Greek names hold a special place in the world of baby names due to their deep cultural, mythological, and historical roots. These names are known not only for their beauty and elegance but also for the powerful stories and meanings they carry. Whether derived from ancient mythology, famous philosophers, or Old Greek traditions, these names connect the past with the present, providing a sense of timelessness and significance.
For centuries, Greek names have influenced cultures across the globe, symbolizing virtues such as wisdom, courage, beauty, and strength. Names from this heritage often have deep spiritual or natural meanings, connecting individuals to the ancient world of gods, heroes, philosophers, and powerful deities. From the likes of Athena and Zeus to more unique and lesser-known Old Greek names, the options are vast and intriguing.
Choosing a Greek name for your child offers a meaningful way to imbue them with the heritage of ancient Greece, one of the most influential civilizations in history. Whether or not you have Greek roots, the allure of these names is universal. Their meanings often reflect qualities that all parents hope their children will embody—strength, intelligence, love, or beauty—making these names perfect for anyone who values tradition, history, and the richness of language.
In this article, you’ll find a selection of girl names, boy names, and gender-neutral names drawn from both Old Greek and more classical Greek traditions. Each name is followed by a one-sentence meaning to give you a deeper understanding of the name’s significance.
Girl names
Old Greek girl names often embody beauty, wisdom, and grace, reflecting the divine qualities associated with ancient goddesses and heroines.
- Acantha – Meaning "thorn," a name associated with nature and resilience.
- Agape – Meaning "love" in its purest form, representing deep affection and selflessness.
- Amphitrite – Meaning "third element," the sea goddess and wife of Poseidon.
- Anthea – Meaning "flower" or "blossom," a symbol of spring and renewal.
- Arete – Meaning "virtue" or "excellence," reflecting moral and physical perfection.
- Aspasia – Meaning "welcome," a name associated with a famous ancient philosopher.
- Athena – Meaning "goddess of wisdom and war," the protector of Athens and symbol of intelligence.
- Calliope – Meaning "beautiful voice," she was the muse of epic poetry.
- Calypso – Meaning "she who hides," the nymph who kept Odysseus on her island.
- Cassiopeia – Meaning "she who excels," the name of a mythical queen and constellation.
- Chloe – Meaning "green shoot" or "blooming," symbolizing growth and new life.
- Circe – Meaning "bird," the name of a powerful enchantress from Homer’s Odyssey.
- Cleo – Meaning "glory," short for Cleopatra, symbolizing fame and beauty.
- Danae – Meaning "parched," she was the mother of the hero Perseus.
- Daphne – Meaning "laurel," the name of a nymph who transformed into a tree to escape Apollo.
- Demeter – Meaning "earth mother," the goddess of the harvest and fertility.
- Despoina – Meaning "mistress" or "lady," tied to the daughter of Demeter.
- Eirene – Meaning "peace," the goddess who personified peace and harmony.
- Electra – Meaning "shining" or "bright," a name from Greek mythology.
- Elysia – Meaning "blissful" or "heavenly," referring to the Elysian Fields in Greek mythology.
- Evanthe – Meaning "fair flower," symbolizing beauty and grace.
- Gaia – Meaning "earth," the personification of Earth in ancient Greek mythology.
- Harmonia – Meaning "harmony," the goddess of concord and balance.
- Hecate – Meaning "far-reaching," a powerful goddess of magic and witchcraft.
- Helene – Meaning "light" or "torch," the name of the beautiful Helen of Troy.
- Ianthe – Meaning "purple flower," a name symbolizing beauty and delicacy.
- Irene – Meaning "peace," a classical name still used widely today.
- Ismene – Meaning "knowledgeable," the daughter of Oedipus in Greek tragedy.
- Leto – Meaning "hidden," the mother of Artemis and Apollo in mythology.
- Lyra – Meaning "lyre," a name associated with music and poetic traditions.
- Maia – Meaning "great mother," a nurturing figure from Greek mythology.
- Melaina – Meaning "dark" or "black," tied to the nymphs of the underworld.
- Melitta – Meaning "bee," a name reflecting industriousness and sweetness.
- Nausicaa – Meaning "burner of ships," a princess who helped Odysseus in his journey.
- Nerissa – Meaning "sea nymph," tied to the natural beauty of the ocean.
- Nyx – Meaning "night," the powerful goddess who personified the night.
- Penelope – Meaning "weaver," the faithful wife of Odysseus.
- Phaedra – Meaning "bright" or "shining," a name tied to tragic mythology.
- Phoebe – Meaning "radiant," another name for the goddess Artemis.
- Rhea – Meaning "flow" or "ease," the mother of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.
- Selene – Meaning "moon," the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology.
- Sibylla – Meaning "prophetess," a name associated with oracles in ancient Greece.
- Sophia – Meaning "wisdom," one of the most enduring and popular names from Greek origins.
- Thalassa – Meaning "sea," a name symbolizing the power and beauty of the ocean.
- Theia – Meaning "goddess" or "divine," the mother of the sun, moon, and dawn.
- Themis – Meaning "law" or "justice," the goddess of divine law and order.
- Xanthe – Meaning "golden" or "yellow," symbolizing brightness and beauty.
- Ypsipyli – Meaning "queen of Lemnos," a figure known from mythology.
- Zoe – Meaning "life," symbolizing vitality and energy.
- Zosime – Meaning "likely to survive," reflecting strength and resilience.
Boy names
Greek boy names often reflect strength, heroism, and wisdom, drawing from the stories of ancient gods, philosophers, and legendary warriors.
- Achilles – Meaning "pain," the name of one of the greatest Greek heroes.
- Adonis – Meaning "lord," symbolizing beauty and desire in Greek mythology.
- Aeneas – Meaning "praiseworthy," a hero from both Greek and Roman mythology.
- Aeson – Meaning "healer," the father of Jason in Greek mythology.
- Ajax – Meaning "eagle," the name of a great Greek warrior in the Trojan War.
- Aristotle – Meaning "best purpose," the name of one of the most famous Greek philosophers.
- Atlas – Meaning "enduring," the titan who holds up the heavens.
- Basil – Meaning "king" or "royal," symbolizing leadership and nobility.
- Castor – Meaning "beaver," one of the twin brothers in Greek mythology.
- Cyrus – Meaning "far-sighted," a name of Persian origin connected to ancient kings.
- Damon – Meaning "to tame," symbolizing loyalty and friendship.
- Darius – Meaning "possessing goodness," a name of Persian origin adopted by the Greeks.
- Demetrius – Meaning "follower of Demeter," tied to the earth goddess.
- Diomedes – Meaning "thought of Zeus," a hero in the Trojan War.
- Erasmus – Meaning "beloved," associated with the famous Dutch philosopher.
- Eros – Meaning "love," he was the god of love and attraction.
- Eubulus – Meaning "good counselor," reflecting wisdom and guidance.
- Evander – Meaning "good man," a hero in Greek and Roman mythology.
- Hector – Meaning "steadfast," the greatest warrior of Troy.
- Helios – Meaning "sun," symbolizing brightness and energy.
- Heracles – Meaning "glory of Hera," one of the greatest Greek heroes.
- Hermes – Meaning "cairn" or "pile of stones," the messenger of the gods.
- Icarus – Meaning "follower," known for his legendary flight too close to the sun.
- Jason – Meaning "healer," the leader of the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.
- Leander – Meaning "lion-man," symbolizing strength and bravery.
- Leonidas – Meaning "son of a lion," the heroic king of Sparta.
- Lysander – Meaning "liberator," a famous Spartan general.
- Midas – Meaning "king," known for turning everything he touched into gold.
- Nestor – Meaning "traveler," symbolizing wisdom and guidance.
- Nikias – Meaning "victory of the people," an ancient general known for his wisdom.
- Odysseus – Meaning "wrathful," the clever hero from Homer’s epic.
- Orpheus – Meaning "darkness of the night," a legendary musician and poet.
- Paris – Meaning "wallet" or "pouch," the prince who sparked the Trojan War.
- Perseus – Meaning "to destroy," a hero known for slaying Medusa.
- Phaedrus – Meaning "bright" or "radiant," an ancient philosopher.
- Philip – Meaning "lover of horses," associated with Greek kings.
- Plato – Meaning "broad," one of the most influential philosophers in history.
- Poseidon – Meaning "husband of the earth," the powerful god of the sea.
- Socrates – Meaning "whole power," one of the most famous philosophers of ancient Greece.
- Solon – Meaning "wise," a famous Athenian lawmaker and poet.
- Stavros – Meaning "cross," symbolizing strength and protection.
- Thales – Meaning "blossom," one of the first known philosophers.
- Theseus – Meaning "to set" or "to place," the hero who defeated the Minotaur.
- Timon – Meaning "honor," known from both history and philosophy.
- Triton – Meaning "of the third," the son of Poseidon and messenger of the sea.
- Xanthos – Meaning "yellow" or "blonde," a name from Greek mythology.
- Xerxes – Meaning "ruler over heroes," a famous king of Persia.
- Zeno – Meaning "gift of Zeus," a name associated with philosophers and leaders.
- Zephyr – Meaning "west wind," the gentle and mild breeze from the west.
- Zoticus – Meaning "full of life," symbolizing vitality and endurance.
Gender-neutral names
Greek culture offers some truly beautiful and unique gender-neutral names, many of which are derived from nature, virtues, or mythology.
- Aether – Meaning "pure air" or "heaven," symbolizing purity and clarity.
- Alexis – Meaning "defender," a name that can suit any gender.
- Andro – Meaning "man" or "warrior," symbolizing strength and bravery.
- Eliot – Meaning "the Lord is my God," a name of devotion and faith.
- Icarus – Meaning "follower," a figure in mythology known for his daring flight.
- Indigo – Meaning "deep blue," connected to the color of the sky or sea.
- Lyric – Meaning "songlike," representing music, creativity, and expression.
- Phoenix – Meaning "reborn from the ashes," a symbol of resilience and renewal.
- Theron – Meaning "hunter," a name that evokes power and determination.
- Zephyr – Meaning "west wind," a gentle and peaceful breeze from the west.
Greek names, whether from ancient mythology or more modern traditions, offer a timeless way to honor qualities like wisdom, strength, beauty, and courage. By choosing a Greek name, parents can give their child a meaningful connection to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Greece, while also selecting a name that is beautiful and unique. Whether you're drawn to Old Greek names or more classical options, this list provides a wide array of choices for anyone looking to give their baby a name with enduring appeal.
If you're interested in broader naming choices, be sure to check out our article on gender-neutral names, highlighting options that embrace individuality while crossing cultural boundaries.
