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.
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