Pelops Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Pelops
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name PELOPS. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Pelops
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
2
Meaning of the Name
The name Pelops is traditionally interpreted as meaning 'dark-eyed' or 'dark-faced' in Greek. It belongs to the important mythological king who founded the royal dynasty of Mycenae and gave his name to the Peloponnese region of Greece.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Moon
Positive Nature
Diplomatic, friendly, artistic, empathetic.
Negative Traits
Over-sensitive, moody, indecisive, prone to self-pity.
Lucky Colours
Green, cream, white.
Lucky Days
Monday.
Lucky Stones
Pearl, moonstone.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 4.
Best Suited Professions
Diplomats, mediators, caregivers, artists.
What People Like About You
Cooperative spirit, friendliness, artistic talent.
Famous People Named Pelops
Pelops of Sparta
Mythological King
Legendary founder of the Pelopid dynasty and namesake of the Peloponnese region
Pelops (son of Agamemnon)
Mythological Figure
Appears in later Greek myths as a descendant of the original Pelops, continuing the royal lineage
Pelops of Byzantium
Ancient Historian
Wrote historical works on Greek mythology and early Mediterranean history, though only fragments survive
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Pelops's descendants, including Agamemnon and Menelaus, would play central roles in the Trojan War cycle, making his lineage fundamental to Greek heroic mythology. The cultural impact extends to geography, with the southern Greek peninsula bearing his name for millennia, symbolizing how mythological figures could shape regional identity and historical consciousness. His story also reflects important Greek cultural values including the importance of cunning intelligence (metis) over brute strength, the complex relationship between mortals and gods, and the establishment of athletic competitions as sacred rituals.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Pelops are often perceived as possessing strategic intelligence, resilience, and ambitious drive, reflecting the mythological figure's cunning victory in the chariot race that won him a kingdom. They tend to demonstrate remarkable perseverance through adversity, much like their namesake who overcame being dismembered and served as a meal to the gods. The name suggests someone with strong leadership qualities and the ability to build lasting legacies, though potentially with a shadow of moral complexity given the mythological Pelops's sometimes questionable methods.
These individuals often exhibit a blend of charm and determination, capable of inspiring loyalty while pursuing their objectives with single-minded focus. The association with royal lineage and dynasty-building implies natural authority and the capacity to overcome significant obstacles through both cleverness and divine favor, though they may struggle with the ethical compromises sometimes required by their ambitions. There's often an element of transformation in their character development—the ability to reinvent themselves after setbacks, echoing Pelops's own resurrection and subsequent rise to power.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Pelops remains an exceptionally rare given name, primarily used in academic circles, by classical enthusiasts, or within Greek families maintaining strong connections to their mythological heritage. The name sees occasional use in Greece itself, though it's far from common even there. Its usage trends reflect a preference for names with classical weight and historical depth rather than popular modern appeal. In recent decades, there has been a minor resurgence of interest in mythological names, but Pelops has not experienced the same revival as names like Orion or Athena. The name's complexity and association with challenging mythological themes (including his father's cannibalistic offering) may limit its widespread adoption. It remains predominantly a name chosen by parents with specific classical interests or academic backgrounds who appreciate its historical significance and unique character.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Pelops represents resurrection and transformation, having been restored to life after being dismembered and served as a divine meal. The name embodies the concept of overcoming extreme adversity and emerging stronger, serving as a metaphor for rebirth and second chances. His ivory shoulder, replacing the portion eaten by Demeter, symbolizes the integration of the divine with the mortal, representing both human vulnerability and supernatural resilience. The chariot race victory symbolizes cunning strategy triumphing over brute strength, making Pelops an emblem of intellectual superiority in competition. As the namesake of the Peloponnese, he also symbolizes territorial identity and the mythological foundation of cultural regions. The name carries connotations of dynasty-building and the complicated legacy of power, reflecting how ambition and cleverness can establish enduring lineages despite moral ambiguities and the potential for generational curses.