1. Greek Mythology

• In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the heavens (or the sky) as a punishment for siding against the gods in the Titanomachy (the war between the Titans and the Olympian gods).
• Atlas’s burden is often represented as carrying the world on his shoulders, symbolizing both immense strength and endurance under hardship.

2. Cartography and Exploration

• The term "atlas" has become synonymous with collections of maps. This stems from early mapmakers depicting Atlas on the covers of map books, as his image came to represent the vastness and interconnectedness of the world.
• Atlas as a symbol for maps and geography implies exploration, knowledge, and a curiosity for understanding the world.

3. Astronomy

• In the realm of astronomy, Atlas is the name of a moon of Saturn, named after the mythological figure, keeping with the tradition of naming celestial bodies after figures from Greek and Roman mythology.
• There is also the ATLAS experiment at CERN, part of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), named to evoke the comprehensiveness and strength of its scientific exploration.

4. Symbol of Strength and Reliability

• In modern times, Atlas has become a symbol of strength, reliability, and the willingness to bear great responsibility. This is why the name is popular for companies, software, and technology that emphasize support, structure, or endurance.
• Atlas also evokes a sense of global reach and scope, often seen in names of global logistics companies, architecture, and databases.

5. Literature and Philosophy

• Atlas Shrugged, a novel by Ayn Rand, uses the name to symbolize the powerful individuals who bear the burdens of society on their "shoulders," tying into themes of strength, responsibility, and resilience.

Summary of Symbolism

The name Atlas suggests endurance, global reach, and a foundational strength. It's associated with the qualities of holding up something larger than oneself, whether that be in the literal sense of the heavens, the figurative sense of knowledge (maps), or the symbolic sense of support and reliability.