Phaethon Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Phaethon
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name PHAETHON. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Phaethon
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
6
Meaning of the Name
Phaethon means 'shining one' or 'radiant' in Greek, reflecting his connection to the sun god Helios. The name embodies both brilliance and the danger of uncontrolled power, as illustrated in his mythological story.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Venus
Positive Nature
Harmonious, responsible, caring, and artistic.
Negative Traits
Overly idealistic, superficial, possessive, or jealous.
Lucky Colours
Pink, turquoise.
Lucky Days
Friday.
Lucky Stones
Diamond, turquoise.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Artists, musicians, teachers, healthcare workers.
What People Like About You
Warmth, nurturing nature, artistic flair.
Famous People Named Phaethon
Phaethon of Greek Myth
Mythological Figure
Son of Helios who attempted to drive his father's sun chariot across the sky
Phaethon (Astronomical)
Celestial Body
Name given to a group of asteroids that approach very close to the Sun
Phaethon (Literary Character)
Literary Figure
Featured in Ovid's Metamorphoses as a cautionary tale about hubris
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
This myth has been interpreted through various lenses—as a warning against youthful arrogance, as an explanation for natural phenomena (the creation of deserts and dark-skinned peoples in some versions), and as a metaphor for the relationship between fathers and sons. The story's enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of ambition, identity, and the consequences of challenging natural order. Throughout Western literature and art, Phaethon has served as a powerful symbol of both human aspiration and its potential for destruction.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Phaethon are often perceived as ambitious, charismatic, and driven by a strong desire to prove themselves. They tend to possess a radiant personality that draws others to them, much like their namesake's association with the sun. However, this ambition can sometimes manifest as overconfidence or a tendency to take on challenges beyond their capabilities. The mythological Phaethon's story suggests a personality marked by determination to establish one's identity and worth, particularly in relation to parental figures or authority.
Modern bearers of the name might exhibit a blend of creative energy and occasional recklessness, with a natural leadership quality that needs tempering with wisdom and experience. They often have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to leave their mark on the world, though they may need to learn the importance of patience and recognizing their limitations. The name carries an inherent drama and intensity that may influence both how others perceive the individual and how the individual perceives their own potential and responsibilities.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Phaethon remains a rare but meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots and dramatic mythological significance. While not commonly used in everyday naming conventions, it appears occasionally in literary contexts, academic discussions, and among families with a strong interest in Greek mythology or classical studies. The name has seen occasional use in science fiction and fantasy literature as a character name, and it maintains a presence in astronomical contexts where it names a group of sun-grazing asteroids. Its usage trends toward the intellectual and artistic communities rather than mainstream popularity, making it an distinctive choice that carries both historical weight and a sense of individuality. The name's rarity ensures that bearers stand out, while its mythological background provides rich narrative potential for personal identity.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Phaethon symbolizes the dangerous allure of ambition and the tragic consequences of overreaching one's capabilities. The name represents the human desire to prove one's worth and claim one's inheritance, even at great risk. Symbolically, it embodies the tension between aspiration and limitation, between the drive for recognition and the need for humility. The story serves as a metaphor for the destructive potential of unchecked power and the importance of knowing one's boundaries. In a broader sense, Phaethon represents the transformative power of failure and the lessons learned through catastrophic mistakes. The name also carries solar symbolism—representing both the life-giving power of the sun and its destructive potential when uncontrolled, making it a powerful emblem of nature's dual aspects and humanity's relationship with cosmic forces.