Mercury: Greek Names and Meanings

Mercury, the swift messenger of the Roman gods, was known by various names in Greek mythology. These names reflected his attributes and roles, often associated with speed, communication, and cunning. Learn about the diverse names used for Mercury in Greek mythology and uncover their profound meanings.
1. **Hermes:** The most common Greek name for Mercury, meaning "he who interprets" or "he who sets in order." This name highlights Hermes' role as a messenger and mediator, connecting different realms and facilitating communication.
2. **Argeiphontes:** Meaning "slayer of Argus," referring to Hermes' act of killing Argus Panoptes, a giant with 100 eyes, who guarded Io, a nymph Zeus loved. This name signifies Hermes' cunning and strength.
3. **Polymnestes:** Meaning "he who has many minds," emphasizing Hermes' intelligence and versatility. He was known for his cunning and ability to adapt to various situations.
4. **Kriophoros:** Meaning "ram-bearer," a name given to Hermes because he carried a ram as a gift to Apollo after stealing his cattle. It symbolizes Hermes' gift of reconciliation and his ability to bring peace.
5. **Didymaon:** Meaning "the twin," referring to Hermes' birth as a twin brother to Apollo. This name signifies Hermes' unique connection to Apollo and his ability to understand different perspectives.
6. **Keryx:** Meaning "herald," a name emphasizing Hermes' role as a messenger of the gods. He was responsible for carrying messages and announcements between the divine and mortal realms.
7. **Agonius:** Meaning "leader," signifying Hermes' authority and power over his realm. He was responsible for guiding souls to the underworld and oversaw various aspects of commerce and travel.
8. **Psychopompos:** Meaning "soul-guide," referring to Hermes' role in leading souls to the underworld after death. He acted as a guide and protector for the deceased, ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife.
9. **Thersites:** Meaning "a cunning one," highlighting Hermes' manipulative and trickster nature. He was known for his wit and ability to deceive others, often using cunning tactics to achieve his goals.
10. **Caduceus-bearer:** Hermes is often depicted with a caduceus, a staff entwined with two serpents. This symbol represents his ability to bring peace and harmony, mediating conflicts and resolving disputes.
11. **Epimeles:** Meaning "caretaker," highlighting Hermes' role as a protector of travelers and herds. He was responsible for ensuring the safety of travelers and guiding them on their journeys.
12. **Aiolos:** Meaning "swift," signifying Hermes' incredible speed. He was known for his ability to move quickly and effortlessly, often traveling between worlds with ease.
13. **Pandion:** Meaning "all-bright," signifying Hermes' connection to light and knowledge. He was considered a bringer of light and a source of wisdom, illuminating the path for others.
14. **Kyllenios:** Meaning "from Kyllene," referring to the mountain where Hermes was born. This name signifies Hermes' connection to his birthplace and his roots in the mortal world.
15. **Arkas:** Meaning "bear," a name given to Hermes in some traditions, signifying his connection to nature and the animal kingdom.
16. **Phylakides:** Meaning "protector of herds," emphasizing Hermes' role as a guardian of animals. He was believed to protect flocks from predators and ensure their well-being.
17. **Endymion:** Meaning "sleeping," referring to the story of Endymion, a shepherd who was granted eternal sleep by Zeus at the request of Selene, the moon goddess. Some traditions associate Hermes with Endymion, suggesting a connection to dreams and sleep.
18. **Phoibidas:** Meaning "shining one," referring to Hermes' association with light and brilliance. He was often depicted as a bright and radiant figure, representing the power of knowledge and wisdom.
19. **Loxias:** Meaning "crooked," suggesting Hermes' cunning and ability to deceive. This name reflects his trickster nature and his tendency to use unconventional methods to achieve his goals.
20. **Nomios:** Meaning "shepherd," emphasizing Hermes' connection to the pastoral world. He was often depicted as a shepherd, guiding and protecting his flock.
21. **Arkegetes:** Meaning "first-born," referring to Hermes' role as the firstborn son of Zeus. This name signifies his importance in Greek mythology and his unique connection to the king of the gods.
22. **Diomedes:** Meaning "Zeus-sent," signifying Hermes' divine origin and his connection to the Olympian pantheon. He was a powerful and respected god, carrying out the will of Zeus and acting as his messenger.
23. **Theiokrates:** Meaning "god-ruler," emphasizing Hermes' authority and power over his domain. He was responsible for overseeing various aspects of the mortal world, including commerce, travel, and communication.
24. **Chthonios:** Meaning "of the underworld," referring to Hermes' role as a guide of souls to the afterlife. He was also associated with the earth and the underworld, representing the cycle of life and death.
25. **Cilix:** Meaning "from Cilicia," referring to the region in Anatolia where Hermes was believed to have founded the city of Tarsus. This name signifies his connection to specific places and his role as a founder of cities.
26. **Eurybios:** Meaning "wide-powerful," highlighting Hermes' strength and influence. He was a powerful god, respected for his skills and abilities.
27. **Hermes Trismegistus:** Meaning "Hermes, the thrice-great," a name given to Hermes in later Hellenistic and Roman periods, signifying his wisdom and knowledge. He was associated with Hermeticism, a philosophical and esoteric tradition.
28. **Meropeus:** Meaning "son of Merope," referring to Hermes' mother, a nymph named Merope. This name signifies his connection to his family and his human origins.
29. **Kytheridos:** Meaning "from Kythera," referring to the island of Kythera, where Hermes had a temple and was believed to have been worshiped. This name signifies his connection to specific geographic locations and his religious significance.
30. **Herakles:** Meaning "glory of Hera," a name that is sometimes mistakenly associated with Hermes. While Herakles is the Greek name for Hercules, a hero known for his strength and courage, there is no direct connection between him and Hermes.
31. **Argiphontes:** Meaning "slayer of Argus," This name refers to the myth of Hermes slaying Argus Panoptes, a giant with 100 eyes, who guarded Io, a nymph Zeus loved. This name signifies Hermes' cunning and strength.
32. **Hermes Agyieus:** Meaning "Hermes of the Crossroads," representing Hermes as a guardian of roads and travelers. He was believed to protect those who journeyed and ensure their safe passage.
33. **Hermes Agoraios:** Meaning "Hermes of the Marketplace," representing Hermes as a god of commerce and trade. He was believed to bring prosperity and success to businesses and merchants.
34. **Hermes Psychopompos:** Meaning "Hermes, the Guide of Souls," referring to Hermes' role in leading souls to the underworld after death. He acted as a guide and protector for the deceased, ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife.
35. **Hermes Enodios:** Meaning "Hermes of the Road," representing Hermes as a protector of travelers and roads. He was believed to guide those who journeyed and ensure their safety.
36. **Hermes Keryx:** Meaning "Hermes, the Herald," emphasizing Hermes' role as a messenger of the gods. He was responsible for carrying messages and announcements between the divine and mortal realms.
37. **Hermes Kriophoros:** Meaning "Hermes, the Ram-bearer," a name given to Hermes because he carried a ram as a gift to Apollo after stealing his cattle. It symbolizes Hermes' gift of reconciliation and his ability to bring peace.
38. **Hermes Polymnestes:** Meaning "Hermes, the One with Many Minds," emphasizing Hermes' intelligence and versatility. He was known for his cunning and ability to adapt to various situations.
39. **Hermes Averter:** Meaning "Hermes, the Protector," signifying Hermes' role as a guardian and protector of those who sought his favor.
40. **Hermes Lykeios:** Meaning "Hermes of Lykeion," referring to the hill in Athens where Hermes was worshiped. This name signifies his connection to specific geographic locations and his religious significance.