girl names from greek mythology

When selecting a name for your baby girl, looking to Greek mythology girl names can provide inspiration from legendary stories and characters. Greek mythology names often have powerful and lyrical sounds that reflect traits like strength, wisdom, beauty and grace. Choosing a Greek goddess or heroic female name connects your daughter's identity back to these iconic myths.

Below is a list of beautiful girl names from Greek legends along with the meaning and origin behind each one:

Athena - Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage and law. She was also gifted in crafts like pottery and weaving. As a fearless warrior, Athena symbolized the intellectual and righteous side of war. The name Athena signifies industriousness and ingenuity.

Penelope - Wife of the cunning Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, Penelope is remembered for her faithfulness and virtue. As she awaited Odysseus' return from the Trojan War, Penelope resisted aggressive suitors by delaying her remarriage with clever tricks. Her name connotes loyalty and patience.

Calliope - Known as the muse of epic poetry, Calliope inspired artists and thinkers in Greek mythology. She personified eloquence and rhythm, driving creativity and imagination. The name Calliope reflects beauty and lyrical expression.

Phoebe - An alternative name for the moon goddess Artemis, Phoebe represented the moon's glowing radiance. In myth she was associated with the moon's cycles and female fertility. Phoebe signifies illumination and grace.

Helen - Immortalized as the woman whose beauty sparked the Trojan War, Helen came from Zeus and was half divine. Her name is synonymous with ideal, flawless beauty. In Greek Helene means "torch" or "corposant."

Arachne - A skilled weaver who was turned into a spider by Athena after challenging the goddess to a weaving contest. The name means "spider".

Artemis - Goddess of the hunt, wilderness and childbirth, known for her fierce independence. Her name is possibly related to the Greek word for "safe".

**Atalanta **- A fierce huntress and athlete who joined the Calydonian boar hunt and was the first to draw blood. Her name means "equal in weight".

Ariadne - The princess who helped Theseus escape the minotaur's labyrinth with a ball of thread. Her name means "most holy".

Cassandra - A Trojan princess blessed with prophecy but cursed to never be believed. Her name likely means "shining upon man".

Circe - An enchantress who lured Odysseus' crew with food and transformed them into pigs. Her name means "bird".

Clio - The muse of history and lyre playing. Her name means "to make famous" or "celebrate".

**Daphne **- An innocent nymph pursued by Apollo who was transformed into a laurel tree. Her name means "laurel".

Eos - The goddess of the dawn. Her name means "dawn".

Hecate - Goddess of witchcraft, crossroads and the underworld, often depicted with torches. Her name means "far off".

Hera - Queen of the gods and goddess of marriage and birth. Her name may mean "lady" or "mistress".

**Hestia **- Goddess of the hearth, home and chastity. Her name refers to the hearth or fireside.

**Io **- A mortal woman Zeus fell in love with who was transformed into a cow. Her name refers to the call of a nightingale.

Iris - Goddess of the rainbow and divine messenger. Her name means "rainbow".

**Medea **- A sorceress who helped Jason claim the golden fleece then later took revenge. Her name may mean "cunning".

Medusa - A mortal woman with venomous snakes for hair who could turn men to stone. Her name means "guardian" and "protectress".

Nike - The winged goddess of victory and success. Her name means "victory".

**Pandora **- The first mortal woman created by Hephaestus who opened a jar releasing hardship into the world. Her name means "all-gifted".

**Persephone **- Goddess of spring and the underworld, wife to Hades. Her name may mean “bringer of death”.

Rhea - Goddess of female fertility and motherhood. Her name means "flowing stream".

**Selene **- Goddess personifying the moon itself. Her name means "moon".

Thalia - One of the nine muses presiding over comedy and pastoral poetry. Her name means "to flourish".

**Thetis **- A sea nymph and mother to the legendary warrior Achilles. Her name refers to "disposer" or "placer".