When talking about Greek baby names, Apollo, Alexander, Aphrodite, and Trojan are the ones that strike first to the mind. But when you read this list of Greek names with meanings, you'll find a lot more to them. Some of the trendiest girl names that have been at the top for decades have originated in Greece. Not many parents are aware, so our collection will be eye-opening for many. Similarly, many popular boy names around the world that we presume to have Biblical origins also have Greek roots. Without a doubt, this gorgeous coastal country has no shortage of baby name inspiration. In Greece, baby names are not just labels to differentiate one child from another, but are more like traditions passed down to generations. The firstborn baby boy is named after the paternal grandfather, and the firstborn girl is named after her paternal grandmother (1). For example, Nikos Georgiou KYPIANOS. The patronymic name of the baby comes from their father’s name. It typically has the suffix ‘-ou,' which means 'of.' Furthermore, some children can have a second personal name and a patronymic name, which functions as their middle name. In this country, people also commonly use names that correspond to saints. So, 'name day' is celebrated as their birthday. It is usually the feast day of the particular saint they were named after. You will also find a treasure trove of religious names in Greek culture. Choosing them is a great way to connect with your heritage and honor it. If you are not Greek, the names will come across as a fresh breath of air from the usual English words. From mythological names to modern ones, we have curated the finest list for you.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Damaris | Boy | Calf; Girl; Gentle | |
Damia | Boy | One who subdues | |
Damiana | Boy | The one who tames | |
Dandelion | Unisex | A yellow-flowered, common weed, often used in herbal medicine and cooking | |
Daphine | Girl | Laurel tree; Bay tree | |
Daphne | Girl | Laurel; Victory; Achievement | |
Daria | Girl | To possess | |
Darian | Boy | Possessing goodness | |
Darijo | Boy | To possess | |
Darius | Boy | Possessing goodness | |
Deimos | Boy | Terror or dread | |
Deinokratis | Boy | A terrible ruler | |
Delia | Girl | Jewel of the sea | |
Delian | Unisex | From Delos | |
Delphie | Unisex | Dolphin; Oracle of Delphi | |
Delsin | Boy | He is so | |
Delta | Girl | One who is born fourth | |
Demeter | Girl | Mother earth; Goddess of agriculture | |
Demetria | Girl | One who follows Demeter; A Goddess | |
Demetrios | Boy | A devoted individual; a friend | |
Demi | Girl | Earth mother | |
Demri | Unisex | Dark beauty; Of the earth | |
Demus | Unisex | The people | |
Denis | Boy | Follower of Dionysius | |
Dennis | Boy | Devotee of Dionysius; Danish; The Dane | |
Derrien | Boy | Wealthy | |
Desdemona | Girl | Misery; Unlucky | |
Despina | Unisex | Goddess of dolphins | |
Despoina | Girl | Mistress; Lady | |
Deucalion | Boy | Son of Prometheus | |
Diamanta | Girl | One who shines and is strong as a diamond | |
Dianah | Girl | Divine; Heavenly; Illumination | |
Diandra | Girl | Goddess of hunting and childbirth | |
Diantha | Girl | A beautiful flower of the skies; Divine huntress | |
Dido | Girl | Virgin queen of a land | |
Diha | Unisex | Hermit; Ascetic | |
Dimitra | Girl | Nurturing one; one who loves travel and adventure | |
Dimitris | Girl | The Goddess of harvest and fertility | |
Dimnos | Boy | I have fear | |
Dimos | Girl | A special type of cotton cloth | |
Dina | Girl | Judged | |
Dingo | Unisex | Resembling the wild dog | |
Dinu | Boy | A variant of Dionisie; The Greek god of wine | |
Dion | Boy | One who came from Zeus | |
Dione | Boy | One who came from the sacred spring | |
Dionisie | Boy | Romanian form of Dionysus; The Greek God of wine | |
Dionne | Girl | Sacred wife of Zeus; Divine | |
Dolphin | Unisex | A type of marine mammal | |
Dora | Girl | God's gift | |
Dorcas | Girl | Gazelle | |
Dorel | Girl | Estonian form of Dorothy; Gift of God | |
Dorian | Boy | Gift; An exile; Wanderer | |
Dorinda | Girl | A creative individual with a gift of God | |
Doris | Girl | Gift of the sea, Dorian woman | |
Dorothea | Girl | Gift of God | |
Dorothy | Girl | Gift of God | |
Doryty | Girl | Cornish form of Dorothy; Gift of God | |
Draco | Boy | Dragon; Serpent | |
Dree | Girl | A strong and manly person | |
Dru | Boy | Warrior; Wise; A person who is loved by all. | |
Dunamis | Unisex | Inherent power; Potential; Ability | |
Dundee | Unisex | Fort of Fire | |
Dusk | Unisex | The time of day immediately following sunset | |
Dymek | Boy | Lover of earth | |
Echo | Girl | Reflected sound | |
Edelweiss | Unisex | Noble white | |
Edyn | Unisex | Place of pleasure; Delight | |
Effie | Girl | Well-spoken | |
Effy | Girl | One who has beautiful words | |
Egan | Girl | Fire | |
Egla | Unisex | Heifer; Calf | |
Eileithyia | Girl | Goddess of childbirth and labor | |
Eimi | Unisex | I exist; I am | |
Eirene | Girl | A peace-loving person; Daughter of Posseidan | |
Eirini | Girl | Peaceful and humble natured person | |
Eivan | Unisex | Righteous; Fair | |
Elaia | Unisex | Olive tree or olive branch | |
Elara | Girl | Spear-shaft; Hazelnut | |
Electa | Girl | A selected and unique person | |
Electra | Girl | Mythological daughter; Has power of Sun | |
Eleftherios | Boy | Free or liberator | |
Eleia | Girl | God is my salvation; The ancient city of Elis | |
Elektra | Girl | A shining and bright individual | |
Elena | Girl | Bright one | |
Eleni | Girl | Torch; Shining light | |
Eleven | Unisex | Unique, mysterious, powerful | |
Elf | Unisex | A small human being-like mythical creature from folklore | |
Eliana | Girl | God has given the answer | |
Eliane | Girl | Jehovah is the ultimate God | |
Elidi | Unisex | Noble or noble guardian | |
Elion | Unisex | God is my light; God is the highest | |
Elios | Unisex | The Sun | |
Elisandra | Girl | Noble; Protector | |
Elissar | Unisex | Delicate, beautiful, prosperous | |
Elius | Unisex | The Lord is my God | |
Ellanora | Girl | Light; Bright one | |
Elleni | Girl | Light or bright | |
Ellyana | Girl | My God has answered | |
Eloria | Unisex | Radiant; Shining light | |
Elysium | Boy | The place where heroes in Greek mythology go when they die | |
If you want a slice of the vibrant Greek tradition, exploring names is a great idea. These Greek baby names with meanings will suit the taste of every parent. When choosing one, consider its meaning and sound. You may shortlist those that reflect your family values, virtues, and beliefs. The list of these beautiful and insightful names for both genders will certainly help you push past the plateau in your name search. We are hopeful that you will find a great option.
Infographic: Legendary Greek Names For Your Adorable Baby
The origins of the Greek alphabet can be traced back thousands of years. Some of the best Greek literature was produced in antiquity, and most names originate from it. So if you are exploring the language for baby names, expect to find those representing a rich history and mythology. In this infographic, we have listed the best ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Greek name for sky?
Numerous Greek baby names embody the celestial realm or hold sky-related connotations. Ouranos, derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning sky, is the personification of the sky and is a significant figure among the Greek primordial gods. Similarly, in Greek mythology, Zeus, denoting sky or radiance, holds dominion over the heavens and commands the power of thunder as the chief deity on Mount Olympus.
2. What do Greek baby names mean and how do they relate to Greek culture and mythology?
Greek baby names are imbued with profound significance derived from Greek culture and mythology. 'Sophia,' for instance, symbolizes wisdom, highlighting the paramount importance of knowledge in Greek society. Names such as 'Apollo' and 'Athena' draw inspiration from Greek deities, fostering a deep connection with the vast mythological legacy. Greek names provide a means to pay homage to ancient traditions while instilling a profound pride in Greek heritage and history.
3. What Greek baby names are easy to pronounce for non-Greek speakers?
Sophia, Alexander, Nicholas, Zoe, Elias, Ariana, Theo, Chloe, Alexis, and Lucas are some Greek baby names that non-Greek speakers may find easier to pronounce. These names enjoy global recognition and are frequently used, making them familiar and accessible to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. What Greek baby names are related to the sun or light?
Helios is a Greek name that means 'sun.' In ancient Greek mythology, it is the name of a prominent god associated with the sun. On the other hand, Zeus means 'sky' or 'shine.' It is the name of the most powerful Greek gods, known as the king of the gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus.
5. What Greek baby names have meanings related to love or passion?
Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, and Eros, the Greek god of love and desire (known as Cupid in Roman mythology), are two Greek names that embody romantic and passionate qualities drawn from Greek mythology and history.
6. What Greek baby names have meanings related to peace or harmony?
Irenaeus, derived from Eirenaios, means 'peaceful.' Arcadia signifies a 'region of tranquility and satisfaction,' while Eirene, a contemporary form of Irene, represents 'serenity' or 'peace.' Inspired by Greek mythology, Galina signifies a 'serene galaxy,' and Irene, the beloved Greek goddess of peace, has a rich historical legacy.
7. What Greek baby names have meanings related to victory or triumph?
Berenice is a Latinized form of the Greek name Pherenike which means 'bringer of victory.' Nicholas, derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, translates to 'adaptability' and 'triumph.' Nike, meaning 'victory'; Stephan, symbolizing 'crowned with laurels'; and Tienette, denoting 'crowned in victory,' are some Greek names that carry a sense of victory and triumph.
8. What Greek baby names have meanings related to courage or bravery?
Cyrene is a feminine name derived from the Greek term kuros, which means 'supreme power.' Callan, derived from the given name Cathalán, and Zale, originating from the Greek word Zale meaning 'sea-strength,' are some baby names that evoke a sense of valor and fearlessness.
9. What Greek baby names have meanings related to honor or respect?
Aenea, from the series 'Rise of Endymion,' signifies a 'praised one.' Tima, a diminutive of Timoteja, and Timo, a short form of Timotheus, refer to 'honoring God.' Aeneas, derived from the Greek term aine, and Timoleon, originating from the Greek elements timao and leon, are some Greek names associated with a sense of admiration and respect.
10. What Greek baby names have meanings related to purity or innocence?
Catherine, derived from the Greek word 'katharos,' means 'pure.' Ekaterina, a Russian name originating from the same Greek root, and Agnes, originating from the ancient Greek word hagnos, represent innocence and purity.