In ancient Greece, men and women had unique first names; they had no middle and last names. Even though many names are no longer used today, some Greek names have withstood the test of time and are as popular today as they were ages ago. Here, we present you with a list of popular ancient Greek names along with their meanings.
Ancient Greece is considered to be the cradle of western civilization and is the birthplace of many famous philosophers, kings, and heroes. The time period of the ancient Greek civilization was between the Archaic period of 8th to 6th century BC to the end of antiquity i.e. 6th century AD. It was a civilization that gave the world western philosophy, literature, democracy, art and sculptures, and the Olympic games. The ancient Greeks were known to be pioneers in formulating logically valid ideas for government, science, theory, religion, and fine arts. They were truly unique in all aspects of life be it food, religion, names or culture.
Speaking of names, as mentioned earlier, ancient Greeks had no last names and were identified with only their first name. Their names would either be simple names derived from a noun or adjective along with a suffix. For e.g., Archimedes, which meant a master thinker, was derived from archos meaning master, and medomai meaning thinker or being aware. For the purpose of identification, a person was sometimes given a patronymic name. For e.g., Alexander son of Philip. In some instances an individual’s location or geographical place was included in the name like Markos (one who hails from the Aegean Islands) or Delphi (a region in the valley of Phocis). Here are some well-known classical Greek names, along with their meanings.
Famous Classical Greek Names
- Aléxandros (Alexander) ~ The brave defender
- Aristotélēs (Aristotle) ~ The best of all
- Médousa (Medusa) ~ To plan or contrive
- Plátōn (Plato) ~ Have strong shoulders
- Pythagóras (Pythagoras) ~ The reflective thinker
- Helénē (Helen) ~ The shining torch
- Odysseus ~ Gives/Receives pain
- Archimedes ~ The master thinker
Another category of Ancient Greek names were derived or based on the names of gods and goddesses. Some names were derived from heroes, nymphs, and lesser deities. Here are some popular ones.
Gods
Greek Name: Apollōn
English Name: Apollo
Meaning: Strong
Greek Name: Aris
English Name: Ares
Meaning: Violent
Greek Name: Aristaios
English Name: Aristaeus
Meaning: Follower of flocks
Greek Name: Astraios
English Name: Astraeus
Meaning: Dusk
Greek Name: Khaos
English Name: Chaos
Meaning: Formless void
Greek Name: Krónos
English Name: Cronus
Meaning: Time
Greek Name: Komos
English Name: Comus
Meaning: Festivity
Greek Name: Erebos
English Name: Erebus
Meaning: Darkness
Greek Name: Eros
English Name: Eros
Meaning: Love
Greek Name: Dionysos
English Name: Dionysus
Meaning: Merrymaker
Greek Name: Hāidēs
English Name: Hades
Meaning: Ruler of Underworld
Greek Name: Hēphaistos
English Name: Hephaestus
Meaning: Blacksmith
Greek Name: Hēlios
English Name: Helios
Meaning: Sun
Greek Name: Hermes
English Name: Hermes
Meaning: Messenger
Greek Name: Pān
English Name: Pan
Meaning: Guardian of cattle
Greek Name: Ploutos
English Name: Plutus
Meaning: Wealthy
Greek Name: Pontos
English Name: Pontus
Meaning: Sea
Greek Name: Poseidon
English Name: Posidon
Meaning: Oceans
Greek Name: Ouranos
English Name: Uranus
Meaning: Sky
Greek Name: Zeús
English Name: Zeus
Meaning: King of Gods
Goddesses
Greek Name: Aphrodite
English Name: Aphrodite
Meaning: Beautiful
Greek Name: Athēnaia
English Name: Athena
Meaning: Intelligent and wise
Greek Name: Aura
English Name: Aura
Meaning: Breeze
Greek Name: Kētō
English Name: Ceto
Meaning: Sea monster
Greek Name: Khloris
English Name: Chloris
Meaning: Spring and flowers
Greek Name: Dāmātēr
English Name: Demeter
Meaning: Fertility
Greek Name: Eirene
English Name: Irene
Meaning: Peaceful
Greek Name: Ēōs
English Name: Eos
Meaning: Dawn
Greek Name: Eris
English Name: Eris
Meaning: Strife and discord
Greek Name: Eunomia
English Name: Eunomia
Meaning: Order and peace
Greek Name: Ge
English Name: Gaia
Meaning: Earth
Greek Name: Hēbē
English Name: Hebe
Meaning: Youthful
Greek Name: Hemera
English Name: Hemera
Meaning: Daytime
Greek Name: Hērē
English Name: Hera
Meaning: Feminine
Greek Name: Iris
English Name: Iris
Meaning: Rainbow
Greek Name: Rhamnousia
English Name: Nemesis
Meaning: Divine retribution
Greek Name: Nike
English Name: Nike
Meaning: Victory
Greek Name: Nyx
English Name: Nox
Meaning: Night
Greek Name: Selene
English Name: Mene
Meaning: Moon
Greek Name: Tyche
English Name: Tyche
Meaning: Fortunate
Another naming method, that is still practiced today, was that of naming the first-born son after the paternal grandfather, and the second after the maternal grandfather. After the advent of Christianity, some names were derived from The Bible. These names are still considered popular because of their unique meaning and pronunciation. If you are looking for some Ancient Greek names for your little bundle of joy, then here’s a list of names with their meanings.
Greek Male Names
Greek Name: Adunis
English Name: Adonis
Meaning: My Lord
Greek Name: Adrēstos
English Name: Adrastos
Meaning: Courageous
Greek Name: Ajax
English Name: Ajas
Meaning: Mourner
Greek Name: Alcibiade
English Name: Alkiviadis
Meaning: Ambitious
Greek Name: Bartholomew
English Name: Bartholomew
Meaning: Son of Talmai
Greek Name: Barnabas
English Name: Barnabas
Meaning: Son of comfort
Greek Name: Kadmos
English Name: Cadmus
Meaning: He who excels
Greek Name: Kharon
English Name: Charon
Meaning: Fierce brightness
Greek Name: Christophoros
English Name: Christopher
Meaning: Carrier of Christ
Greek Name: Daedalos
English Name: Daedalus
Meaning: Cunning
Greek Name: Dioklês
English Name: Diocles
Meaning: Glory of God
Greek Name: Doros
English Name: Doros
Meaning: Determined
Greek Name: Drakōn
English Name: Draco
Meaning: Dragon
Greek Name: Deucalion
English Name: Deucalion
Meaning: Sweet wine
Greek Name: Dimitris
English Name: Dimitris
Meaning: Lover of Earth
Greek Name: Elpidios
English Name: Elpidio
Meaning: Hope
Greek Name: Eleazar
English Name: Elʻazar
Meaning: God’s assistance
Greek Name: Erasmos
English Name: Erasmus
Meaning: To love
Greek Name: Esdras
English Name: Ezra
Meaning: Helper
Greek Name: Eukleidēs
English Name: Euclid
Meaning: Glorious
Greek Name: Imanu’el
English Name: Emmanuel
Meaning: God is with us
Greek Name: Georgios
English Name: Georgios
Meaning: Farmer
Greek Name: Haemon
English Name: Haimon
Meaning: Violent
Greek Name: Hectōr
English Name: Hektor
Meaning: Savior
Greek Name: Hēraklēs
English Name: Heracles
Meaning: Glory of Hera
Greek Name: Hēsíodos
English Name: Hesiod
Meaning: Send song
Greek Name: Iēsous
English Name: Jesus
Meaning: Salvation
Greek Name: Ioannes
English Name: Joannes
Meaning: God is gracious
Greek Name: Ionas
English Name: Jonah
Meaning: Dove
Greek Name: Jude
English Name: Judas
Meaning: Praised
Greek Name: Karpos
English Name: Carpus
Meaning: Fruitful
Greek Name: Konstantinos
English Name: Constantine
Meaning: Constant
Greek Name: Loukas
English Name: Luke
Meaning: Giver of Light
Greek Name: Midas
English Name: Midas
Meaning: King of Phrygia
Greek Name: Matthias
English Name: Matthew
Meaning: Gift of the Lord
Greek Name: Méntōr
English Name: Mentor
Meaning: Wise
Greek Name: Myron
English Name: Myron
Meaning: Myrrh
Greek Name: Nestōr
English Name: Nestor
Meaning: Wise
Greek Name: Nicias
English Name: Nikias
Meaning: Victor
Greek Name: Oidípous
English Name: Oedípus
Meaning: Swollen footed
Greek Name: Olympos
English Name: Olympus
Meaning: Abode of Gods
Greek Name: Orion
English Name: Orion
Meaning: Rising in the sky
Greek Name: Paeon
English Name: Paean
Meaning: Healer
Greek Name: Pallas
English Name: Pallas
Meaning: Wise
Greek Name: Panagiotis
English Name: Panagiotes
Meaning: Holy
Greek Name: Pantheras
English Name: Pantheras
Meaning: Panther
Greek Name: Photios
English Name: Photius
Meaning: Light
Greek Name: Protios
English Name: Proteus
Meaning: First-born
Greek Name: Šet
English Name: Seth
Meaning: Anointed
Greek Name: Shimon
English Name: Simon
Meaning: Reputed
Greek Name: Sophos
English Name: Sophus
Meaning: Clever
Greek Name: Thánatos
English Name: Thanatos
Meaning: Death
Greek Name: Theodotos
English Name: Theodotus
Meaning: Given to God
Greek Name: Thomas
English Name: Thomas
Meaning: Twin
Greek Name: Vassileios
English Name: Vasilis
Meaning: King
Greek Name: Xenocrates
English Name: Xenocrates
Meaning: Powerful
Greek Name: Yiannis
English Name: John
Meaning: God is gracious
Greek Name: Yiorgos
English Name: Giorgos
Meaning: Farmer
Greek Name: Zenon
English Name: Zeno
Meaning: Life of Zeus
Greek Name: Zoticus
English Name: Zoticus
Meaning: Full of life
Greek Female Names
Greek Name: Adelpha
English Name: Adelfa
Meaning: Dear sister
Greek Name: Adrasteia
English Name: Adrastea
Meaning: Courageous
Greek Name: Aelle
English Name: Aella
Meaning: Whirlwind
Greek Name: Agápē
English Name: Agape
Meaning: Love
Greek Name: Ágata
English Name: Agatha
Meaning: Good
Greek Name: Agauē
English Name: Agave
Meaning: Illustrious
Greek Name: Aglaïa
English Name: Aglaea
Meaning: Shining
Greek Name: Alexis
English Name: Alexis
Meaning: Defender
Greek Name: Althaea
English Name: Althea
Meaning: Healer
Greek Name: Aminta
English Name: Aminta
Meaning: Protector
Greek Name: Andromédē
English Name: Andromeda
Meaning: Ruler of men
Greek Name: Anastasia
English Name: Anastacia
Meaning: Resurrected
Greek Name: Atropos
English Name: Aisa
Meaning: Inflexible
Greek Name: Berenikē
English Name: Berenice
Meaning: Bringer of victory
Greek Name: Chara
English Name: Chara
Meaning: Bringer of joy
Greek Name: Khrysēís
English Name: Chryseis
Meaning: Gold
Greek Name: Cyaneia
English Name: Cyanea
Meaning: Blue sky
Greek Name: Kyrene
English Name: Cyrene
Meaning: Sovereign queen
Greek Name: Damaris
English Name: Damaris
Meaning: Calf
Greek Name: Daphnē
English Name: Daphne
Meaning: Laurel tree
Greek Name: Danaë
English Name: Dana
Meaning: Princess of Argos
Greek Name: Adelia
English Name: Delia
Meaning: Noble
Greek Name: Despoine
English Name: Despoina
Meaning: Mistress
Greek Name: Dianthe
English Name: Dianthe
Meaning: Divine flower
Greek Name: Ēlektra
English Name: Electra
Meaning: Bright
Greek Name: Eleni
English Name: Helena
Meaning: Shining light
Greek Name: Elissa
English Name: Eliza
Meaning: Wanderer
Greek Name: Elpis
English Name: Elpis
Meaning: Hope
Greek Name: Hagnē
English Name: Agnes
Meaning: Pure
Greek Name: Halkyónē
English Name: Alcyone
Meaning: Kingfisher
Greek Name: Hermione
English Name: Hermione
Meaning: Messenger
Greek Name: Ianthe
English Name: Ianthe
Meaning: Violet flower
Greek Name: Iolë
English Name: Iole
Meaning: Violet
Greek Name: Eirene
English Name: Irene
Meaning: Peace
Greek Name: Iōanna
English Name: Joanna
Meaning: God is gracious
Greek Name: Kalliopē
English Name: Calliope
Meaning: Muse
Greek Name: Kassandra
English Name: Cassandra
Meaning: Shining upon men
Greek Name: Klytia
English Name: Clytie
Meaning: Famous
Greek Name: Leda
English Name: Leda
Meaning: Lady
Greek Name: Ligeia
English Name: Ligeia
Meaning: Clear voiced
Greek Name: Mariam
English Name: Mary
Meaning: Bitter
Greek Name: Margarites
English Name: Margaret
Meaning: Pearl
Greek Name: Megaera
English Name: Megara
Meaning: Jealous
Greek Name: Olympias
English Name: Olympia
Meaning: From Mt. Olympus
Greek Name: Ophelia
English Name: Ophelia
Meaning: Helper
Greek Name: Pandora
English Name: Pandora
Meaning: Gifted
Greek Name: Pēnelópeia
English Name: Penelope
Meaning: Weaver
Greek Name: Psappho
English Name: Sappho
Meaning: Sapphire
Greek Name: Sofia
English Name: Sophia
Meaning: Wise
Greek Name: Thaleia
English Name: Thalia
Meaning: Blossom
Greek Name: Thekla
English Name: Thecla
Meaning: Glory of God
Greek Name: Varvara
English Name: Barbara
Meaning: Foreign
Greek Name: Vasiliki
English Name: Basil
Meaning: Queen
Greek Name: Xanthe
English Name: Xanthe
Meaning: Blonde
Greek Name: Xenia
English Name: Xena
Meaning: Hospitable
Greek Name: Zēnobía
English Name: Zenobia
Meaning: Life of Zeus
It is said that personal names mirror the values and concerns of the prevalent society. And the above list throws light on how much the ancient Greeks used their rich culture, language, and geography to form their distinct yet timeless names.
