Apelles is a name of Ancient Greek origin, likely derived from a Doric Greek form of Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, medicine, music, art, and light. The name was borne by Apelles of Kos, a celebrated 4th-century BC Greek painter, and also appears briefly in the New Testament in the writings of the Apostle Paul. Etymology The name Apelles (Ἀπελλῆς) is thought to stem from a Doric Greek variant of Apollo, whose own etymology is uncertain—possibly connected to the Indo-European root *apelo- meaning "strength," or to an Anatolian god Appaliunas meaning "father lion" or "father light." The ancient Greeks linked Apollo's name to the verb ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), "to destroy." The association with Apollo may suggest that Apelles originally functioned as a votive or devotional name within Doric-speaking regions of Greece. Historical Significance: Apelles of Kos The most notable historical figure bearing this name was Apelles of Kos, a highly regarded painter of ancient Greece who flourished in the 4th century BC. Active in the courts of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great, Apelles produced portraits of Alexander, including the iconic depiction of Alexander holding a thunderbolt, which became a celebrated work of art destined for the temple of Artemis at Ephesus. His reputation was so formidable that Pliny the Elder, writing in the 1st century AD, rated him superior to all preceding and subsequent painters, declaring that he contributed more art to painting than all others combined. Apelles is credited with developing the principle of gracefulness and with refining chiaroscuro—or the use of light and shadow. Scholars owe much of their knowledge to Pliny's detailed accounts recorded in his Natural History (Books 35, 36). New Testament Mention Beyond the realm of classical art, the name Apelles appears in the New Testament (Romans 16:10), where Paul Greets an otherwise unknown Christian in Rome named Apelles, commended as “approved in Christ.” Mentioning the name in the context of the early Christian community testifies to its continuing use into the 1st century AD, albeit as a relatively rare personal name. Usage and Distribution Apelles is most used historically among Greek-speaking populations, including both ancient and early Christian contexts. In modern times, the name primarily survives as a gender-specific male name within religious and classical contexts. English translations and reception in the Bible have carried the name into Western tradition. Related Forms The name is directly associated with Apollo as its root. No diminutive forms are widely recorded, but analogies include other Doric-derived names compounded with foundations based on the names of gods or heroes. Meaning: Possibly "strength" (Indo-European) or associated with the Greek verb "to destroy." Link, however, is to the god Apollo. Origin: Ancient Greek (Doric). Type: Male personal name. Usage regions: Greece, Early Christianity.