Greek Names and Their Meanings: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a name with a rich history and profound meaning? Greek names offer a beautiful blend of tradition and significance, rooted in mythology, nature, and cultural values. From classic choices like Athena and Apollo to lesser-known gems like Eirene and Lysistrata, this list delves into the depths of Greek nomenclature, providing detailed meanings and insights into their origins. Whether you're expecting a child, searching for a unique moniker, or simply curious about the fascinating world of Greek names, this resource is your guide to unlocking their hidden stories.
1. **Aphrodite:** Meaning "born of foam," referring to the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure who emerged from the sea.
2. **Apollo:** Meaning "destroyer," named after the god of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, plague, archery, and light.
3. **Ares:** Meaning "slaughter," known as the Greek god of war, violence, bloodshed, and courage.
4. **Artemis:** Meaning "the untamed," the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, the moon, and childbirth.
5. **Athena:** Meaning "wisdom," the goddess of wisdom, skill, war, and justice.
6. **Cassandra:** Meaning "she who shines," a Trojan princess gifted with prophecy but cursed to never be believed.
7. **Demeter:** Meaning "mother earth," the goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest.
8. **Dionysus:** Meaning "son of Zeus," the god of wine, festivity, and religious ecstasy.
9. **Eirene:** Meaning "peace," a personification of peace and daughter of Zeus and Themis.
10. **Eros:** Meaning "love," the god of love, desire, and attraction.
11. **Hades:** Meaning "unseen," the god of the underworld, wealth, and the dead.
12. **Hecate:** Meaning "she who works from afar," the goddess of magic, witchcraft, crossroads, and ghosts.
13. **Hephaestus:** Meaning "the fire-maker," the god of the forge, metalworking, and craftsmanship.
14. **Hera:** Meaning "she who protects," the goddess of marriage, women, family, and childbirth.
15. **Hermes:** Meaning "messenger," the god of travel, commerce, messengers, thieves, and trickery.
16. **Hypnos:** Meaning "sleep," the god of sleep and dreams.
17. **Iris:** Meaning "rainbow," the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods.
18. **Kratos:** Meaning "strength," a personification of power, strength, and authority.
19. **Lysistrata:** Meaning "she who releases armies," a character in Aristophanes' play known for her peacemaking efforts.
20. **Nike:** Meaning "victory," the goddess of victory and personification of triumph.
21. **Pan:** Meaning "all," the god of nature, shepherds, flocks, and rustic music.
22. **Persephone:** Meaning "she who brings forth," the queen of the underworld and goddess of spring.
23. **Poseidon:** Meaning "husband of the earth," the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.
24. **Zeus:** Meaning "sky," the king of the gods, god of the sky and thunder.
25. **Agatha:** Meaning "good," a Greek name meaning "good" or "kind."
26. **Andromeda:** Meaning "ruler of men," a princess who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster.
27. **Anthea:** Meaning "flowery," a beautiful and delicate name meaning "flowery."
28. **Aspasia:** Meaning "beautiful," a renowned Athenian woman known for her intelligence and beauty.
29. **Calliope:** Meaning "beautiful voice," the muse of epic poetry, eloquence, and oratory.
30. **Chloe:** Meaning "green shoot," a sweet and playful name meaning "green shoot" or "blossom."
31. **Clio:** Meaning "fame," the muse of history and the recording of history.
32. **Cordelia:** Meaning "heart of the sea," a name associated with strength and beauty.
33. **Daphne:** Meaning "laurel tree," a mythical nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree.
34. **Electra:** Meaning "bright," a figure in Greek mythology known for her loyalty and revenge.
35. **Elara:** Meaning "bright," a name meaning "bright" or "shining."
36. **Eurydice:** Meaning "wide justice," the wife of Orpheus who was taken to the underworld.
37. **Gaia:** Meaning "earth," the primordial goddess of the earth and mother of the Titans.
38. **Helene:** Meaning "light," the beautiful queen of Sparta who was abducted by Paris.
39. **Hestia:** Meaning "hearth," the goddess of the hearth, home, and domesticity.
40. **Ianthe:** Meaning "violet flower," a name meaning "violet flower" or "purple flower."
41. **Kalliope:** Meaning "beautiful voice," the muse of epic poetry, eloquence, and oratory.
42. **Leto:** Meaning "hidden," the mother of Apollo and Artemis.
43. **Medea:** Meaning "cunning," a sorceress known for her magic and revenge.
44. **Melpomene:** Meaning "the singing one," the muse of tragedy and dramatic poetry.
45. **Olympia:** Meaning "heavenly," a name associated with the site of the ancient Olympic Games.
46. **Pandora:** Meaning "all-gifted," a woman known for opening a box that released all evils into the world.
47. **Penelope:** Meaning "weaver," the wife of Odysseus who is known for her loyalty and cleverness.
48. **Phoebe:** Meaning "bright," a name meaning "bright" or "shining."
49. **Selene:** Meaning "moon," the goddess of the moon and sister of Helios (the sun).
50. **Thea:** Meaning "goddess," the goddess of light, mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos.
51. **Thalia:** Meaning "bloom," the muse of comedy, idyllic poetry, and pastoral poetry.
52. **Themis:** Meaning "law," the goddess of divine law and order.
53. **Zoe:** Meaning "life," a name meaning "life" or "living."