Top 842 Ancient Greek Names

Ancient Greece is the birthplace of modern Western democracy and philosophy. Ancient Greek names evoke the famous philosophers, scientists, and politicians whose work built the Western world. In this guide, we have curated lists of the most famous ancient Greek names and their meanings.

Ancient Greek First Names

In Ancient Greece, given names were the primary identifier of people, with surnames arriving later in history. First names in Ancient Greece were given to babies at a ceremony ten days after a child was born, and parents put significant thought into naming their children. Naming themes commonly found in Ancient Greece include leadership skills, strength, and intellect, and ancient Greek names are also commonly associated with philosophy and political prowess. The power and longevity of Ancient Greek names are a testament to their unique qualities. There are numerous Ancient Greek names in historical records, and we estimate millions of unique Ancient Greek names may exist.

Ancient Greek is a language of many dialects that evolved over the centuries. Scholars have studied the complexity and depth of Ancient Greek names, seeking to determine how Ancient Greek names reflected cultural shifts and ideas. For example, the rise of Christianity and Greek expansion led to popular names inspired by the Bible and other cultures. On this page, you will find curated lists of Ancient Greek names by theme and include some of the most popular ancient names in Greek history.

Top 100 Ancient Greek Names

We’ve gathered common Ancient Greek male and female names with their meanings into one comprehensive and practical list. These names were frequently encountered in ancient Greece, embodying the values and aspirations of the time.

Female Names	Male Names
Sophia – Wisdom, knowledge	Alexander – Defender of mankind
Penelope – Weaver	Atlas – Bearer of the heavens, enduring
Zoe – Life, alive	Zeus – God, supreme deity
Athena – Goddess of wisdom, wise	Tobias – God is good, Yahweh is good
Iris – Rainbow, messenger	Jude – Praise, praised one
Lydia – From Lydia, beautiful one	Apollo – Destroyer, to destroy
Elliana – Light and grace	Troy – Foot soldier, defender
Amara – Eternal, unfading	Atticus – Man of Attica, from Attica
Georgia – Farmer, earthworker	Orion – Hunter, rising in the sky
Anastasia – Resurrection, reborn	Hector – Steadfast, holding fast
Katherine – Pure, clear	Adonis – Lord, ruler
Khloe – Green shoot, blooming	Jason – Healer, to heal
Alexandra – Defender of mankind, protector	Mathias – Gift of God, gift from God
Phoebe – Bright, radiant	Leonidas – Lion’s son, lion-like
Angela – Messenger of God, angelic	Triton – Third, of the third
Chloe – Young green shoot, blooming	Zephyr – West wind, gentle breeze
Selena – Moon, moon goddess	Lucas – Bringer of light
Evangeline – Bearer of good news, bringer of good news	Elias – The Lord is my God, Yahweh is God
Ophelia – Help, aid	Damon – To tame, subdue
Daphne – Laurel tree, bay tree	Alexis – Defender, helper
Angelina – Messenger of God, angelic	Matthias – Gift of God, gift from God
Mariah – Variant of Maria, meaning bitter, beloved	Seth – Appointed, placed
Alexis – Defender, helper	Ares – God of war, battle
Melissa – Honey bee, honey	Jonas – Dove, peaceful
Alexandria – Defender of mankind	Atreus – Fearless, fearless one
Maia – Mother, nurse	Nikolas – Victory of the people, victory for the people
Helen – Bright, shining	Simon – Listening, hearing
Helena – Bright, shining	Darius – Maintainer, upholder
Paris – From Paris, beautiful	Alec – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity
Alexa – Defender of mankind, protector	Thaddeus – Courageous heart, brave-hearted
Calliope – Beautiful voice, beautifully voiced	Evander – Good man, good-hearted
Rhea – Flowing, stream	Dion – God, divine
Melina – Honey, quince	Osiris – Mighty, powerful
Thalia – Blooming, abundance	Demetrius – Devoted to Demeter, follower of Demeter
Cassandra – Shining upon men, prophetess	Josias – God heals, healed by Yahweh
Angelica – Messenger of God, angelic	Achilles – Pain, lipless
Irene – Peace, peaceful	Andreas – Manly, brave
Persephone – Bringer of destruction, bringer of death	Lazarus – God has helped, God is my help
Selene – Moon, moon goddess	Eros – Love, desire
Theodora – Gift of God, God’s gift	Perseus – To destroy, to lay waste
Alexia – Defender, helper	Leander – Lion of a man, lion-hearted
Artemis – Goddess of the hunt, undefiled	Myron – Fragrant oil, perfume
Barbara – Foreign, stranger	Esdras – Help, helper
Reya – Queen, goddess	Nestor – Wisdom, counsel
Agnes – Pure, chaste	Kairos – Opportune time, right moment
Ida – Wooded mountain, hardworking	Hero – Hero, warrior
Ariadne – Most holy, utterly pure	Calix – Beautiful, handsome
Gaia – Earth, mother goddess	Paris – Wallet, knapsack
Kassandra – Shining upon men, prophetess	Gregorio – Watchful, vigilant
Eleni – Light, torch	Helios – Sun, sun god
Althea – Healing, wholesome	Nikolaos – Victory of the people
Elara – Bright, shining	Theron – Hunter, wild animal
Elissa – Variant of Elisha, meaning God is salvation	Ammon – Hidden, concealed
Damaris – Gentle, calf	Yannis – God is gracious, Yahweh is gracious
Eris – Strife, discord	Alastor – Avenger, tormentor
Juno – Queen of the gods	Odysseus – Wrathful, full of anger
Delia – From Delos, of Delos	Esaias – God is salvation, Yahweh is salvation
Echo – Sound, reflection	Zacchaeus – Pure, innocent
Agatha – Good, kind	Eugenio – Well-born, noble
Hermione – Messenger, travel	Konstantinos – Constant, steadfast
Lotus – Lotus flower, mystical symbol	Midas – King, reign
Calista – Most beautiful, most lovely	Zacharias – The Lord remembers, Yahweh remembers
Isis – Throne, goddess of fertility	Homer – Pledge, security
Danae – Danaë, fertile	Zeno – Gift of Zeus, gift of God
Elysia – Blissful, heavenly	Ananias – Yahweh is gracious, God is gracious
Kalliope – Beautiful voice, beautifully voiced	Poseidon – Lord, husband
Andromeda – Ruler of men, advising like a man	Dimitrios – Devoted to Demeter, follower of Demeter
Theia – Goddess, divine	Alexios – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity
Hellen – Bright, shining	Ajax – Eagle, of the earth
Doris – Gift, bounty	Alexandros – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity
Melia – Ash tree, honey	Archimedes – Master of thought, ruler of thought
Nyx – Night, goddess of the night	Hermes – Boundary marker, herald
Philomena – Friend, lover of strength	Ilya – The Lord is my God, Yahweh is God
Xenia – Hospitality, guest-friendship	Judas – Praised, praised one
Olympia – From Olympus, heavenly	Loukas – From Lucania, man from Lucania
Amaryllis – Sparkling, fresh	Athanasios – Immortal, everlasting
Dorothea – Gift of God, God’s gift	Georgios – Farmer, earthworker
Charis – Grace, kindness	Theseus – To set, to place
Hera – Queen, goddess of marriage	Yiannis – God is gracious, Yahweh is gracious
Yolanda – Violet flower, purple flower	Lysander – Liberator, freer
Idalia – Behold the sun, behold the light	Aristotle – Best purpose, best end
Cleopatra – Glory of the father, glory of her father	Theodoros – Gift of God, gift from God
Rhoda – Rose, rosebush	Eliud – God is my praise, Yahweh is my praise
Zenovia – Life of Zeus, power of Zeus	Eryx – Sunset glow, sunset
Aniela – Grace, favor	Stavros – Cross, crucifix
Pandora – All-gifted, gifted with all talents	Ioannis – God is gracious, Yahweh is gracious
Thais – Bandage, healer	Anubis – Royal child, son of the royal
Zenobia – Life of Zeus, power of Zeus	Eris – Strife, discord
Clio – Fame, glory	Evangelos – Bearer of good news, messenger of good news
Helene – Torch, bright	Icarus – Follow, to follow
Calypso – Concealer, one who hides	Aeneas – Praiseworthy, worthy of praise
Dorcas – Gazelle, deer	Castor – Beaver, to shine
Alexus – Variant of Alexis, meaning defender, helper	Xerxes – Ruler over heroes, ruler over warriors
Ursula – Little she-bear, little female bear	Demetrios – Devoted to Demeter, follower of Demeter
Apollonia – Follower of Apollo, devoted to Apollo	Angelino – Little angel, angelic
Demetria – Goddess of fertility, earth mother	Ariston – Best, excellent
Leda – Lady, woman	Kyros – Supreme ruler, lord
Phaedra – Bright, shining	Timo – Honoring God, to honor God
Aphrodite – Goddess of love, foam-born	Yanni – God is gracious, Yahweh is gracious
Elektra – Shining, radiant	Anastasios – Resurrection, to rise again

Unique Ancient Greek Names

This curated list features unique and memorable Ancient Greek names going back thousands of years. These names carry meanings that reflect specific virtues, characteristics, or auspicious qualities.

Female Names	Male Names
Agathe – Good, kind	Adoni – My Lord, my master
Alexina – Defender, helper	Aesop – Uncertain
Amalthea – Tender goddess, nourishing goddess	Aether – Upper air, heaven
Ambrosia – Immortal	Aison – To heal, healer
Antigone – Against birth, opposed to giving birth	Alexio – Defender, helper
Artemisia – Gift of Artemis, follower of Artemis	Angelos – Messenger, angel
Astraia – Star, goddess of the stars	Antonios – Priceless, invaluable
Callidora – Gift of beauty, beauty giver	Athanasius – Immortal, everlasting
Callisto – Most beautiful, most lovely	Callisto – Most beautiful, most beautiful one
Chara – Joy, delight	Chaos – Chaos, void
Demeter – Earth mother, mother goddess	Cletus – Famous, renowned
Diona – Goddess, divine	Deimos – Terror, dread
Dione – Divine, heavenly	Demon – Demon, evil spirit
Eleftheria – Freedom, liberty	Deo – Godlike, divine
Elene – Light, torch	Deucalion – New wine, new wine vessel
Elysium – Blissful, paradise	Dione – Goddess, divine
Halcyon – Calm, serene	Dionysus – Of Zeus, follower of Zeus
Heli – Sun, sunlight	Eleftherios – Free, liberator
Hero – Heroic, brave	Endymion – To dive into, immersed
Hestia – Hearth, fire	Hektor – Defend, to hold
Hypatia – Highest, supreme	Horus – Far off, distant one
Isidora – Gift of Isis, gifted with Isis	Iason – Healer, to heal
Kalypso – She who conceals, hidden	Io – Moon, moon goddess
Kleio – Glory, fame	Ion – Going, journey
Kleopatra – Glory of the father, glory of her father	Kastor – Beaver, to shine
Konstantina – Constant, steadfast	Kyrillos – Lord, ruler
Kore – Maiden, young girl	Leto – Woman, wife
Korinna – Maiden, maidenly	Linus – Flax, linen
Kyriaki – Of the Lord, belonging to the Lord	Makarios – Blessed, happy
Mariangela – Graceful angel	Matthaios – Gift of God, gift from God
Melaina – Dark, black	Morpheus – Form, shape
Melita – Honey, sweet as honey	Nyx – Night, goddess of the night
Nemesis – Distribution, retribution	Panagiotis – All-holy, completely holy
Nike – Victory, goddess of victory	Philippos – Lover of horses, horse lover
Nikoleta – Victory of the people, people’s victory	Platon – Broad, wide
Niobe – Fern, fern goddess	Pollux – Very sweet, very charming
Panagiota – All-holy, completely pure	Prometheus – Forethought, forethinker
Parthenia – Virgin, chaste	Socrates – Power of wisdom, strength of wisdom
Phoibe – Bright, radiant	Solon – Wisdom, wise
Reah – Flowing, streaming	Spiro – Spiral, breathe
Roxane – Bright, dawn	Spiros – Spiral, breathe
Sophronia – Prudent, wise	Spyridon – Spirit, breath
Tanis – Ancestor, ancient city	Stefanos – Crown, crowned
Thaleia – Blooming, flourishing	Stelios – Star, star-like
Thekla – God’s glory, glory of God	Thanos – Immortal, everlasting
Vasiliki – Regal, royal	Vasilios – King, kingly
Xanthe – Blonde, golden	Yianni – God is gracious, Yahweh is gracious
Zephyra – West wind, gentle breeze	Zebedee – Gift of Zeus, gift of God
Zinovia – Life of Zeus, power of Zeus	Zenon – Zeal, ardor
Zona – Belt, girdle	Zephyrus – West wind, gentle breeze

Beautiful Ancient Greek Names

Our list of beautiful Ancient Greek names exemplifies the art and poetry of the Greeks. These names capture the elegance and poetic charm of the ancient Greek civilization with a timeless grace that continues to captivate and inspire to this day.

Female Names	Male Names
Alejandra – Defender of mankind	Aeson – Healer, to heal
Alessandra – Defender of mankind	Alastair – Defender of men, protector of mankind
Anastacia – Resurrection, reborn	Alecto – Unceasing, unceasing anger
Andrea – Manly, brave	Alejandro – Defender of men, protector of mankind
Andrina – Feminine form of Andrew, manly	Alessandro – Defender of men, protector of mankind
Arcadia – From Arcadia, adventurous	Alexia – Defender, helper
Aria – Air, melody	Ambrose – Immortal, everlasting
Ariana – Very holy, most holy	Angelus – Messenger, angel
Aster – Star, flower	Arcadius – From Arcadia, of Arcadia
Asteria – Starry, of the stars	Artemis – Goddess of the hunt, goddess of the wilderness
Astraea – Star, goddess of justice	Aster – Star, flower
Candace – Fire white, clarity	Barnabas – Son of encouragement, son of consolation
Candice – Pure, bright	Basil – King, royal
Christine – Follower of Christ, Christian	Bastian – Venerable, revered
Cleo – Glory, pride	Cimon – Noble, upright
Cora – Maiden, heart	Cosmo – Order, harmony
Delphine – Dolphin, from Delphi	Cristian – Follower of Christ, Christian
Delphinia – Dolphin, from Delphi	Cyril – Lordly, masterful
Elaina – Bright, shining light	Damian – To tame, to subdue
Elaine – Bright, shining light	Damien – To tame, to subdue
Electra – Amber, shining, bright	Deon – Divine, godlike
Elena – Bright, shining light	Echo – Sound, reverberation
Erika – Eternal ruler, ever-powerful	Eugene – Well-born, noble
Eudora – Good gift, generous gift	Eustace – Fruitful, productive
Eugenia – Well-born, noble	Galen – Calm, tranquil
Eugenie – Well-born, noble	Giles – Young goat, kid
Europa – Wide-eyed, broad-faced	Gregor – Vigilant, watchful
Genesis – Beginning, origin	Harmon – Unity, agreement
Georgianna – Farmer, earthworker, from Georgia	Heli – Sun, sunlight
Georgina – Farmer, earthworker, from Georgia	Hercules – Glory of Hera, Hera’s glory
Gia – God is gracious, earthworker	Heron – Hero, messenger
Hermes – Boundary marker, messenger	Hesperos – Evening, western
Ioanna – God is gracious	Hyperion – The high one, the sun god
Karina – Pure, beloved	Isidore – Gift of Isis, gift of the goddess Isis
Katharine – Pure, clear, innocent	Janus – Archway, passage
Kathryn – Pure, clear, innocent	Jerome – Holy name, sacred name
Katrina – Pure, clear, innocent	Klaus – Victorious people, people’s victory
Kirsten – Follower of Christ, Christian	Kratos – Strength, power
Kristen – Follower of Christ, Christian	Kristopher – Bearer of Christ, Christ-bearer
Kristin – Follower of Christ, Christian	Leandros – Lion-man, lion-like
Kristina – Follower of Christ, Christian	Nereus – Wet, wet one
Larisa – Citadel, cheerful	Nicodemus – Victory of the people, people’s victory
Larissa – Citadel, cheerful	Nicolaus – Victory of the people, people’s victory
Lena – Light, torch	Nicomedes – Victory with care, careful victory
Lyra – Lyre, musical instrument	Niko – Victory, victory of the people
Lysandra – Liberator of men, helper of mankind	Philemon – Friend, beloved
Nikita – Victory, victorious	Phineas – Oracle, prophet
Pallas – Maiden, youth	Phoenix – Dark red, deep red
Philippa – Lover of horses, lover of beauty	Pierce – Rock, stone
Phyllis – Leafy foliage, green branch	Priam – Redeemed, ransomed
Sapphira – Precious gem, sapphire	Tanis – Serapis, altar
Sophie – Wisdom, knowledge	Thaddaeus – Heart, courageous
Teodora – Gift of God, God’s gift	Theo – God, divine
Tessa – Harvester, reaper	Timotheos – Honoring God, honoring the divine
Thea – Goddess, divine	Titos – Honorable, esteemed
Veronica – True image, victory bringer	Xander – Defender of men, protector of mankind
Xena – Guest, stranger	Xeno – Foreigner, stranger
Zoey – Life, alive	Xenon – Foreigner, stranger

Rare Ancient Greek Names

There may be millions of Ancient Greek names, but these are some of the rarest. These names offer a fascinating glimpse into lesser-known aspects of the culture, showcasing names that were unique and less commonly encountered in historical records.

Female Names	Male Names
Agata – Good, kind	Abas – Father, uncle
Alena – Light, bright	Achilleus – Pain, lipless
Alessa – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity	Aegeus – Goat-skin, shield of goatskin
Aleta – Truthful, noble	Aeolus – Quick-moving, nimble
Alethea – Truth, sincerity	Agamemnon – Very steadfast, resolute
Alexandrina – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity	Alcides – Mighty, powerful
Alexius – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity	Aleck – Defender of men, protector of mankind
Aminta – Protector, defender	Alek – Defender of men, protector of mankind
Anemone – Windflower, anemone flower	Alexius – Defender, helper
Anthea – Flower, blossom	Alexus – Defender, helper
Antheia – Flower, blossom	Ambrosius – Immortal, everlasting
Ariane – Very holy, most holy	Anatole – Rising sun, sunrise
Arianna – Very holy, most holy	Antaeus – Against man, opposed to man
Arista – Best, excellent	Apollos – Manly beauty
Arlet – Oath, pledge	Arcturus – Bear-watcher, guardian of the bear
Atalanta – Balanced, equal	Arion – Melody, song
Berenice – Bringer of victory, victory bringer	Aristides – Best, excellent
Bernice – Bringer of victory, victory bringer	Arius – Warlike, warrior
Christa – Follower of Christ, Christian	Artemas – Gift of Artemis, gift of the goddess Artemis
Christiana – Follower of Christ, Christian	Arye – Lion, lion-like
Corina – Maiden, virgin	Athos – Not drunk, sober
Corinna – Maiden, virgin	Brison – Stupid, silly
Corinne – Maiden, virgin	Brontes – Thunder, thunderer
Corrine – Maiden, virgin	Cadmus – From the east, from the east wind
Cressida – Gold, golden	Cassander – Man-defender, defender of men
Cybele – Mother of the gods, mountain	Charon – Fierce brightness, glowing
Delphi – Dolphin, from Delphi	Chiron – Hand, skilled hand
Dia – Divine, heavenly	Claus – Victorious people, people’s victory
Dionne – Divine, heavenly	Cleon – Glory, fame
Dora – Gift, gifted	Cosmas – Order, harmony
Eirene – Peace, peaceful	Damaris – Gentle, subdued
Eula – Sweet-spoken, well-spoken	Damianos – To tame, to subdue
Eulalia – Well-spoken, eloquent	Dardanus – Dart, spear
Eulalie – Well-spoken, eloquent	Denis – Dedicated to Dionysus
Eunice – Good victory, victorious	Denys – Follower of Dionysus
Euphemia – Good speech, well-spoken	Dionysius – Follower of Dionysus
Galatea – White as milk, white as snow	Draco – Dragon, serpent
Georgiana – Farmer, earthworker, from Georgia	Eleon – Mercy, compassion
Greta – Pearl, precious	Erasmus – Beloved, loved
Gretta – Pearl, precious	Erastus – Beloved, loved
Hebe – Youth, prime of life	Euclid – Good glory, good repute
Hyacinth – Flower, precious stone	Gyles – Kid, young goat
Ianthe – Violet flower, purple flower	Hiero – Holy, sacred
Ilona – Light, torch	Isadore – Gift of Isis, gift of the goddess Isis
Io – Moon, goddess	Isocrates – Equal power, equal strength
Isadora – Gift of Isis, gift of the goddess	Kimon – Wave, swell
Ismene – Knowledge, wisdom	Kore – Maiden, girl
Ismenia – Knowledge, wisdom	Markos – Warlike, warrior
Karin – Pure, chaste	Maro – Man, male
Katheryn – Pure, clear, innocent	Minos – Moon, moon-like
Kleo – Glory, fame	Nicanor – Victory, victorious
Krista – Follower of Christ, Christian	Nicholaus – Victory of the people, people’s victory
Kristine – Follower of Christ, Christian	Orestes – Mountain, mountain-dweller
Lois – Better, more desirable	Orpheus – Darkness, darkness of night
Margarita – Pearl, precious	Pan – Shepherd, all
Margery – Pearl, precious	Pericles – Surrounded by glory, surrounded by fame
Marjorie – Pearl, precious	Philo – Friend, lover
Mika – Who is like God?, gift from God	Phinehas – Nubian, Ethiopian
Nika – Victory, victory of the people	Phineus – Dark, swarthy
Persis – Persian, from Persia	Plato – Broad, wide
Petra – Rock, stone	Pontus – Sea, ocean
Roxana – Bright, dawn	Sabas – Old man, elder
Sibyl – Prophetess, oracle	Talos – Sun, solar
Sibylla – Prophetess, oracle	Theodorus – Gift of God, God’s gift
Sybil – Prophetess, oracle	Theophilus – Friend of God, loved by God
Theodosia – God’s gift, gift from God	Timon – Honour, esteem
Thisbe – Inspiring fear, awe-inspiring	Xanthos – Blonde, yellow
Xandra – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity	Xenophon – Foreign voice, strange sound
Xanthia – Yellow, blonde	Zagreus – Great hunter, mighty hunter

Unusual Ancient Greek Names

Some of the lesser names on record are on this list of unusual Ancient Greek names. They are creative and unconventional, deviating from the more common and expected naming patterns of the time.

Female Names	Male Names
Adea – Noble, noble kind	Acacius – Innocent, not evil
Agape – Love, unconditional love	Aegon – Goat, he-goat
Aggie – Good, kind	Annas – Favor, grace
Aglaia – Splendor, beauty	Apollon – Destroyer, ruiner
Agnieszka – Pure, chaste	Apostolos – Apostle, messenger
Agueda – Good-hearted, kind	Aristos – Best, excellent
Aissa – Grateful, thankful	Arkadios – Of Arcadia, from Arcadia
Alala – War cry, battle cry	Arrian – Of Hadria, from Hadria
Alexondra – Defender of mankind, protector of humanity	Arsenios – Virile, masculine
Althaea – Healing, wholesome	Basileios – Royal, kingly
Aneka – Grace, favor	Calisto – Most beautiful, most lovely
Angelette – Little angel, angelic	Corydon – Lark, songbird
Annella – Grace, favor	Dareios – Upholder of good, maintainer of good
Annelle – Grace, favor	Demas – People, crowd
Anneth – Grace, favor	Diogenes – Born of Zeus, Zeus-born
Arianne – Very holy, most holy	Dionysios – Dedicated to Dionysus
Aspasia – Welcome, graceful	Dionysos – God of wine, divine wine
Astara – Star, bright	Drakon – Dragon, serpent
Athene – Goddess of wisdom, wisdom	Efstathios – Steadfast, firm
Briseis – Beloved, loved one	Elpidios – Hope, expectation
Caren – Pure, beloved	Eneas – Praiseworthy, laudable
Caryn – Pure, beloved	Euandros – Good man, noble man
Catharine – Pure, clear, innocent	Eugenios – Well-born, noble
Catheryn – Pure, clear, innocent	Euphemios – Spoken well of, well spoken
Cathryn – Pure, clear, innocent	Euripides – Wide face, broad countenance
Cloe – Green shoot, young plant	Eusebios – Pious, devout
Coleen – Girl, child	Filemon – Loving, affectionate
Corinthia – From Corinth, dweller in Corinth	Fotios – Light, bright
Corra – Seething pool, cauldron	Gerasimos – Old man, elderly
Corrinne – Maiden, virgin	Gregorios – Watchful, vigilant
Cybil – Prophetess, oracle	Haimon – Bloody, bloody battle
Cymone – Wave, billow	Heracles – Glory of Hera
Damali – Beautiful vision, beautiful vision of peace	Herakles – Glory of Hera, Hera’s glory
Deianeira – Man-destroyer, destroyer of her husband	Hermon – Sacred mountain, consecrated peak
Dionysia – Follower of Dionysus	Hilarion – Cheerful, joyful
Dorinda – Gift, gifted	Hippolyte – Loosening horses, horse-untier
Eileithyia – Goddess of childbirth, reliever	Homeros – Hostage, pledge
Elisavet – My God is a vow, God is my oath	Ikaros – Follower, imitator
Elpida – Hope, expectation	Ioannes – God is gracious, God is merciful
Evadne – Well-watered, prosperous	Isidor – Gift of Isis, gift of the goddess Isis
Evdokia – Good will, pleasure	Isidoros – Gift of Isis, gift of the goddess Isis
Evgenia – Well-born, noble	Kadmos – From the east, from the east wind
Halia – Sea, ocean	Kallon – Beautiful, handsome
Irini – Peace, peaceful	Kleitos – Glorious, splendid
Jorja – Farmer, earthworker	Kosmas – Order, harmony
Karyn – Pure, beloved	Kosmos – World, universe
Karyne – Pure, beloved	Kristos – Christ, anointed one
Katrine – Pure, clear, innocent	Kronos – Time, eternal
Kharis – Grace, favor	Kyriakos – Belonging to the Lord, of the Lord
Khione – Snow, daughter of the north wind	Linos – Flax, linen
Krystin – Anointed, crystal	Lysandros – Liberator of men, man’s liberator
Krystina – Anointed, crystal	Marcion – Martial, warlike
Kyrene – Supreme, rule	Maron – Warlike, warrior
Laena – Shining, glowing	Meliton – Honey-sweet, sweet as honey
Lais – Praiseworthy, famous	Nicolaos – Victory of the people
Larysa – Cheerful, mirthful	Nikodemos – Victory of the people
Lenci – Light, torch	Nikomedes – Victory with care, careful victory
Lidia – Woman from Lydia, beautiful one	Onias – Strength of God, power of God
Lyris – Lyric poetry, singer	Panayiotis – All-holy, most holy
Maera – Fierce, warlike	Panos – Rock, stone
Makaria – Blessed, fortunate	Patron – Protector, guardian
Margaretta – Pearl, child of light	Pavlos – Small, humble
Marita – Beloved, rebellious	Pelagios – Of the sea, from the sea
Meda – Prophetess, counselor	Philander – Lover of man, man’s lover
Mellissa – Bee, honey bee	Phoibos – Bright, shining
Melony – Black, dark	Ptolemy – Warlike, aggressive
Myia – Embrace, embrace of the sea	Sokrates – Power, strength
Natasa – Born on Christmas, birthday of the Lord	Sotirios – Savior, deliverer
Nausicaa – Burner of ships	Sotiris – Savior, deliverer
Nerissa – Sea nymph, daughter of the sea	Spyros – Watcher, guardian
Nichola – Victory of the people	Stamatis – Stand firm, steadfast
Nichole – Victory of the people	Stephanos – Crown, garland
Nysa – Goal, end	Straton – Army, warrior
Ourania – Heavenly, divine	Stylianos – Pillar, support
Pelagia – Of the sea, sea-born	Taras – From Taranto, from Taras
Phebe – Bright, pure	Tellis – Completeness, fulfillment
Phillis – Green foliage, foliage	Thales – To blossom, to flourish
Pyrrha – Flame-colored, red-haired	Than – Death, mortality
Rina – Peace, joyful	Thanatos – Death, destruction
Skylla – Tear, rend	Theophile – Lover of God, friend of God
Soteria – Salvation, safety	Theophilos – Lover of God, friend of God
Sotiria – Salvation, safety	Theos – God, deity
Stacee – Resurrection, to rise again	Thon – Swift, speedy
Staci – Resurrection, to rise again	Timaeus – Honoring, praising
Stamatia – Resurrection, to rise again	Timotheus – Honoring God, praising God
Synthia – From Mount Kynthos, moon goddess	Tychon – Chance, luck
Tryphena – Delicate, dainty	Vasilis – King, royal
Urania – Heavenly, of the sky	Yiorgos – Farmer, tiller of the soil
Zinaida – Belonging to Zeus, Zeus is gracious	Zenobios – Life of Zeus, Zeus’s life

Uncommon Ancient Greek Names

Uncommon ancient Greek names carry the essence of a bygone era and are steeped in mythology and history. These names reflect the diverse cultural influences that shaped ancient Greek society.

Female Names	Male Names
Acantha – Thorn, prickle	Aeschines – Shame, dishonor
Adrasteia – Inescapable, inevitable	Aeschylus – Shame, disgrace
Agrippina – Born feet first	Alcibiades – Strength of the people
Alcestis – Valiant, strong	Anaxagoras – Ruler over men
Alcyone – Kingfisher, halcyon	Andronikos – Victory of a man
Alecto – Unceasing, relentless	Antisthenes – Against strength, strength of a man
Amphitrite – Third one who encircles	Aristarchus – Best ruler
Andromache – Battle of men	Aristophanes – Best appearing
Aphaea – Invisible, unseen	Artemidorus – Gift of Artemis
Apphia – Increasing, abundance	Asclepius – To heal
Arachne – Spider	Bellerophon – Slayer of Belleros
Arete – Excellence, virtue	Callias – Beautiful
Athalia – Noble, mighty	Chrysippus – Golden horse
Athanasia – Immortal, eternal	Cleisthenes – Glory of her father
Bia – Force, power	Cleonides – Glory of his father
Calanthe – Beautiful flower	Crates – Strong one
Chloris – Pale, greenish-yellow	Critias – Critic, judge
Clytemnestra – Famous throughout the land	Diodorus – Gift of Zeus
Damara – Gentle, kind	Eudoxus – Good opinion
Demetra – Goddess of agriculture, earth mother	Euphemus – Well-spoken
Despina – Lady, mistress	Gorgias – Farmer, worker of the land
Elysse – Free, noble	Hecuba – Far-reaching
Erato – Lovely, desired	Hephaestus – One who shines from afar
Eudocia – Good reputation	Herodotus – Gift of Hera
Eurydice – Wide justice	Hesiod – To send song
Euterpe – Delight, joy	Hippocrates – One who tames horses
Harmonia – Harmony, agreement	Iphicrates – Master of horses
Hecate – Far-reaching, worker from afar	Lycurgus – Wolf-worker
Hermia – Messenger, interpreter	Meleager – Careful, diligent hunter
Hippolyta – Released horses	Menander – Strong man
Ilya – The Lord is my God, my God is Yahweh	Miltiades – Glorious justice
Iola – Violet-colored dawn, purple dawn	Neoptolemus – New war
Iolanthe – Violet flower	Nicias – Victory
Iphigenia – Born strong	Pausanias – All-knowing
Kallista – Most beautiful	Peleus – Dark, black
Lamia – Devouring monster	Philoctetes – Lover of virtue
Laodice – People’s justice	Pindar – Strong, powerful
Leto – Hidden, concealed	Pittacus – Pitcher, jar
Medea – Cunning, skilled	Polybius – Many lives
Melantha – Dark flower	Polycrates – Ruler of many
Mnemosyne – Memory, remembrance	Protagoras – Protector of the people
Myrrha – Myrrh	Pyrrhus – Flame-colored, red-haired
Nereida – Sea nymph	Pythagoras – To speak like Pythia
Philomela – Lover of song	Sophocles – Skilled in wisdom
Polyhymnia – Many hymns	Telemachus – Far from battle
Pomona – Fruitful, fruitful tree	Themistocles – Glory of the law
Pythia – Oracle of Delphi	Theocritus – God’s judge
Rhodope – Rosy-faced	Theophrastus – God’s speech
Sappho – Sapphire, poetess	Thucydides – God’s glory
Terpsichore – Delight in dance	Urias – The Lord is my light, Yahweh is my light
Thaisa – Goddess, gift of god	Xenocrates – Foreign power
Thessaly – To hunt, huntress	Zenobius – Life of Zeus
Thetis – Disposer, placer	Zethus – Seeker, searcher
Zenodora – Gift of Zeus	Zoticus – Full of life
Zephyrine – West wind	Zygomalas – Twisted jaw

Names of Famous Men and Women in Ancient Greece

Alexander the Great, born in 356 BC, earned his title through extensive military campaigns and brilliant political strategies. The philosopher Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great and, as ruler of Macedon, would control a region stretching from Greece to India. Alexander is an Ancient Greek name meaning ‘defender of men.’

Homer was born in the 700s BC and is considered one of history’s most influential writers. He authored the Greek epic poems Odyssey and Iliad, two works that are analyzed and celebrated thousands of years after Homer’s death. The meaning of the Ancient Greek name Homer is ‘pledge.’

Aristotle is one of the greatest philosophers in history. Born in 384 BC, many of his writings on previous Greek philosophers, his ideas, and his research in subjects like rhetoric, politics, and physics established our modern understanding of these topics. The Ancient Greek name Aristotle means ‘the best of all.’

Solon was born around 630 BC. However, scarce records exist about his life. He was a poet and statesman of Athens who worked to address what he saw as Athens’ decline and laid the foundation for Athenian Democracy. Solon is an Ancient Greek name meaning ‘wise.’

Archimedes was one of ancient history’s greatest mathematical minds whose work has continued to impact our understanding of math and physics. He was born around 287 BC and made critical discoveries regarding the approximation of pi and machines like pulleys. The Ancient Greek name Archimedes means ‘master thinker, planner.’

References

Information from the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names (LGPN), which records Ancient Greek names from literary and documentary sources and artifacts was crossed-checked in the creation of this article, as well as their database, used by historians of the ancient Mediterranean world.