79 Ancient Greek Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Channel the strength of Alketas and the power of Kallikrates through these timeless names.
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Greece is known for its scenic beauty and its rich mythology. Ancient Greek boy names are influenced by these two factors associated with the country. Most parents in Greece do not choose a name just because they like it. They follow a traditional method for selecting baby names. As per their tradition, the first-born or eldest son in a family is given the name of his paternal grandfather. The later-born sons can be given names of other male relatives. The Greek Orthodox Church also plays a significant role in assigning names to babies. Most Greek babies are named after saints. Every island or part of Greece has its own patron saint. A child is often given the name of the local saint (1). Every Greek child’s first name is followed by a patronymic name, that is, their father’s first name with the suffix -ou, meaning ‘of.’ The family name or surname comes last. People may even have a middle name in addition to patronymic names. The Greeks' practice of naming children after their grandparents has ensured that traditional names are relevant in modern times. These names link the bearer to ancient Greece's cultural and philosophical legacy. They are backed by heroic tales of gods, warriors, and scholars. Famous names like Priam and Aristotle connect the name bearer to a long legacy of wisdom and glory. A unique quality of these names is their universal nature. Greek names have survived the test of time and have transcended borders. These culturally rich names are popular even with non-Greek people. In fact, Alexander and Elias, names with Greek roots, are featured within the top 50 baby names in the US (2). This indicates the global appeal that Greek boy names possess. Noting the popularity of ancient Greek boy names, we have compiled a list of names you may want to consider for your son.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Strong-willed warrior | |
| | Boy | Olive tree planter | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is my God | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Boy | Will; Protector | |
| | Boy | Son of the right hand; Son of the south | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| | Boy | Home ruler | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Joined; Attached; United | |
| | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack; God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Gift of God | |
| | Boy | God is my judge | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Boy | Stone worker | |
| | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable | |
| | Boy | Strong | |
| | Boy | Little hollow | |
| | Boy | Name of God | |
| | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
| | Boy | Happy; Blessing | |
| | Boy | God is merciful and gracious | |
| | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
| | Boy | Brave at war | |
| | Boy | Beloved | |
| | Boy | Lion | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| | Boy | Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded | |
| | Boy | Son of a gray-haired person | |
| | Boy | Gift of God | |
| | Boy | Helper | |
| | Boy | He will laugh | |
| | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| | Boy | Priceless one; Invaluable | |
| | Boy | One born near the sea; Son of the sea | |
| | Boy | Lake; Pool | |
| | Boy | Twin | |
| | Boy | Independent person who avoids conformity | |
| | Boy | Jehovah supports | |
| | Boy | Free man | |
| | Boy | Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted | |
| | Boy | Bearer of Jesus Christ | |
| | Boy | Strength of God | |
| | Boy | Gracious; Merciful | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is salvation | |
| | Boy | Man; Manly; Brave; Strength; Warrior | |
| | Boy | God is salvation | |
| | Boy | Gift of God; God has given | |
| | Boy | One who shouts or howls | |
| | Boy | Water; Sea | |
| | Boy | One with the crooked nose | |
| | Boy | High; Elevate; Ascend | |
| | Boy | Enlightened; High mountain | |
| | Boy | A messenger | |
| | Boy | Land beside the road | |
| | Boy | From the east town | |
| | Boy | Sea; Keeper of the keys; Shell; Pier | |
| | Boy | Follower of Jesus Christ | |
| | Boy | Long hill | |
| | Boy | From a coal town | |
| | Boy | Father of peace | |
| | Boy | Stream; Brook; Marsh | |
| | Boy | Gift of God | |
| | Boy | Bright famous one; Bright fame | |
| | Boy | Son of James | |
| | Boy | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | Strong like a wild boar | |
| | Boy | Son of the gray-haired man | |
| | Boy | Pasture; Field | |
| | Boy | God will raise up | |
| | Boy | Pursuer; Hunter | |
| | Boy | Brave lion | |
| | Boy | To descend; To flow down | |
| | Boy | God will give | |
| | Boy | Of the forest | |
| | Boy | People's victory | |
| | Boy | Keeper of the park; Cultivated land | |
| | Boy | Beautiful; Handsome | |
| | Boy | From the western town | |
| | Boy | Grand; Majestic | |
| | Boy | Lover of wolves; Hunter | |
| | Boy | Son of marsh dwellers | |
| | Boy | Belonging to the Almighty | |
| | Boy | New house; Bright | |
| | Boy | Healer; To heal | |
| | Boy | Son of the Earth | |
| | Boy | Full of goodness | |
| | Boy | Red-haired; Little redhead; River in Paradise | |
| | Boy | Who is like God | |
| | Boy | Round; Gentle; Fighter; Companion | |
| | Boy | Mounted warrior; Knight | |
| | Boy | King's town | |
| | Boy | From Lucania; Light | |
| | Boy | God is gracious; Youth | |
| | Boy | Conquering | |
| | Boy | Peaceful; Gracious; Soldier | |
| | Boy | House ruler; Son of Harry | |
| | Boy | Respected; Venerable | |
By choosing an Ancient Greek boy name, parents keep their culture alive and their children connected to their roots. These names have deep meanings that reflect virtues and qualities admired by the Greek community. Many Greek names commonly reflect traits such as strength, wisdom, or creativity. They also honor Greek gods, saints, legends, and heroes. Their mythological and historical associations make them more authentic. Thus, if you wish to carry your legacy forward or give your son a culturally-rich name, Ancient Greek boy names are the way to go.
Infographic: Traditional Greek Names For The Modern Baby Boy
Ancient Greek boy names are symbols of the country’s history and mythology. These names also stand for human virtues upheld by the Greek community. Most of these names have a story behind them that makes them more significant and meaningful. The infographic below will help you pick some Greek boy names that are traditional and meaningful.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the importance of names in ancient Greece?
In ancient Greece, the naming system was unique and was used for much more than just identification. Even though an individual was only assigned a single name officially, they sometimes had one or two added-on names. These names were usually associated with their family and the region from which they hailed. Therefore, a name was also utilized to symbolize the individual's status. These names also had links to religious rituals and prophecies, as the ancient Greeks considered names a means of establishing a connection between mortals and the gods (3).
2. How do ancient Greek names add a sense of tradition and legacy to a family's history?
In Ancient Greek, the naming practices were based on a strong foundation of legacy and traditions. The naming process usually involves selecting a name from within the family. The first-born son was named after his paternal grandfather, and the first-born daughter after the paternal grandmother. This naming tradition added value to the legacy of a family's history and ensured that it was carried forward to future generations (3).
3. Why did ancient Greeks only have one name?
According to the traditions of earlier times, Greeks were assigned one name because this was the Indo-European naming tradition followed throughout the continent then. Though the Greeks were officially only given a single name, they were sometimes given semi-formal names that assisted with identification, such as their father’s name or place of origin (3).
References
- Guides to International Names.
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/dean-of-students-office/community-values-education/saymyname/library/tools/chinesenames/ - Top 50 Names in 2022.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Naming Practices.
https://www.lgpn.ox.ac.uk/naming-practices
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.
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