162 Ancient Greek Baby Names With Meanings

Find the Greek values, dignity, honor, and pride in this amazing list.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s Col... more

Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip. Specialty: Relationships, Baby NamesExperience: 3 years

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including aca... more

Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance,... more

• Sep 5, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

When searching for a unique and meaningful name for your little one, Ancient Greek baby names may not be a top category on your list. However, Ancient Greek tradition has several names that may be considered archaic but have deep meanings. The Ancient Greeks followed a polytheistic religion in which they worshiped several gods, including the twelve Olympians. These included Zeus, Athena, and Apollo (1). People often named their children after these gods. Names that worship nature and natural elements were also common. And so were names associated with commendable traits such as courage, beauty, and justice. It has always been asserted that the purpose of naming is giving identity to a person. And for the Ancient Greeks, there were not one or two but three elements in this identification – the personal or given name, the parent's name, usually the father’s name, and a name that indicates origin or membership in a particular kinship. The Ancient Greeks followed the Indo-European norm of giving one personal name. This pattern may be found in Homer’s poems dating back to the eighth century and Mycenaean texts of the 13th century. A patronymic or matronymic (which was rare) surname was required for identifying and legitimizing a baby. Male names often ended with -as, -os, or is, and female names with -a, -i, or -o. Thus, women of Ancient Greece bore standard male names with a feminine ending or suffix. The etiquette of those times required that women be spoken of as the daughter or wife of someone rather than by their names. For instance, the suffixes -aina or -ina may be added to the husband’s name to create the wife’s new given name after marriage. So, if the husband’s name is Paulos, the wife may be called Paulaina (2). The given name and patronymic name were followed by a name that indicated a person’s origin. Of the hundreds of thousands of Ancient Greek baby names, we have selected the best for you in the list below. Take a look!

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Achaikos	Boy	Achaikos is the ancient Greek form of Achaicus. It refers to a region in Greece named Achaia
Aegon	Boy	Edge of a sword; Struggle
Aeropos	Boy	Male form of Aerope
Aeschylus	Boy	Shame
Aftonio	Unisex	One who does not have any jealousy
Agapetos	Boy	Beloved
Agnes	Girl	Chaste; Pure
Aikaterine	Girl	Pure; Ancient Greek form of Katerine
Akakios	Boy	Innocent; Not evil
Alexander	Boy	Defender of mankind

Alkaios	Boy	Strength
Alketas	Boy	Strength; A strong man
Alkibiades	Boy	Strength
Ampelios	Boy	Greek form of the name Ampelio; Vine
Anakletos	Boy	Original Greek form of Anacletus; Invoked
Anaxagoras	Boy	Derived from Greek element anax; Master or lord and agora; Assembly; Marketplace
Androkles	Boy	Greek form of Androcles; Glory of man
Andronikos	Boy	Form of Andronicus; Victory of a man
Aneka	Girl	God is gracious; God has shown favor
Aniketos	Boy	Original form of Anicetus; Unconquerable

Annella	Girl	God is gracious; He has answered the prayers
Annelle	Girl	God has answered the prayers
Anneth	Girl	Variation of Hannah; A beautiful prayer
Antigonus	Boy	Against; Compared to
Aristomache	Girl	She who is best in the battle
Aristotle	Boy	The best purpose
Arlet	Girl	Noble warrior
Arsenie	Girl	A variation of Arsenia; Virile
Artjoms	Boy	Follower or gift of Artemis; A variant of Artemus
Arye	Boy	Lion

Aspasia	Girl	Name of the lover Pericles
Asphodel	Girl	Name of the lily flower; Resembles a flower
Astara	Girl	Old Greek star
Aster	Girl	Starry night; Star maiden
Astraea	Girl	Stars
Atalo	Boy	Traits which resemble that the person is youthful
Athanasia	Girl	Immortal
Athanasios	Boy	The immortal divine soul
Athena	Girl	Greek Goddess of wisdom and war
Athene	Girl	Greek goddess of war and wisdom

Athos	Boy	Other name for Zeus; One who is the ruler of heaven
Atlas	Boy	To endure; Bearer of the heavens
Atom	Boy	The smallest part of something
Basileios	Boy	King
Chares	Boy	Grace; Kindness
Chrysanthe	Girl	A golden coloured flowering plant
Cleisthenes	Boy	Glory and strength
Cleofas	Boy	One who sees fame and glory; Worthy of praise
Cleopatra	Girl	Glory of the father
Corra	Girl	An unmarried virgin woman; a maiden

Damianos	Boy	Master; To tame; Divine power
Dareios	Boy	To possess something good
Democritus	Boy	Judge of the people
Demosthenes	Boy	Vigor of the people
Demostrate	Girl	Army of the people
Diodorus	Boy	Gift of Zeus
Diodotus	Boy	Given by Zeus
Dionysodoros	Boy	Gift of Dionysos
Elenuta	Girl	Elenuta is a variant of Helen; Shining or bright one
Elpis	Girl	Hope

Epaphras	Boy	Foamy
Epaphroditos	Boy	He who is lovely and charming
Epiktetos	Boy	Newly acquired
Epiphanes	Boy	Appearing; Manifesting
Euanthe	Girl	Blooming; Flowery
Eugeneia	Girl	Well born
Eumelia	Girl	Melody
Eunike	Girl	Good victory
Euphranor	Boy	To delight
Eupraxia	Girl	Good conduct

Euripides	Boy	A strait between Euboea and Boeotia
Eusebios	Boy	He who is pious
Eustachys	Boy	Fruitful
Eustathius	Boy	Well-built; Stable
Euthalia	Girl	Flower; Bloom
Euthymia	Girl	Good spirit
Euthymius	Boy	In good spirits
Eutropia	Girl	Versatile
Eutychia	Girl	Fortunate
Filemon	Boy	A friendly and loving person

Filis	Girl	Green verdure; Lush greenery
Fillys	Girl	Green verdure; Leafy branch
Galyna	Girl	A girl who stays calm and quiet in every situation; Calmness
Georgius	Boy	One who works as a farmer or planter
Hagne	Girl	Ancient Greek form of Agnes; Chaste
Hebe	Girl	Young
Hermie	Unisex	Abrupt Or the peak of a mountain
Hermokrates	Boy	Power of Hermes
Hermolaos	Boy	The people of Hermes
Heron	Boy	Long-legged bird

Hesiod	Boy	To throw a song
Irene	Girl	Peace
Irini	Girl	A variant of Irene; Peaceful
Irka	Girl	A peaceful woman
Irusya	Girl	Peaceful
Isidora	Girl	Gift of Isis
Isocrates	Boy	Equal power
Kallias	Boy	Beauty
Kallikrates	Boy	Beautiful power
Kallistrate	Girl	Beautiful army

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The fascinating culture of Ancient Greece has diluted with the years. Christianity and newer trends have made specific alterations to the original names. However, Ancient Greek baby names are finding new favor, with parents looking for unique names that help their children stand out in a crowd. With deep meanings and cultural roots, these names have stood the test of time and proved invincible. Ancient Greek baby names offer powerful choices for your baby, from the names of gods to the natural elements.

Infographic: Vintage Ancient Greek Baby Names For Your Newborn

Ancient Greek culture is fascinating for those who study them. The Ancient Greeks worshiped several Gods and were spellbound by nature around them. These elements reflect in their names too. If you are searching for vivid Ancient Greek baby names for your baby that will complement their personality, take a look at this infographic.

timeless ancient greek baby names with meanings (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most powerful Greek name?

The Greek name Zeus is often regarded as the most powerful in Greek mythology. Zeus was the king of the gods and ruled over Mount Olympus. He was associated with thunder, lightning, and the heavens, embodying great authority and strength.

2. What Greek baby names mean ‘gift from God’?

Theodore comes from the Greek words 'Theos' (God) and 'doron' (gift), embodying the notion of a 'gift of God.' Dorothea also combines the terms 'doron' (gift) and 'theos' (God), which signifies 'god's gift.' Theodora shares roots with Theodore and Dorothea, symbolizing a profound manifestation of a divine gift.

3. What do Ancient Greek baby names mean and how do they relate to Greek mythology?

Ancient Greek names for babies often hold meanings rooted in Greek mythology. Apollo signifies 'destroyer' and is the name of a prominent Greek god associated with various domains such as light, music, prophecy, and healing. On the other hand, Athena is the 'goddess of wisdom,' revered for her intelligence, strength, and strategic prowess. These names represent the significance of mythology in Greek culture and their faith in divine powers.

4. Which Ancient Greek baby names are easy to spell and pronounce?

Alexander (defender), Sophia (wisdom), Theo (god-given), Zoe (life), Apollo (sun god), Chloe (blossoming), Helena (bright), and Iris (rainbow) are some easy to spell and pronounce Greek baby names.

5. What Ancient Greek baby names were used by famous historical figures?

Alexander is a Greek name associated with Alexander the Great, an ambitious military leader who conquered the Persian Empire. Pericles, meaning ' around the glory,' was the name of an Athenian statesman and general in the 5th century BC. Socrates (the philosopher) and Achilles (the hero of the Trojan War) are a few more examples of some Greek names borne by prominent historical figures.

6. What are some Ancient Greek baby names that are gender-neutral?

Alex, Alexios, Abia, Chris, and Dion. These names were used in ancient times and can be suitable for both boys and girls today.

7. What are some Ancient Greek baby names that mean ‘courage’?

Menander is a Latinized form of an Ancient Greek name associated with strength or courage. Menandros, the Greek form of Menander, is another name linked with masculinity and power. Alcibiades, Cleisthenes, and Menelaus are a few more Ancient Greek names related to qualities like courage, power, and strength.

8. What are some Ancient Greek baby names related to the sea or water?

Amphitrite possibly means 'surrounding the sea,' and it is the name of the sea goddess in Greek mythology. Nereus originates from the Greek term neros, meaning 'water.' It was the name of the god of the sea and the father of the Nereids in Greek mythology. Pelagius is the Latinized form of the Greek title Pelagios, which means 'the sea.'

9. Which Ancient Greek baby names have musical connotations?

Herod is an Ancient Greek name meaning the 'song of the hero.' It was the name of two rulers who appeared in the New Testament. Harmony is a popular girl's name of Greek origin associated with music. Melody, a lovely name denoting 'song' for a girl, and Philomena, an enchanting name meaning 'to love,' are some Ancient Greek names with musical connotations.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Ancient Greek Religion.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Religion/
Lica Hariclea Catsakis; (2010); Family History Research in Greece.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/img_auth.php/2/2a/Lica_Catsakis_1a_Introduction.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.