Socrates Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Socrates
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name SOCRATES. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Socrates
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
1
Meaning of the Name
The name Socrates is understood to mean 'safe power' or 'whole power' in its Greek origins. It reflects strength combined with wisdom and preservation, embodying the ideal of powerful intellect safeguarded by moral integrity.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Sun
Positive Nature
Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.
Negative Traits
Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.
Lucky Colours
Red, orange, gold.
Lucky Days
Sunday.
Lucky Stones
Ruby, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.
What People Like About You
Courage, determination, leadership.
Famous People Named Socrates
Socrates
Philosopher
Founder of Western philosophy and developer of the Socratic method
Socrates of Constantinople
Church Historian
Author of important early Christian historical works
Sócrates Brasileiro
Football Player
Brazilian football legend and medical doctor
Socrates Mouscholides
Politician
Long-serving Mayor of Nicosia, Cyprus
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Beyond philosophy, the name appears throughout Western culture as a symbol of intellectual courage and uncompromising pursuit of truth. In Renaissance art, Socrates is frequently depicted as the archetypal wise man, while Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau invoked his name to champion reason and free inquiry. The name continues to represent the tension between individual conscience and societal authority, making it a powerful cultural reference point in discussions about academic freedom, civil disobedience, and the role of intellectuals in society. The cultural significance extends to modern educational methodologies, where 'Socratic seminars' and questioning techniques remain central to critical thinking pedagogy across disciplines.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Socrates are often perceived as intellectually curious, analytical, and deeply thoughtful. They tend to exhibit a natural inclination toward questioning assumptions and seeking deeper understanding, mirroring the philosophical approach of their namesake. This intellectual disposition is typically accompanied by strong moral convictions and a willingness to defend principles even when facing opposition. The name suggests someone who values truth above popularity and who approaches problems with systematic, logical reasoning.
Socially, those bearing this name may display a certain gravitas and maturity beyond their years, often serving as mentors or advisors to others. They tend to be excellent listeners who ask probing questions rather than offering immediate solutions. While sometimes perceived as intense or overly serious, they generally possess a dry wit and ironic humor reminiscent of the historical Socrates' famous irony. Their combination of intellectual depth and moral courage often makes them respected figures in their communities, though they may struggle with conventional social expectations that conflict with their philosophical principles. The name carries expectations of wisdom and integrity that can influence both self-perception and how others interact with them throughout life.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, the name Socrates remains relatively uncommon but carries significant weight when used. It appears most frequently in Greek communities and among families with strong academic or philosophical interests. The name has seen occasional usage in Brazil, particularly following the fame of footballer Sócrates Brasileiro, demonstrating how athletic achievement can sometimes popularize classical names. Modern parents who choose this name typically do so to honor intellectual traditions and convey aspirations for their child's intellectual development. While it ranks outside the top 1000 names in most English-speaking countries, its usage has remained stable rather than declining, suggesting enduring appeal among those who value classical education and philosophical heritage. The name is sometimes shortened to 'Soc' or 'Sock' in informal settings, and its rarity ensures that bearers stand out while carrying the burden of high intellectual expectations.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Socrates represents the eternal quest for truth and the courage to question authority. The name embodies the ideal of the examined life—the belief that an unexamined existence is not worth living. It symbolizes intellectual integrity, the willingness to follow reason wherever it leads, and the moral courage to stand by one's convictions even in the face of persecution or death. The name also carries connotations of mentorship and pedagogical wisdom, representing the teacher who guides others to discover truth for themselves rather than imposing knowledge. As a symbol, Socrates stands for the power of questioning to reveal deeper realities and the transformative potential of dialogue and critical thinking in human development. Metaphorically, the name evokes the gadfly—the figure who provokes society into self-examination and challenges complacency through persistent questioning and intellectual discomfort.