Socrates

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Socrates

Socrates is a Greek boy name, which has 8 letters.

Socrates is a Greek name derived from the word “sophos” which means “wise”. It is often associated with the famous Greek philosopher Socrates, who was known for his wisdom and moral philosophy.

Alternate Meaning Ancient philosopher

Origin or Current Usage Greek

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Socrates

The name Socrates refers to a renowned philosopher in ancient Greece who made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, epistemology, and logic. Born in Athens around 469 BCE, Socrates is best known for his unique teaching method, the Socratic method, which involved engaging in dialogue with students to stimulate critical thinking and encourage the examination of ideas and beliefs. Despite leaving no writings of his own, Socrates' teachings and philosophy were preserved through the works of his famous student Plato and other disciples.

Socrates' philosophy was centered around the pursuit of truth and the importance of self-examination. He believed that the knowledge of one's own ignorance was the starting point for acquiring true wisdom. Socrates often engaged in public debates and discussions with fellow citizens, challenging their beliefs and revealing inconsistencies in their arguments. This often led to his portrayal as a gadfly, irritating and provoking those around him.

Socrates' commitment to questioning traditional values and beliefs ultimately led to his downfall. In 399 BCE, he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth, as his teachings posed a threat to the established social and political order. Despite having the opportunity to escape Athens, he chose to stay and face the consequences, believing that obeying unjust laws would be morally wrong.

Socrates' trial and subsequent death by drinking hemlock had a profound impact on subsequent Western philosophy. His willingness to die for his convictions and his unwavering commitment to reasoning and virtue have made him an enduring symbol of moral integrity and intellectual honesty. Socrates' teachings and methods have inspired countless philosophers, scholars, and educators throughout history, making him one of the most influential figures in the development of Western philosophy.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names