Meaning:
Its source is Homeros, a Greek name meaning "Hostage."
Non-English Forms: Homero
Popularity:
The name Homer ranked 321st in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.
Narrative:
This was the name of the legendary author of The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Aside from being important literary works, these epic poems are responsible for the wide proliferation and continued popularity of many Greek-derived names. The names of heroes such as Achilles and Hector go in and out of style; but Helen (whose fabled beauty motivated the action of The Iliad) continues as a popular name, along with its variations (Helena, Ellen, Eileen, Elaine, and more). See also Penelope, Nestor and Ulysses.
