Autolycus as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Autolycus

What is the meaning of the name Autolycus ?

The baby name Autolycus is a Male name , 4 syllables long and is pronounced {'english': 'AW-tuh-LIH-kuss (ˌɔːtəˈlɪkəs)', 'classical_greek': 'au-TOL-y-kos (Αὐτόλυκος, autólykos)'}.

Autolycus is Greek in Origin.

Autolycus derives from Ancient Greek Autolykos (Αὐτόλυκος), from autos “self” + lykos “wolf,” yielding senses like “self‑wolf,” “lone wolf,” and, by extension, “cunning” or “independent.” In myth, Autolycus, son of Hermes, was a master thief and shape‑shifter, and grandfather of Odysseus - associations that lend the name a sly, quick‑witted aura.

The name entered Latin as Autolycus and reached English through classical learning; Shakespeare used it for the roguish peddler in The Winter’s Tale. Despite literary visibility, it has seen only sporadic given‑name use, remaining rare and distinctive. Cultural echoes include the Autolycus lunar crater and a swashbuckling character in 1990s television. Variants and forms: Autolykos (scholarly Greek), Autolico (Italian), Autólico (Spanish/Portuguese), Russian Avtolik (Автолик). Feminine analogues are unattested; diminutives are uncommon.

⚙ Autolycus does not appear in any of the birth registries or name datasets we track. This usually means it's either extremely rare, a regional/traditional name not captured by official statistics, or a brand-new coinage. Use it knowing your child will almost certainly be the only one in the room.