional patience and long-term vision, capable of enduring significant challenges while maintaining their principles. They tend to be family-oriented with strong protective instincts and loyalty to their loved ones. The Shakespearean influence adds dimensions of passion, impulsiveness, and fierce commitment to honor and justice. This creates a personality that can be both contemplative and decisive - someone who thinks carefully but acts boldly when their values or family are threatened. There's often a sense of moral conviction and willingness to take decisive action for what they believe is right, balanced by the wisdom to understand consequences and the patience to wait for the appropriate moment to act.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Laertes remains an exceptionally rare choice that appeals primarily to parents with strong literary or classical interests. The name has never achieved mainstream popularity and exists largely outside conventional naming trends, making it a distinctive selection for those seeking uniqueness with historical depth. It finds most frequent use in academic families, classical scholars, and those with Greek cultural connections. While mythological names have seen increased interest in recent decades, Laertes maintains its niche status due to its strong association with specific literary works rather than general mythological appeal. The name's usage patterns show it's typically chosen by parents who value literary heritage and are comfortable with explaining the name's significance, making it a conversation-starting choice that signals intellectual and cultural sophistication.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Laertes represents the intricate balance between tradition and action, patience and passion. The name embodies the concept of generational continuity and the passing of wisdom from father to son, as seen in the Homeric relationship between Laertes and Odysseus. It also carries strong agricultural symbolism through the image of the retired king tending his gardens, representing growth, cultivation, and connection to the earth. The Shakespearean iteration adds layers of honor, revenge, and the tragic consequences of impulsive action, making the name symbolic of the complex relationship between justice and vengeance. Furthermore, Laertes symbolizes recognition and reunion - the profound moment when true identity is revealed and familial bonds are restored after long separation. This multifaceted symbolism makes the name rich with meaning about identity, legacy, and the enduring power of family connections across time and circumstance.

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