Pallas 1 is a variant of the name Pallas, a feminine given name of Greek origin possibly derived from the Greek word παλλακή (pallake) meaning "maiden, young woman."
The name is strongly associated with the Greek goddess Athena, who was often given the epithet "Pallas Athena." According to some legends, Pallas was originally the name of a childhood friend of Athena. While sparring, Athena accidentally killed her. In grief and honor, Athena took the name Pallas as her own.
Mythological Significance
In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. The epithet Pallas may have been adopted early in her cult. Some etymologists connect the name to the Greek word πάλλω (pallo) meaning "to brandish" or "to shake," referencing the goddess bearing a spear. However, the connection to pallake remains popular given the story of her friend.
Notable Bearers
Though Pallas is uncommon as a given name, it appears in classical literature. Noteworthy examples include Pallas, the daughter of the titan Evander in Roman myth, and the son of Pandion in Greek legend. The name also appears in the context of certain surname usage in Greek and Germanic regions.
Modern Usage
While Pallas 1 itself has no prominent modern bearers, the asteroid 2 Pallas takes its name from the goddess, after which several contemporary missions, such as the Chinese Pallas-1 launch vehicle, were named.
- Meaning: Maiden, young woman.
- Origin: Greek.
- Type: Feminine given name, epithet.
- Region: Greece.