Most popular Greek names have a timeless elegance and significance because they are rooted in ancient mythology, history, and culture. These names suggest power, knowledge, and beauty; they range from traditional options like Sophia, Alexander, and Helen to mythological gems like Persephone and Apollo. They resonate with meanings derived from literature, philosophy, and the arts, reflecting the continuing legacy of Greek culture. Greek names carry a feeling of heritage and grace, spanning borders and decades to remain cherished and revered in a variety of cultures around the world, whether they are used to honor gods and goddesses or to reflect virtues and goals.
Greek Girl Names
- Sophia – Meaning “wisdom.”
- Athena – The goddess of wisdom and warfare.
- Elena – A variant of Helen, meaning “bright, shining light.”
- Thalia – Meaning “blooming, flourishing.”
- Callista – Meaning “most beautiful.”
- Daphne – In Greek mythology, a nymph transformed into a laurel tree.
- Nadia – Meaning “hope.”
- Zoe – Meaning “life.”
- Eirene – The Greek goddess of peace.
- Penelope – Known for her faithfulness and patience in Homer’s Odyssey.
- Chloe – Meaning “blooming” or “young green shoot.”
- Xanthe – Meaning “golden-haired.”
- Irene – Meaning “peace.”
- Anastasia – Meaning “resurrection.”
- Cassandra – A prophetess in Greek mythology.
- Aria – Meaning “air” or “song.”
- Kyra – Meaning “lord” or “ruler.”
- Phoebe – Meaning “bright” or “radiant.”
- Alexandra – Meaning “defender of the people.”
- Lydia – An ancient kingdom in Asia Minor, also mentioned in the Bible.
- Eva – Variant of Eve, meaning “life” or “living one.”
- Astraea – The Greek goddess of justice and innocence.
- Clio – The muse of history in Greek mythology.
- Isadora – Meaning “gift of Isis,” Isis being an Egyptian goddess.
- Melina – Meaning “honey.”
Greek Boy Names
- Alexander – Meaning “defender of the people.”
- Theodore – Meaning “gift of God.”
- Nikolas – Variant of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”
- Dimitrios – Meaning “follower of Demeter,” the goddess of agriculture.
- Constantine – Meaning “steadfast” or “constant.”
- Adonis – In Greek mythology, a youth of remarkable beauty.
- Leonidas – Meaning “lion’s son.”
- Panagiotis – Meaning “all-holy.”
- Ioannis – Greek form of John, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”
- Andreas – Greek form of Andrew, meaning “manly” or “brave.”
- Athanasios – Meaning “immortal.”
- Stavros – Meaning “cross.”
- Perseus – In Greek mythology, a hero who killed Medusa.
- Spyros – Meaning “savior” or “redeemer.”
- Demetrius – A Greek name meaning “devoted to Demeter.”
- Achilles – The hero of the Trojan War in Greek mythology.
- Kyros – Meaning “lord” or “master.”
- Phoebus – An epithet of Apollo, meaning “bright” or “shining.”
- Evangelos – Meaning “bringer of good news” or “messenger.”
- Aristotle – From the Greek words for “best” (aristos) and “purpose” (telos).
- Socrates – Name of the famous Greek philosopher.
- Hermes – The messenger of the gods in Greek mythology.
- Petros – Greek form of Peter, meaning “rock” or “stone.”
- Damianos – Meaning “to tame” or “subdue.”
- Odysseus – The hero of Homer’s Odyssey, known for his cunning.
Popular Greek Names for Girls
- Ariadne – Meaning “most holy.” In Greek mythology, Ariadne helped Theseus navigate the Labyrinth.
- Elara – In Greek mythology, Elara was a mortal princess and the mother of the giant Tityos.
- Galatea – Meaning “she who is milk-white.” Galatea was a sea nymph in Greek mythology.
- Iliana – A variation of Helen, meaning “torch” or “beautiful.”
- Kalliope – Meaning “beautiful voice.” In Greek mythology, Calliope was the muse of epic poetry.
- Lysandra – Meaning “liberator of men.”
- Maeve – Meaning “intoxicating.” Although not exclusively Greek, it has connections to Greek mythology and is quite unique.
- Nephele – Meaning “cloud.” Nephele was a cloud nymph in Greek mythology.
- Ophelia – Meaning “help.” Although often associated with Shakespeare, it has Greek roots and is the name of a character in Greek legend.
- Pandora – Meaning “all-gifted.” In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman created by the gods.
- Rhea – Meaning “flowing stream.” Rhea was an ancient Greek Titaness, the mother of the gods.
- Thalassa – Meaning “sea.” Thalassa was the primordial goddess of the sea in Greek mythology.
- Xanthea – A variant of Xanthe, meaning “golden-haired.”
- Zenaida – Meaning “of Zeus.” Zenaida has Greek origins and is associated with hospitality and generosity.
- Althea – Meaning “healer.” In Greek mythology, Althea was a queen and the mother of Meleager.
- Dysis – Meaning “sunset” or “the time of day when the sun disappears.” It’s a unique name with a beautiful meaning.
- Eudora – Meaning “generous gift.” Eudora was a character in Greek mythology associated with giving.
- Hyacinthia – A variant of Hyacinth, a flower in Greek mythology associated with rebirth.
- Iolanthe – Meaning “violet flower.” It’s a unique and poetic name with Greek origins.
- Kassiani – Meaning “pure.” Kassiani was a famous Byzantine hymnographer and composer.
- Mnemosyne – Meaning “memory.” Mnemosyne was the Titaness of memory in Greek mythology.
- Nerissa – Meaning “sea nymph” or “daughter of the sea.” It has Greek origins and a unique sound.
- Olympia – Meaning “from Mount Olympus.” Olympia is the feminine form of Olympus, the home of the Greek gods.
- Philomena – Meaning “lover of strength” or “friend of might.” It’s a unique and beautiful name with Greek roots.
- Zephyra – Meaning “west wind.” Zephyra was a gentle wind in Greek mythology.
Popular Greek Names for Boys
- Kylian – Meaning “chaste” or “pure.”
- Theron – Meaning “hunter.”
- Cassius – Meaning “hollow” or “empty.”
- Evander – Meaning “good man” or “strong man.”
- Lysander – Meaning “liberator” or “freer of men.”
- Orion – In Greek mythology, a hunter known for his strength and courage.
- Cyril – Meaning “lordly” or “masterful.”
- Leander – Meaning “lion-man” or “lion of a man.”
- Nikos – Short form of Nikolaos, meaning “victory of the people.”
- Marius – Meaning “male” or “manly.”
- Odysseus – The legendary hero of Homer’s Odyssey.
- Demetri – Variant of Demetrius, meaning “devoted to Demeter.”
- Achilles – The greatest warrior of the Greek army in the Trojan War.
- Pericles – Meaning “surrounded by glory.”
- Xenos – Meaning “stranger” or “foreigner.”
- Apollo – The Greek god of music, poetry, prophecy, and medicine.
- Zephyr – Meaning “west wind” or “gentle breeze.”
- Cleon – Meaning “glorious” or “famous.”
- Ariston – Meaning “the best.”
- Zenon – Meaning “of Zeus” or “gift of Zeus.”
- Hermes – The messenger of the gods in Greek mythology.
- Eros – The Greek god of love.
- Thaddeus – Meaning “courageous heart” or “courageous heart.”
- Alexios – Meaning “defender” or “helper.”
- Nicodemus – Meaning “victory of the people.”