Greek Names — Origins, Meanings & History

Minotauros Masculine Greek Greek

Minotauros is the Greek form of Minotaur, the name of a monstrous creature from Greek mythology. The name is derived from the Greek words Minos (the king of Crete) and tauros (bull), meaning "bull of Minos." The root of...

Mneme Feminine Greek Greek

Mneme is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the Ancient Greek word mnēmē (μνήμη), meaning "memory". In Greek mythology, she was known as one of the three original Muses worshiped at Mount Helicon, alongside Ao...

Mnemosyne Feminine Greek Greek

Mnemosyne is the Greek Titan goddess of memory, from whose name the concept of memory itself is derived. The name Mnemosyne means "remembrance," stemming from the Greek word mnēmē, which translates to "memory" or "rememb...

Morpheus Masculine Greek Greek

Etymology and Mythological OriginsMorpheus is a name derived from the Ancient Greek term μορφή (morphe), meaning "shape" or "form." This etymology reflects the god's role in Greek mythology as the shaper of dreams, respo...

Myles 2 Masculine Greek Greek

Myles is a Greek name appearing primarily in ancient mythology, where it was borne by a king of Laconia. The name is most likely derived from the Greek word μύλη (myle), meaning "mill" — a reference perhaps to the grindi...

Myrto Feminine Greek Greek +1 Greek Greek Ancient Greek

Myrto (Μυρτώ) is a female name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word μύρτος (myrtos), meaning "myrtle." The myrtle plant was sacred in ancient Greece and associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as well as...

Narcissus Masculine Greek English Bible +1 Greek English Bible Medieval Latin

Narcissus is a masculine name of Greek origin, Latinized from the Greek Narkissos (Νάρκισσος), which is possibly derived from narke (νάρκη) meaning "sleep" or "numbness." In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a strikingly be...

Narkissos Masculine Greek Greek

Narkissos is the Greek transliteration of the ancient name Narcissus, from the Greek Νάρκισσος (Narkissos). The name is thought to derive from the Greek word νάρκη (narke), meaning "sleep, numbness," alluding to the narc...

Nausicaa Feminine Greek Greek

Nausicaa (also spelled Nausicaä or Nausikaa) is a Latinized form of the Greek name Ναυσικάα (Nausikaa), derived from the Greek elements ναῦς meaning "ship" and κάω meaning "to burn". The name thus means "burner of ships"...

Nausikaa Feminine Greek Greek

Nausikaa is the Greek form of Nausicaa, a name derived from Ancient Greek elements meaning "burner of ships" (ναῦς, meaning "ship", and κάω, meaning "to burn"). The name is famously borne by a character in Homer's epic,...

Neilos Masculine Greek Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek

Neilos is a Greek masculine name directly derived from the ancient Greek name for the Nile River (Νεῖλος). The river's name itself is thought to be of Semitic origin, likely meaning "river", reflecting the Nile's central...

Nemesis Feminine Greek Greek

Nemesis is the Greek goddess who personifies retribution for the sin of hubris, the arrogance before the gods. Her name means "distribution of what is due, righteous anger" in Greek (from νέμειν, meaning "to give what is...

Neoptolemos Masculine Greek Greek

EtymologyNeoptolemos is the Greek form of Neoptolemus, derived from the Ancient Greek name Νεοπτόλεμος (Neoptolemos), meaning "new war"—from νέος (neos) "new" and an Epic Greek form of πόλεμος (polemos) "war". The name o...

Neoptolemus Masculine Greek Greek

Etymology and Mythological OriginsNeoptolemus is a Greek name derived from Νεοπτόλεμος (Neoptolemos), meaning "new war". It combines neos ("new") and an Epic Greek form of polemos ("war"). In Greek mythology, Neoptolemus...

Nephele Feminine Greek Greek

Nephele is a name from Greek mythology, derived from the Greek word nephos meaning "cloud." In legend, Nephele was a cloud nymph created by Zeus from a cloud shaped to resemble his wife Hera, in order to expose the morta...

Nereus Masculine Greek English Bible +3 Greek English Bible Greek Bible Latin Bible Ancient Greek

Nereus is a masculine name with roots in ancient Greek mythology and early Christian history. Derived from the Greek word νηρός (neros) meaning "water," the name is intimately connected to the sea.Etymology and Mythologi...

Neso Feminine Greek Greek

Neso is a feminine name from Greek mythology, derived from the Greek word νῆσος meaning "island." In ancient Greek mythology, Neso was one of the Nereids, the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris who personified the sea's...

Nestor Masculine French Portuguese +3 French Portuguese Russian Ukrainian Greek

Nestor is a male given name with Greek origins, derived from the Greek word neomai (νέομαι), meaning "to return," and nostos (νόστος), "one who returns from travels." The name thus conveys the sense of a "returner" or "h...

Nike Feminine Greek Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek

Nike is a feminine given name of Greek origin, meaning "victory". In Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory, often depicted as a winged figure accompanying Zeus and Athena in battle. The name derives from the G...

Nikephoros Unisex Greek Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek

Nikephoros is a Greek masculine given name meaning "carrying victory" or "bringer of victory," derived from the elements nike (victory) and phero (to carry, to bear). In ancient Greek religion, the name was also used as...

Nilus Masculine Greek Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek

Nilus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Neilos, which is also the Greek name for the Nile River. The etymology of Neilos is uncertain, but it may derive from a Semitic root meaning ">river". This connection to the...

Niobe Feminine Greek Greek

Niobe is a name of ancient Greek origin, primarily known from mythology. Its etymology remains unknown, though the name has endured through literature and art for millennia, serving as a cautionary symbol of pride and gr...

Notos Masculine Greek Greek

Notos is the Greek form of Notus, the name of the god of the south wind in Greek mythology. In the original Greek, Notos (Νότος) means "south wind" or simply "south," reflecting his role as a personification of the warm,...

Notus Masculine Greek Greek

Notus is the Latinized form of the ancient Greek Νότος (Notos), meaning "south wind." In Greek mythology, Notus was the god of the south wind and is one of the Anemoi (wind-gods), the sons of the dawn goddess Eos and the...

Nyx Feminine Greek Greek

Nyx is the personification of the night in Greek mythology. Her name derives from the Ancient Greek word nyx (νύξ), meaning "night.” In Hesiod’s Theogony, she is the offspring of Khaos (Chaos) and the wife of Erebus (Dar...

Oceanus Masculine Greek Greek

Oceanus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Okeanos, which refers to the primordial Titan and the vast river believed by ancient Greeks to encircle the inhabited world. The name derives from the mysterious Okeanos, a...

Odysseus Masculine Greek Greek

EtymologyOdysseus is a legendary Greek hero whose name is perhaps derived from the Greek verb ὀδύσσομαι (odyssomai), meaning "to hate." This etymology is fitting for a figure who endured the wrath of several gods, partic...

Oedipus Masculine Greek Greek

Oedipus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Οἰδίπους (Oidipous), which literally means "swollen foot" — derived from οἰδέω (oideo) "to swell" and πούς (pous) "foot". This etymology refers to the infant Oedipus's ankl...

Oenone Feminine Greek Greek

Oenone is a name from Greek mythology, Latinized from the Greek Οἰνώνη (Oinone), which derives from οἶνος (oinos), meaning "wine". In myth, Oenone was a mountain nymph (nymph) on Mount Ida in Phrygia, associated with the...

Oidipous Masculine Greek Greek

EtymologyOidipous is the original Greek form of the name Oedipus, deriving from the Ancient Greek Οἰδίπους. The name is traditionally interpreted as meaning "swollen foot", composed of οἰδέω (oideo) "to swell" and πούς (...

Oinone Feminine Greek Greek

Oinone is the Greek form of Oenone, which traces back through the Latinized name to the Ancient Greek Oinone. The name is derived from the Greek word oinos, meaning "wine", making Oinone a poetic reference to wine. In Gr...

Okeanos Masculine Greek Greek

Okeanos is the primordial Greek Titan who personified the great river believed to encircle the Earth. In mythology, he was one of the twelve Titans, offspring of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). His name is the source of t...

Omphale Feminine Greek Greek

Omphale is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word ὀμφαλός (omphalos), meaning "navel, center." In Greek mythology, Omphale was a legendary queen of Lydia in Asia Minor. She is best known for her role in the...

Orestes Masculine Greek Greek

Orestes is a Greek name derived from the elements ὄρος (oros), meaning "mountain," and ἵστημι (histemi), meaning "to stand," giving it the meaning "of the mountains" or "one who stands on a mountain." In Greek mythology,...

Orion Masculine Greek Greek

Orion is a male given name from Greek mythology, most famously borne by a legendary hunter who was placed among the stars as the Orion constellation. The name's meaning is uncertain, but it may be related to Greek ὅριον...

Orpheus Masculine Greek Greek

EtymologyOrpheus is a name of Greek origin, possibly deriving from the Greek word ὄρφνη (orphne), meaning "the darkness of night." This etymology aligns with the mythological theme of journeying into the underworld, whic...

Ourania Feminine Greek Greek Greek Greek

Ourania is a Greek female name derived from οὐράνιος (ouranios), meaning "heavenly." In Greek mythology, it belongs to one of the nine Muses, the goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences. Ourania (also known as...

Ouranos Masculine Greek Greek

Ouranos is the Greek form of Uranus. In Greek mythology, Ouranos (Οὐρανός) personifies the sky and is one of the primordial deities. According to Hesiod's Theogony, Ouranos was both the son and consort of Gaia (Earth), w...

Pallas 1 Feminine Greek Greek

Pallas 1 is a variant of the name Pallas, a feminine given name of Greek origin possibly derived from the Greek word παλλακή (pallake) meaning "maiden, young woman."The name is strongly associated with the Greek goddess...

Pallas 2 Masculine Greek Greek

Pallas 2 is a masculine name of Greek origin, borne by a Titan and several other figures in Greek mythology.The name is probably derived from the Greek verb πάλλω (pallo), meaning "to brandish, to sway, to shake." This e...

Pan Masculine Greek Greek

Pan is a name of ancient Greek origin, most famously borne by the rustic god of shepherds, flocks, and wild nature in Greek mythology. The name is thought to derive from the Indo-European root *peh-, meaning "shepherd" o...

Pandora Feminine Greek Greek

Pandora is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "all gifts," derived from Greek πᾶν (pan) meaning "all" and δῶρον (doron) meaning "gift." In Greek mythology, Pandora is famed as the first mortal woman, created by the...

Paris 1 Masculine Greek Greek

Paris is a name of uncertain etymology, possibly of Luwian or Hittite origin. It is most familiar from Greek mythology, where Paris (also known as Alexander) was a Trojan prince, son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. His a...

Parthenia Feminine Greek Greek

Etymology Parthenia is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the Ancient Greek word παρθένος (parthenos), meaning "maiden" or "virgin". The name is a direct borrowing of the Greek noun Παρθενία (Parthenia), w...

Parthenope Feminine Greek Greek

Parthenope is a name from Greek mythology, belonging to one of the Sirens who lured sailors to their doom with enchanting songs. The name means "maiden's voice", derived from Greek παρθένος (parthenos), meaning "maiden,...

Pasiphaë Feminine Greek Greek

Pasiphaë, sometimes spelled Pasiphae, is a name derived from ancient Greek πασιφαής (pasiphaes), meaning "shining on all" or "wide-shining". It is composed of the dative plural πᾶσι (pasi), meaning "to all", and φάος (ph...

Patroclus Masculine Greek Greek

Patroclus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Πάτροκλος (Patroklos), meaning "glory of the father", derived from πατήρ (pater) meaning "father" (genitive πατρός) and κλέος (kleos) meaning "glory". Mythological Backgr...

Patroklos Masculine Greek Greek

Patroklos is the original Greek form of the name Patroclus. Derived from the Greek elements πατήρ (pater) meaning "father" (genitive πατρός) and κλέος (kleos) meaning "glory", the name signifies "glory of the father".Ety...

Pegasos Masculine Greek Greek

Pegasos is the original Ancient Greek form of the name Pegasus, best known as the name of the winged horse in Greek mythology. The Greek name Πήγασος (Pḗgasos) is thought to derive either from πηγός (pegós) meaning "stro...

Pegasus Masculine Greek Greek

Pegasus (from Greek Πήγασος, Pegasos) is a mythological creature often used as a given name or cultural reference. The name's etymology is disputed; it may derive from πηγός (pegos) meaning "strong, sturdy" or from πηγαῖ...

Peleus Masculine Greek Greek

Peleus is a figure from Greek mythology, known as a hero and king of Phthia. His name is probably derived from the Greek word pelos (πηλός), meaning "clay."In mythology, Peleus was the son of Aeacus, king of Aegina, and...

Pelias Masculine Greek Greek

Pelias is a name from Greek mythology, famously known as the king of Iolcus who dispatched Jason on the quest for the Golden Fleece. The name may derive from the Greek word πέλεια (peleia), meaning "rock pigeon," though...

Penelope Feminine English Greek English Greek

Penelope is a feminine given name of Greek origin, famously borne by the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. The etymology of the name is uncertain. It is probably derived from Greek penelops (πη...

Periboea Feminine Greek Greek

Periboea is a Latinized form of the Greek name Periboia. In Greek mythology, this name is borne by several distinct figures, each contributing to its rich mythological tapestry.EtymologyThe name derives from the Greek el...

Periboia Feminine Greek Greek

Periboia is the feminine form of the Greek name Περίβοια (Periboia), derived from περί (peri) meaning "around, exceedingly" and βοῦς (bous) meaning "ox, cow." The name thus means "surrounded by cattle" and is attested in...

Periphas Masculine Greek Greek

Etymology Periphas is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek adjective periphanes (περιφανής), meaning "seen all around," "conspicuous," or "famous." This compound word combines the prefix peri- (περί),...

Persephone Feminine Greek Greek

Persephone is a figure from ancient Greek mythology whose name holds deep linguistic and cultural significance. The meaning of the name is uncertain, likely of Pre-Greek origin, but it has been connected to the Greek wor...

Perseus Masculine Greek Greek

Perseus is a masculine name from Greek mythology, the legendary hero who slew the Gorgon Medusa. The name is possibly derived from Greek πέρθω (pertho) meaning "to destroy". However, because of the obscurity of the name...

Phaedra Feminine Greek Greek

Phaedra is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek Φαίδρα (Phaidra), which comes from the word φαιδρός (phaidros) meaning "bright" or "radiant." The name is most famously associated with Greek mytholo...

Phaenna Feminine Greek Greek

Phaenna is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek root word φαεινός (phaeinos), meaning "shining" or "bright." This luminous meaning is directly reflected in the mythological role of Phaenna as one of the...