100 baby names from Greek mythology
Greek mythology is an absolute treasure trove when it comes to powerful, unique and symbolic baby names. With myths and legends about gods and goddesses as well as heroes and strong women to draw inspiration from, we've compiled a list of 100 baby names from Greek mythology that you'll love along with their meaning and links to Ancient Greece
Greek mythology has shaped and influenced everything in the modern world from arts and culture and our understanding of science to our political systems, so it's no surprise that it has also played a huge part in the names we choose for our children. You might not think you don't know many names from Greek mythology, but you'll be surprised to learn that some names that have always been popular in the UK such as Chloe, Helen, Jason and Simon all have origins in Ancient Greece and the myths that the Greeks shared with each other. You'll also be very au fait with every day brand names derived from Greek myths such as Nike, Amazon, Hermes, Argos and Pandora.
If you love the idea of a name that is firmly rooted in one of the world's most ancient histories, has a sense of power and strength to it and comes with its very own special story that your child can learn as they grow, then a Greek mythology baby name could be the perfect choice. Many of the names in this list have a magical and ethereal quality too, with links to the constellations and Greek gods or goddesses, making them perfect for the most important new arrival in your life.
We know that choosing a name for your new baby can be a herculean effort, after all it's the name they will have for the rest of their lives and you want to get it just right. So to help make it much easier and to narrow down your shortlist, we've divided these 100 Greek mythology baby names into easy-to-navigate categories – including Greek mythology girl names, boy names inspired by Greek mythology, popular names from Greek mythology as well as uncommon and unusual names from Greek mythology. We've also included each name's meaning as well as its link or use in Greek mythology to help you decide. For more baby name inspiration, take a look at Top 100 Latin baby names that evoke thoughts of ancient Rome and Roman Emperors and 100 fantasy baby names for girls and boys that include popular names from imaginary lands, works of fiction and myths. Are you expecting a baby boy and considering a Greek name for your son? Have a look at our brilliant list of 200 top Greek baby boy names for you to choose from.
Also, discover our list of cultural heritage baby girl names which offer rich inspiration. Our Korean girl names list contains a mix of two-syllable style names, Italian girls names evoke charm and romance, discover Japanese girl names which incorporate culture and history.
Here's our list of the best Greek mythology names to inspire you...
Greek mythology girl names | Greek mythology boy names | Uncommon Greek mythology names for girls | Uncommon Greek mythology names for boys | Female goddess names from Greek mythology | Male gods' names from Greek mythology | Cool girl names from Greek mythology | Cool boy names from Greek mythology
Greek mythology girl names
Some of the names in this list, like Helen and Alexandra will be very familiar and have been popular names in the UK for generations, while others like Cressida, Hermione and Maia are more unusual but are steadily gaining popularity amongst British parents. One thing these Greek girls' names have in common though are that they all sound beautiful and have a fabulous Greek mythological story attached to them as well as a shorter meaning such as golden and blooming.
1. Acantha
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: thorn, prickle; the nymph loved by Apollo
2. Alexandra
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: defender of mankind; an epithet of the goddess Hera
- Also: Aleksandra
3. Andromeda
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: ruler of men, from mythology
4. Antigone
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: worthy of one's parents; noble and courageous daughter of Oedipus
5. Calista
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: most beautiful
6. Cassandra
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: shining upon man; Trojan princess who was given the gift of prophecies by Apollo
- Also: Kassandra
7. Chloé
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: fertility, green shoot, blooming
8. Clio
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: glory; one of the nine muses
9. Cora
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: core, heart, maiden
- Also: Kora
10. Cressida
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: golden
11. Daphne
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: laurel tree
12. Delia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: from the Greek Island Delos; an epithet of the goddess of the moon, Artemis
13. Eleni
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: light, ray of sun
14. Elina
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: light, ray of sun; name associated with Helen of Troy, the daughter of Zeus.
15. Ellie
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: light; the daughter of Athamas and Nephele
16. Helen
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: torch, light; a solar deity; Helen of Troy, in Greek myth was the most beautiful woman in Greece
17. Hermione
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: well born, stone; the daughter of King Menelaus of Sparta and Helen of Troy
18. Ida
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: wooded mountain; one of the nurses of Zeus
19. Ismene
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: knowledgeable; one of the daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta
20. Jocasta
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: the radiant moon; the mother and wife of Oedipus
21. Larissa
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: citadel; a nymph in Greek mythology
22. Maia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: great mother, nurse; mother of Hermes
23. Melia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: ash tree, honey; daughter of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys
24. Melissa
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: honeybee; name of a princess who turned into a bee in mythology
25. Pandora
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: all gifts; first mortal woman in Greek mythology
26. Penelope
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: weaver; the wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey
27. Phoebe
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: bright, radiant
28. Sophie
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: wisdom
- Also: Sophia
Greek mythology boy names
Greek myths were full of heroes and strong warriors who overcame huge challenges and did amazing feats. Therefore you'll find that Greek mythological boy names are strong and powerful and are derived from fantastical stories that your little one will love to hear as they grow up.
29. Alexander
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: defender of the people; another name for the hero Paris
30. Argus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: shining; a many-eyed giant in Greek mythology
- Also: Argos
31. Damon
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: one who tames; from the legend of Damon and Pythias, who surprised Dionysus with their loyalty
32. Dennis
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: follower of Dionysus; diminutive version of Dionysus, god of wine
33. Evander
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: good man; Trojan war hero
34. Hector
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: steadfast; Trojan champion killed by Achilles
35. Hermes
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: messenger; son of Zeus
36. Jason
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: healer; leader of the Argonauts
37. Leander
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: lion man; from the myth Hero and Leander, where he swims across the sea every night to his love
- Also: Leandro
38. Myles
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: mill; the King of Laconia
39. Paris
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: a tribe of Gaul; prince of Troy whose affair with Helen caused the Trojan war
40. Troy
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: descendant of a foot soldier; legendary Greek city
Uncommon Greek mythology names for girls
Greek myths contain a mind-boggling number of characters with many gods having multiple children with various different wives and goddesses. While it might be confusing to keep track of the mythological family tree, it does mean that there's a wealth of unusual and unique names to choose from for your baby girl. Many of these names sound exotic and magical being inspired by sea nymphs and constellations.
41. Alcyone
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: kingfisher; the brightest star of the Pleiades in the constellation Taurus
42. Asterope
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: lightning; one of the seven nymph-daughters of Atlas known as the Pleiades
43. Celaeno
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: black; one of the seven nymph-daughters of Atlas known as the Pleiades
44. Echo
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: echo, sound; a nymph who loved Narcissus
45. Erato
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: lovely, beloved; one of the nine Muses, the goddesses of inspiration and creativity
46. Europa
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: wide face; queen of Crete and lover of Zeus; sixth moon of Jupiter
47. Gaia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: the earth; Mother Earth
49. Harmonia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: harmony, agreement; daughter of Aphrodite and Ares
49. Ianthe
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: violet flower; a sea nymph daughter of Oceanus and Tethys
50. Idalia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: behold the sun; an epithet of the goddess Aphrodite
51. Iliana
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: bright; associated with the goddess of the moon
52. Leda
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: woman, happy; beautiful woman who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan
53. Merope
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: sparkling face; one of the 7 sisters of the Pleiades and the only one to marry a mortal
54. Nefeli or Nephele
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: cloud; a cloud nymph created by the god Zeus
55. Taygete
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: long-necked; a nymph who resided alone in the mountains and one of the 7 sisters of the Pleiades
Uncommon Greek mythology names for boys
If you're looking for something a little different that will help your son be seen as unique and original throughout his life then this next list of Greek mythology baby names is for you. We've rounded up some of the rarest and unknown names from Greek myths along with their meanings and stories to help you choose a name that is unusual and interesting for your baby boy.
56. Alcides
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: strength; an epithet associated with Hercules
57. Hyperion
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: he who goes before the sun; son of Uranus and Gaia - one of the 12 Titans
58. Lykos
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: wolf; ruler of the city of Ancient Thebes
59. Nestor
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: traveller; the name of the mythological king of Pylos in Homer's Odyssey
60. Orion
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: water bringer; the hunter son of Poseidon
61. Theseus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: to place; Greek hero famous for slaying the Minotaur
62. Xanthos
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: golden, fair-haired; the god's name for the great river of Troy; one of the immortal horses of Achilles
Female goddess names from Greek mythology
Having a baby is a true miracle of nature and when you look at your baby girl you'll instantly think she's an absolute goddess. So this list of names derived from Greek mythological goddesses could be the perfect place to search for a name that's as magical as the little piece of heaven in your arms.
63. Acheloios
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: she who washes away pain; Greek goddess of eternal night/ moon
64. Anthea
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: flowery; one of the Graces, the daughter of Zeus and the goddess of swamps and flowery wreaths
65. Aphrodite
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Greek goddess of love; risen from the sea
66. Ariadne
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: most holy; the name of the goddess of fertility in mythology
67. Artemis
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: goddess of the hunt and the moon
68. Athena
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: from Athens; goddess of wisdom and war
69. Aura
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: soft breeze; goddess of the breeze
70. Circe
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: bird; goddess of sorcery in mythology
71. Hera
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: protectress; goddess of marriage
72. Hestia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: hearth; goddess of hearth, home and chastity
73. Irene
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: peace; Greek goddess of peace
74. Iris
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: rainbow; goddess of the rainbow who delivers messages to the gods
75. Melania
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: black; goddess of ghosts and spirits in mythology
76. Persephone
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: to destroy; the goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld in mythology
77. Selena
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: the moon; Greek goddess of the moon
- Also: Selene
78. Thea
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: goddess; Greek goddess of light
Male gods' names from Greek mythology
Your new son will be the light of your life and like a little god to you, so give him a name that fits his exalted status in your eyes by choosing from this list of Greek gods. From well-known names like Eros and Simon to the ultimate god Zeus, these names will inspire your boy to aim high.
79. Achelous
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Greek god of rivers
80. Ares
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Greek god of war and battles
81. Eros
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Greek god of love and desire
82. Helios
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: the sun; god of the sun
83. Pluto
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: wealth; ruler/ god of the underworld
84. Simon
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: flat-nosed, to hear; demi-god; sometimes worshipped as the incarnation of Zeus
85. Zeus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: god of the sky and thunder
Cool girl names from Greek mythology
Greek mythological names are naturally ancient and steeped in history but that doesn't mean they. all sound traditional and old-fashioned. The names on this list are really cool and modern are a brilliant choice if you're after something original and different for your daughter.
86. Calliope
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: beautiful voice; name of one of the muses in mythology
87. Calypso
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: to hide; name of a nymph in Greek mythology
88. Electra
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: shining, bright
89. Olympia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: from Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek Gods
90. Phaedra
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: bright; the daughter of King Minos
91. Rhea
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: mother goddess, goddess of fertility
92. Thalia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: to flourish; one of the Three Graces and the muse of comedy in mythology
93. Xanthe
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: golden, yellow
Cool boy names from Greek mythology
These boys' names from Greek myths are excellent choices if you want something cool and stylish for the little dude in your life. Some of the stories that go with the names are really cool too and you might want some to come true - a baby that turns anything he touches into gold would be rather useful!
94. Ajax
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: a hero from the Trojan war
95. Apollo
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: destroyer; god of the sun, poetry, healing, music and more
96. Atlas
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: bearer of the heavens; mythical Titan who bore the weight of the world on his shoulders
97. Achilles
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: pain, grief; brave hero in Trojan war, famous for term Achilles' heel
98. Griffin
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: lord, prince; a mythical creature with the head of an eagle and body of a lion
99. Midas
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: touch of gold; in Greek mythology King Midas could turn everything to gold
100. Zephyr
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: west wind; seasonal breeze controlled by Greek god Zephyrus
Pics: Getty
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