Name profile

BoyPronounced American English /nɑɹ.ˈsɪs.əs/; British English /nɑː.ˈsɪs.əs/English language family

Narcissus

A name of Latinized origin meaning "sleep, numbness".

Quick answer

Narcissus is a boy name with Latinized roots meaning "sleep, numbness".

Pronunciation: American English /nɑɹ.ˈsɪs.əs/; British English /nɑː.ˈsɪs.əs/.

GenderBoy
OriginLatinized
Meaningsleep, numbness
PronunciationAmerican English /nɑɹ.ˈsɪs.əs/; British English /nɑː.ˈsɪs.əs/
Language familyEnglish

Meaning and history

Latinized form of Greek Νάρκισσος (Narkissos), possibly derived from νάρκη (narke) meaning "sleep, numbness". Narkissos was a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who stared at his own reflection for so long that he eventually died and was turned into the narcissus flower. This name appears briefly in the epistles in the New Testament and was also borne by a few early saints, including a 2nd-century patriarch of Jerusalem. It has been used to the present, especially in Catholic regions, usually in honour of the saint as opposed to the mythological character.

Notes and context

Usage: greek mythology, late roman, biblical | Ancient Greek: Νάρκισσος