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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!

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kassandra	Girl	Shinning upon men
Keah	Unisex	Unique; Beautiful
Khrystyna	Girl	Follower of Christ
Kleitos	Boy	Splendid; Famous
Kyros	Boy	He who is far sighted
Larysa	Girl	Seagull
Lenci	Girl	The one whose light shines bright
Liene	Girl	Maiden; Virgin
Linus	Boy	Flax-colored; Flax-haired
Lipa	Girl	A lover of horses; Friend of horses

Lycurgus	Boy	Work; Deed
Lysandra	Girl	She who is a defender of men
Lysistrate	Girl	Releasing or losing the army
Melissa	Girl	Honey
Meliton	Boy	Honey
Myrrine	Girl	Myrrh
Nastka	Girl	Resurrection
Neophytos	Boy	Newly planted
Nikandros	Boy	Victory of a man
Nikephoros	Girl	Carrying victory

Nikias	Boy	Victory
Nymphodora	Girl	Bride; Gift
Oleksandra	Girl	Protector of men
Olympias	Girl	Belonging to the home of Gods
Petrov	Boy	A form of Peter; Rock
Phile	Girl	Feminine form of Philon; Lover or friend
Phoibe	Girl	Ancient Greek form of Phoebe; Bright; Pure
Plato	Boy	Strong; Broad-shouldered
Platon	Boy	A broad-shouldered person
Priam	Boy	A very brave individual, the name of the king of Troy

Priamus	Boy	A very courageous person; Latinized version of the name Priam, the king of Troy
Prokhor	Boy	Chorus leader; One who leads the singers
Ptolemais	Girl	Feminine form of Ptolemaios; Aggressive or warlike
Ptonomy	Boy	Aggressive; War-like
Pylyp	Boy	One who is a horse lover
Rhode	Girl	Rose
Sophia	Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
Sostrate	Girl	Safe army
Taras	Boy	Name of Poseidon's son
Tasenka	Girl	Resurrection

Thales	Boy	To flourish
Themistokles	Boy	Glory of the law
Theodotus	Boy	Given to God
Theodulos	Boy	Manifestation of God
Theodulus	Boy	Slave of god
Theokleia	Girl	Glory of God; Ancient Greek form of Thekla
Theophylaktos	Boy	Watched by god
Thoukydides	Boy	The glory of God
Vonda	Boy	Modern and unique
Xanthippe	Girl	Yellow horse

Xanthippos	Boy	Yellow horse
Xanthos	Boy	Yellow
Xenia	Girl	Hospitable
Xenocrates	Boy	Foreigner; Guest power
Zenais	Girl	Shine; Sky; A variant of Zenaida
Zenobios	Boy	Life of Zeus
Zenon	Boy	Shine; Sky
Zephyros	Boy	West wind; Ancient Greek form of Zephyr
Zinaida	Girl	Daughter of Zeus
Zopyros	Boy	Glowing

Zosime	Girl	Likely to survive; Feminine form of Zosimos
Zosimos	Boy	Viable or likely to survive
Zotikos	Boy	He who is full of life

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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

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