'Astyanax' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀστυάναξ', where 'ἄστυ' meant 'city' and 'ἄναξ' meant 'lord'.

'Astyanax' was adopted into Latin and transmitted through classical literature into English, remaining as the proper name 'Astyanax' in modern usage.

Initially it carried the literal elements 'city' + 'lord' (a title-like compound), but over time it became fixed as the personal name of Hector's son in myth; its use now denotes that character rather than a general title.