'Apollo' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀπόλλων' (Apóllōn).

'Apollo' passed into Latin as 'Apollo' and was adopted into English via Medieval and early Modern usage, eventually becoming the modern English name 'Apollo'.

Initially it was primarily the proper name of the deity; over time it retained that primary sense and additionally became used as a personal name and as a name for various cultural and technological entities (for example, the NASA program).