91 Ancient Greek Baby Boy Names With Meanings

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
Alexander		Boy	Defender of mankind
Aristotle		Boy	The best purpose
Georgius		Boy	One who works as a farmer or planter
Heron		Boy	Long-legged bird
Kyros		Boy	He who is far sighted
Linus		Boy	Flax-colored; Flax-haired
Nikias		Boy	Victory
Plato		Boy	Strong; Broad-shouldered
Thales		Boy	To flourish
Xanthos		Boy	Yellow
Achaikos		Boy	Achaikos is the ancient Greek form of Achaicus. It refers to a region in Greece named Achaia
Aegon		Boy	Edge of a sword; Struggle
Aeropos		Boy	Male form of Aerope
Aeschylus		Boy	Shame
Aftonio		Unisex	One who does not have any jealousy
Agapetos		Boy	Beloved
Akakios		Boy	Innocent; Not evil
Alkaios		Boy	Strength
Alketas		Boy	Strength; A strong man
Alkibiades		Boy	Strength
Ampelios		Boy	Greek form of the name Ampelio; Vine
Anakletos		Boy	Original Greek form of Anacletus; Invoked
Anaxagoras		Boy	Derived from Greek element anax; Master or lord and agora; Assembly; Marketplace
Androkles		Boy	Greek form of Androcles; Glory of man
Andronikos		Boy	Form of Andronicus; Victory of a man
Aniketos		Boy	Original form of Anicetus; Unconquerable
Antigonus		Boy	Against; Compared to
Artjoms		Boy	Follower or gift of Artemis; A variant of Artemus
Arye		Boy	Lion
Atalo		Boy	Traits which resemble that the person is youthful
Athanasios		Boy	The immortal divine soul
Athos		Boy	Other name for Zeus; One who is the ruler of heaven
Atlas		Boy	To endure; Bearer of the heavens
Atom		Boy	The smallest part of something
Basileios		Boy	King
Chares		Boy	Grace; Kindness
Cleisthenes		Boy	Glory and strength
Cleofas		Boy	One who sees fame and glory; Worthy of praise
Damianos		Boy	Master; To tame; Divine power
Dareios		Boy	To possess something good
Democritus		Boy	Judge of the people
Demosthenes		Boy	Vigor of the people
Diodorus		Boy	Gift of Zeus
Diodotus		Boy	Given by Zeus
Dionysodoros		Boy	Gift of Dionysos
Epaphras		Boy	Foamy
Epaphroditos		Boy	He who is lovely and charming
Epiktetos		Boy	Newly acquired
Epiphanes		Boy	Appearing; Manifesting
Euphranor		Boy	To delight
Euripides		Boy	A strait between Euboea and Boeotia
Eusebios		Boy	He who is pious
Eustachys		Boy	Fruitful
Eustathius		Boy	Well-built; Stable
Euthymius		Boy	In good spirits
Filemon		Boy	A friendly and loving person
Hermie		Unisex	Abrupt Or the peak of a mountain
Hermokrates		Boy	Power of Hermes
Hermolaos		Boy	The people of Hermes
Hesiod		Boy	To throw a song
Isocrates		Boy	Equal power
Kallias		Boy	Beauty
Kallikrates		Boy	Beautiful power
Keah		Unisex	Unique; Beautiful
Kleitos		Boy	Splendid; Famous
Lycurgus		Boy	Work; Deed
Meliton		Boy	Honey
Neophytos		Boy	Newly planted
Nikandros		Boy	Victory of a man
Petrov		Boy	A form of Peter; Rock
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
Ptonomy		Boy	Aggressive; War-like
Taras		Boy	Name of Poseidon's son
Themistokles		Boy	Glory of the law
Theodotus		Boy	Given to God
Theodulos		Boy	Manifestation of God
Theodulus		Boy	Slave of god
Theophylaktos		Boy	Watched by god
Thoukydides		Boy	The glory of God
Vonda		Boy	Modern and unique
Xanthippos		Boy	Yellow horse
Xenocrates		Boy	Foreigner; Guest power
Zenobios		Boy	Life of Zeus
Zenon		Boy	Shine; Sky
Zephyros		Boy	West wind; Ancient Greek form of Zephyr
Zopyros		Boy	Glowing
Zosimos		Boy	Viable or likely to survive
Zotikos		Boy	He who is full of life

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