Greek Mythology Baby Names
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Looking for a baby name that carries strength, wisdom, and power? Names rooted in Greek mythology might be the perfect choice.
Discover the meanings and stories behind some legendary gods, goddesses, Titans, and warriors from Greek mythology. This could be your path to finding that ideal name for your little hero or heroine.
Boy Names From Greek Mythology
Damon
Damon means “to tame.” In Greek myth, Damon was a loyal friend who risked his life for Pythias. Their friendship symbolizes trust and loyalty.
Hector
Hector comes from a word meaning “to hold” or “to possess.” He was a prince and a warrior during the Trojan War.
Jason
Jason, known from the tale of Jason and the Argonauts, means “healer” or “he that cures.” He led the Argonauts, a group of Greek warriors.
Zeus
Zeus, the god of thunder and the sky, ruled over humankind. His name roots from a word meaning “shine” or “sky.”
Hermes
Hermes was the Greek god of travel and trade. The name is linked with swiftness and good luck, deriving from a word meaning “boundary-maker.”
Adonis
Adonis means “lord” and was a handsome shepherd in Greek tales. This name might suit a good-looking baby boy.
Atlas
Atlas means “to endure.” He was a Titan punished to hold the heavens on his shoulders.
Paris
Paris, who started the Trojan War by abducting Helen, defeated Achilles. The name’s meaning is unknown.
Apollo
Apollo, the god of music, art, prophecy, and more, might have a name rooted in “strength.”
Ajax
Ajax’s name could mean “mourner” or “earth.” He was a hero in the Trojan War.
Argus
Meaning “shining,” Argus was a creature with a hundred eyes and a man who built the great ship Argo.
Linus
Linus, meaning “flax,” was Apollo’s son and a great musician in Greek stories.
Helios
Helios, meaning “sun,” was the god who rode the sky in a chariot.
Mentor
Mentor means “mind,” “strength,” and “force.” He was left to guard Odysseus’s palace and son.
Midas
King Midas’s name is linked to turning everything he touched into gold.
Nestor
Nestor symbolizes wisdom and longevity and means “homecoming.”
Achilles
Achilles was a brave hero in the Trojan War. His name’s meaning is uncertain.
Adrastos
Adrastos means “not inclined to run away,” fitting for a brave little hero.
Alexander
Alexander, meaning “defender of man,” was another name for the hero Paris in mythology.
Eros
Eros means “love” and was the god who made people fall in love with his arrows.
Pan
Pan, a half-man, half-goat god, is associated with pastures and shepherds. The name might mean “protector.”
Hyperion
Hyperion, a Titan of the sun and light, was the father of Helios, Eos, and Selene.
Leander
Leander means “lion” and “man.” He swam every night to be with his love, Hero.
Theseus
Theseus, possibly meaning “to place” or “to set,” was a king of Athens who fought the Minotaur.
Simon
Simon means “flat-nosed” and was a demigod on the island of Rhodes.
Patroclus
Patroclus, meaning “glory of the father,” was a hero in the Trojan War.
Prometheus
Prometheus means “foresight” or “forethought” and gave fire to humanity.
Neilos
Neilos is the Greek name for the Nile River and was the god of that river.
Lykos
Lykos means “wolf” and appears multiple times in Greek legends.
Myles
Myles probably means “mill” and was the king of Laconia.
Priam
Priam might mean “redeemed” and was the king of Troy during the Trojan War.
Xanthos
Xanthos means “yellow” and was used by several Greek mythological figures.
Zephyr
Zephyr was the god of the west wind, bringing spring and summer breezes.
Diomedes
Diomedes, from words meaning “of Zeus” and “to think,” was a great hero who fought against the Trojans.
Girl Names From Greek Mythology
Athena
Athena was the Greek goddess of warfare and wisdom. She also served as the patron goddess of Athens, the capital city of Greece. This name suits a daughter who is both wise and powerful.
Daphne
Daphne means “laurel” in Greek. In mythology, to escape Apollo, Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree. This name symbolizes beauty and transformation.
Helen
Helen’s name likely means “torch” in Greek. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leda and was considered one of the most beautiful women of her time. Her abduction by Paris led to the Trojan War.
Penelope
Penelope represents loyalty and faithfulness. In Homer’s “Odyssey,” she fended off many suitors while her husband, Odysseus, fought in the war at Troy.
Phoebe
The name Phoebe means “bright” and “pure.” A Titan associated with the moon, Phoebe radiates brightness and purity.
Selene
Selene was the Greek goddess of the moon and often identified with Artemis. She personifies the moon’s luminescence and grace.
Iris
Iris means “rainbow” in Greek. As the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger to the gods, her name symbolizes colorful beauty and divine communication.
Clio
Clio’s name derives from the Greek word kleos, meaning “glory.” She was one of the Nine Muses, inspiring the creation of art, poetry, and music. Clio is believed to have introduced the alphabet to Greece.
Cassandra
A Trojan princess, Cassandra was gifted with prophecy by Apollo. Her name may originate from a Greek term meaning “to excel” or “to shine.”
Melaina
Melaina, a nymph in mythology, has a name derived from a Greek word meaning “black” or “dark.”
Thalia
Thalia, one of the Nine Muses, presided over comedy and pastoral poetry. Her name comes from a Greek word meaning “to blossom.”
Gaia
Gaia means “earth” in Greek and was the mother goddess of the earth. She is associated with the creation of the world, embodying strength and nature.
Anthea
Anthea’s name means “flower” or “blossom.” This name is full of vibrant and floral connotations, perfect for a cheerful spirit.
Larissa
Larissa may mean “citadel” in Greek. The nymph Larisa was connected to Pelasgus, an ancient Greek figure. The name carries historical and mythical weight.
Harmonia
Harmonia, meaning “harmony” or “agreement,” was the daughter of Aphrodite and Ares. This name symbolizes peaceful coexistence and balance.
Aella
Aella means “whirlwind” in Greek. She was a fierce Amazon warrior who fell in battle against Heracles, protecting her queen’s magical waist belt.
Chloe
Chloe means “green shoot” and was used to describe Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. This name symbolizes new growth and life.
Calypso
Calypso’s name likely means “she that conceals.” As a nymph, she fell in love with Odysseus and hid him on her island for years.
Medea
Medea was a sorceress who assisted Jason in capturing the Golden Fleece, a symbol of kingship and power. Her name may mean “to think” or “to plan.” Betrayed by Jason, she exacted a harsh revenge.
Cora
Cora means “maiden” in Greek and is another name for Persephone, the goddess of spring and the underworld.
Electra
Electra, meaning “amber,” aided her brother in avenging their father’s murder. Her name carries a sense of passionate resolution.
Dione
Dione means “goddess” and derives from dios, a Greek word meaning “of Zeus.” She was the mother of Aphrodite in some legends.
Hermione
Hermione was the daughter of Helen and Menelaus. Her name is derived from Hermes, the god of messages. This name blends royal and divine legacies.
Ione
Ione means “violet flower” and was a sea nymph in mythology. The name beautifully connects to nature and the sea.
Melia
Melia means “ash tree” and is derived from “honey.” She was a nymph and daughter of Okeanos, blending earthy and sweet elements.
Circe
Circe’s name might mean “bird.” She was a sorceress who transformed Odysseus’s men into pigs. Odysseus compelled her to reverse the spell.
Metis
Metis was a consort of Zeus. Prophesied to bear children wiser than him, Zeus swallowed her while she was pregnant. Their daughter Athena was later born from his head.
Pallas
Pallas might mean “maiden.” She was accidentally killed by her friend Athena, who took on her name to honor her memory.
Themis
Themis means “divine law” or “law of nature.” A Titan who oversaw custom and natural law, she is often depicted with scales and a blindfold.
Rhea
Rhea was a Titan who mothered the first generation of Greek gods, including Zeus, Poseidon, and Hera. This name suggests a figure of nurturing and foundational importance.