214 Ancient Greek Names From History

Find the Greek values, dignity, honor, and pride in this amazing list.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip. Specialty: Relationships, Baby NamesExperience: 3 years

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman

Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

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
Zeus	Unisex	Sky father
Artemis	Girl	Safe; Butcher; Greek goddess of the wild and chastity
Agatha	Girl	Good
Zaynab	Unisex	A fragrant tree; Beauty; Life of Zeus
Arius	Boy	Warlike; Martial; Devoted to Ares; Of Ares
Daemon	Boy	Loyal; Godlike; Provider; Guardian spirit
Abilene	Girl	Grassy area; Meadow
Alexandros	Boy	Defender of mankind
Berenice	Girl	Bringing victory
Alexios	Boy	Defender; Helper

Cleopatra	Girl	Glory of the father
Zeno	Unisex	Sky god; Sky or shine
Artemio	Boy	Safe; Butcher
Ariston	Boy	The best
Arcadia	Girl	From the region of Arcadia
Aristotle	Boy	The best purpose
Achilleus	Boy	Pain
Kirill	Boy	Lord; Lordly; Lord of the Home
Archimedes	Boy	Master planner; Cunning master
Arcadio	Boy	From the region of Arcadia

Arek	Boy	Of Arcadia; Mountain of strength
Arcadius	Boy	Of Arcadia
Arsene	Boy	Brave; Manly; Virile
Demon	Unisex	The people
Socrates	Boy	Whole power
Zenna	Girl	Woman; Wife; Hospitality; Guest; Foreigner; To wink
Athos	Boy	Holy mountain; Of Athena
Cleophus	Unisex	NA
Zeniya	Unisex	Guest; Foreigner
Artemisia	Girl	Of Artemis

Pantera	Unisex	Panther; All hunted
Geron	Boy	Old man; Elder
Giuliani	Boy	Downy-bearded; Sky father
Demosthenes	Boy	Vigor of the people; Strength
Kaos	Unisex	Vast chasm; Void
Nicasio	Boy	To win; To conquer; Victory
Thadeus	Boy	Heart
Acheron	Boy	A river of sorrow; The stream of woe; Pain
Aegan	Unisex	Waves
Arseniy	Boy	Virile

Althaea	Boy	Healing; Healer
Cosmas	Boy	Order; Decency; Universe
Eutimio	Boy	In good spirits; Good-hearted
Samus	Girl	To supplant; May God protect
Agape	Girl	Love
Agathe	Girl	Good woman
Zanobia	Girl	Life of Zeus
Charmion	Girl	Delight
Gayane	Girl	Earth
Doriane	Girl	Of Doris

Keah	Unisex	Unique; Beautiful
Lenci	Girl	The one whose light shines bright
Khrystyna	Girl	Follower of Christ
Dorianne	Girl	Of Doris
Galaxie	Girl	A system of stars
Irini	Girl	Peace
Gentiana	Girl	To beget; To produce an effect
Artemisa	Girl	Safe; Butcher; Follower of Artemis
Tryphena	Girl	Delicacy; Softness; Daintiness
Zenab	Unisex	Beauty; Life of Zeus

Larysa	Girl	Seagull
Rhode	Girl	Rose
Agathon	Boy	Good
Aftonio	Unisex	One who does not have any jealousy
Apollonia	Unisex	Strength; Father lion; Father light
Archelaus	Boy	Master of the people
Artemas	Girl	Gift of Artemis
Asphodel	Girl	Name of the lily flower; Resembles a flower
Atalo	Boy	Traits which resemble that the person is youthful
Bion	Boy	Life

Filis	Girl	Green verdure; Lush greenery
Fillys	Girl	Green verdure; Leafy branch
Fotis	Boy	Light
Hermie	Unisex	Abrupt Or the peak of a mountain
Hippocrates	Boy	Horse power
Hippolyta	Girl	Releaser of horses
Hyperion	Boy	He who walks high above
Jona	Unisex	Dove; Peace; Sign; Omen
Malva	Girl	Mallow plant; Mallow flower
Megaera	Girl	Jealous; To grudge

Menodora	Girl	Moon's gift
Ode	Girl	Wealth; Fortune; Prosperity; Lyric poem
Olympias	Girl	Belonging to the home of Gods
Orinda	Girl	Gold; Wild fig
Peris	Boy	Surrounding glory; Nearing masculinity
Phila	Girl	To live; Get well; Lover; Friend
Philomena	Boy	To be loved; Friend of strength
Priamus	Boy	A very courageous person; Latinized version of the name Priam, the king of Troy
Psyche	Girl	Soul; Spirit
Pylyp	Boy	One who is a horse lover

Pyrrhus	Boy	Red; Flame-colored; Fire
Rhythm	Unisex	Measured flow; Symmetry; Arrangement
Sophocles	Boy	Glory of skill; Glorious in wisdom
Sosthenes	Boy	Safe in strength
Telemachus	Boy	Fighting from afar
Theodosius	Boy	Giving to God
Theophania	Girl	Epiphany; God's manifestation
Thrace	Boy	Ancient name for the southeastern Balkan region
Galyna	Girl	Calm; Healer
Oleksandra	Girl	Protector of men

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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.

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.

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)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

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.