162 Ancient Greek Baby Names With Meanings
Find the Greek values, dignity, honor, and pride in this amazing list.
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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!
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Boy |
Achaikos is the ancient Greek form of Achaicus. It refers to a region in Greece named Achaia | |
|
|
Boy |
Edge of a sword; Struggle | |
|
|
Boy |
Male form of Aerope | |
|
|
Boy |
Shame | |
|
|
Unisex |
One who does not have any jealousy | |
|
|
Boy |
Beloved | |
|
|
Girl |
Chaste; Pure | |
|
|
Girl |
Pure; Ancient Greek form of Katerine | |
|
|
Boy |
Innocent; Not evil | |
|
|
Boy |
Defender of mankind | |
|
|
Boy |
Strength | |
|
|
Boy |
Strength; A strong man | |
|
|
Boy |
Strength | |
|
|
Boy |
Greek form of the name Ampelio; Vine | |
|
|
Boy |
Original Greek form of Anacletus; Invoked | |
|
|
Boy |
Derived from Greek element anax; Master or lord and agora; Assembly; Marketplace | |
|
|
Boy |
Greek form of Androcles; Glory of man | |
|
|
Boy |
Form of Andronicus; Victory of a man | |
|
|
Girl |
God is gracious; God has shown favor | |
|
|
Boy |
Original form of Anicetus; Unconquerable | |
|
|
Girl |
God is gracious; He has answered the prayers | |
|
|
Girl |
God has answered the prayers | |
|
|
Girl |
Variation of Hannah; A beautiful prayer | |
|
|
Boy |
Against; Compared to | |
|
|
Girl |
She who is best in the battle | |
|
|
Boy |
The best purpose | |
|
|
Girl |
Noble warrior | |
|
|
Girl |
A variation of Arsenia; Virile | |
|
|
Boy |
Follower or gift of Artemis; A variant of Artemus | |
|
|
Boy |
Lion | |
|
|
Girl |
Name of the lover Pericles | |
|
|
Girl |
Name of the lily flower; Resembles a flower | |
|
|
Girl |
Old Greek star | |
|
|
Girl |
Starry night; Star maiden | |
|
|
Girl |
Stars | |
|
|
Boy |
Traits which resemble that the person is youthful | |
|
|
Girl |
Immortal | |
|
|
Boy |
The immortal divine soul | |
|
|
Girl |
Greek Goddess of wisdom and war | |
|
|
Girl |
Greek goddess of war and wisdom | |
|
|
Boy |
Other name for Zeus; One who is the ruler of heaven | |
|
|
Boy |
To endure; Bearer of the heavens | |
|
|
Boy |
The smallest part of something | |
|
|
Boy |
King | |
|
|
Boy |
Grace; Kindness | |
|
|
Girl |
A golden coloured flowering plant | |
|
|
Boy |
Glory and strength | |
|
|
Boy |
One who sees fame and glory; Worthy of praise | |
|
|
Girl |
Glory of the father | |
|
|
Girl |
An unmarried virgin woman; a maiden | |
|
|
Boy |
Master; To tame; Divine power | |
|
|
Boy |
To possess something good | |
|
|
Boy |
Judge of the people | |
|
|
Boy |
Vigor of the people | |
|
|
Girl |
Army of the people | |
|
|
Boy |
Gift of Zeus | |
|
|
Boy |
Given by Zeus | |
|
|
Boy |
Gift of Dionysos | |
|
|
Girl |
Elenuta is a variant of Helen; Shining or bright one | |
|
|
Girl |
Hope | |
|
|
Boy |
Foamy | |
|
|
Boy |
He who is lovely and charming | |
|
|
Boy |
Newly acquired | |
|
|
Boy |
Appearing; Manifesting | |
|
|
Girl |
Blooming; Flowery | |
|
|
Girl |
Well born | |
|
|
Girl |
Melody | |
|
|
Girl |
Good victory | |
|
|
Boy |
To delight | |
|
|
Girl |
Good conduct | |
|
|
Boy |
A strait between Euboea and Boeotia | |
|
|
Boy |
He who is pious | |
|
|
Boy |
Fruitful | |
|
|
Boy |
Well-built; Stable | |
|
|
Girl |
Flower; Bloom | |
|
|
Girl |
Good spirit | |
|
|
Boy |
In good spirits | |
|
|
Girl |
Versatile | |
|
|
Girl |
Fortunate | |
|
|
Boy |
A friendly and loving person | |
|
|
Girl |
Green verdure; Lush greenery | |
|
|
Girl |
Green verdure; Leafy branch | |
|
|
Girl |
A girl who stays calm and quiet in every situation; Calmness | |
|
|
Boy |
One who works as a farmer or planter | |
|
|
Girl |
Ancient Greek form of Agnes; Chaste | |
|
|
Girl |
Young | |
|
|
Unisex |
Abrupt Or the peak of a mountain | |
|
|
Boy |
Power of Hermes | |
|
|
Boy |
The people of Hermes | |
|
|
Boy |
Long-legged bird | |
|
|
Boy |
To throw a song | |
|
|
Girl |
Peace | |
|
|
Girl |
A variant of Irene; Peaceful | |
|
|
Girl |
A peaceful woman | |
|
|
Girl |
Peaceful | |
|
|
Girl |
Gift of Isis | |
|
|
Boy |
Equal power | |
|
|
Boy |
Beauty | |
|
|
Boy |
Beautiful power | |
|
|
Girl |
Beautiful army | |
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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
- 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.
