109+ *Best* Greek Mythology Baby Names (Gods, Goddesses & Heroes)

If you love names with history, power, and a touch of magic, Greek mythology baby names are absolutely *it*. From fierce goddesses to legendary heroes, these 110+ names are as epic as the stories they come from —

Greek mythology spans thousands of years of gods, goddesses, heroes, and legendary creatures, and their names have found their way into everyday use ever since. This list pulls together options from every corner of that world, from Olympian rulers to mortal heroes and heroines, so you can find one that fits the sound and story you want. Each entry includes where the name comes from and what it meant in myth, giving you some context beyond just how it sounds.

We’ve rounded up over 110 Greek mythology baby names for boys and girls, organized by category so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Each name includes its mythological origin and meaning, so you can pick a name that truly resonates with you.

Greek Goddess Names for Girls

These names belong to the powerful goddesses who ruled over love, wisdom, nature, and everything in between. If you want a name that radiates strength and femininity, start here.

Athena

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: uh-THEE-nah · əˈθiːnə
• Meaning: name of the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare
• Popularity: #90 and falling (#76 → #90, 2024)

Aphrodite

• Origin: Ancient Greek (mythological name, etymology of the name itself is uncertain/disputed)
• Pronunciation: af-ruh-DY-tee · ˌæfrəˈdaɪti
• Meaning: Goddess of love, beauty, and desire. According to myth, she was born from the sea foam off the coast of Cyprus, emerging fully grown and breathtakingly beautiful.
• Popularity: #5,298 and rising (#6,185 → #5,298, 2024)

Artemis

• Origin: Ancient Greek (deeper root uncertain)
• Pronunciation: AR-tuh-miss · ˈɑːrtəmɪs
• Meaning: Goddess of the hunt, the moon, and wild animals. Twin sister of Apollo, she roamed the forests with her band of nymphs and was fiercely independent.
• Popularity: #1,022 and falling (#853 → #1,022, 2024)

Hera

• Origin: Ancient Greek (deeper root uncertain/debated)
• Pronunciation: HEER-uh · ˈhɪərə
• Meaning: Queen of the gods and goddess of marriage and family. Wife of Zeus and one of the most powerful Olympians, known for her regal authority.
• Popularity: #2,776 and rising (#2,948 → #2,776, 2024)

Demeter

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: dih-MEE-ter · dɪˈmiːtər
• Meaning: earth mother
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Persephone

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: per-SEF-uh-nee · pərˈsɛfəni
• Meaning: Queen of the underworld and goddess of spring. Daughter of Demeter, she splits her time between the underworld and earth, bringing spring with her return each year.
• Popularity: #737 and rising (#749 → #737, 2024)

Hestia

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: HES-tee-uh · ˈhɛstiə
• Meaning: hearth
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Selene

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: suh-LEE-nee · səˈliːni
• Meaning: moon (as the Greek moon goddess)
• Popularity: #675 and rising (#708 → #675, 2024)

Eos

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: EE-os · ˈiːɒs
• Meaning: dawn
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nike

• Origin: Greek; also Yoruba (distinct origin)
• Pronunciation: NY-kee · ˈnaɪki
• Meaning: victory (Greek)
• Popularity: #10,567 and falling (#9,492 → #10,567, 2024)

Iris

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: EYE-ris · ˈaɪrɪs
• Meaning: rainbow; also the name of the Greek goddess/messenger of the rainbow, and the flower named after her
• Popularity: #71 and rising (#78 → #71, 2024)

Rhea

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: REE-uh · ˈriːə
• Meaning: name of a Titan mother-goddess in Greek myth; the linguistic root is disputed, possibly linked to words for ‘earth’ or ‘to flow’
• Popularity: #616 and falling (#526 → #616, 2024)

Hecate

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: HEK-uh-tee · ˈhɛkəti
• Meaning: possibly ‘one who works/strikes from afar’ or ‘the far-reaching one’ (an epithet related to Apollo); origin genuinely disputed
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nemesis

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: NEM-uh-sis · ˈnɛməsɪs
• Meaning: to give what is due; goddess of divine retribution
• Popularity: #14,654 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Gaia

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: GAY-ah · ˈɡeɪə
• Meaning: earth
• Popularity: #1,147 and falling (#1,122 → #1,147, 2024)

Themis

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: THEE-mis · ˈθiːmɪs
• Meaning: law, divine order
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Phoebe

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: FEE-bee · ˈfiːbi
• Meaning: bright, shining
• Popularity: #183 and rising (#190 → #183, 2024)

Theia

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: THEE-uh · ˈθiːə
• Meaning: ‘Goddess’ or ‘divine one’ in Greek; the name of the Titan associated with sight and radiant light, mother of the sun, moon, and dawn deities.
• Popularity: #1,844 and rising (#2,014 → #1,844, 2024)

Greek Mythology Girl Names

Beyond the goddesses themselves, Greek mythology is packed with heroines, nymphs, muses, and legendary women whose names are stunning for a modern baby girl.

Calliope

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: kuh-LY-uh-pee · kəˈlaɪəpi
• Meaning: beautiful voice
• Popularity: #499 and falling (#491 → #499, 2024)

Clio

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: KLEE-oh · ˈkliːoʊ
• Meaning: glory, fame
• Popularity: #5,973 and falling (#5,025 → #5,973, 2024)

Thalia

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: THAY-lee-ah · ˈθeɪliə
• Meaning: to bloom, flourish
• Popularity: #658 and falling (#573 → #658, 2024)

Erato

• Origin: Greek (mythological, one of the Muses)
• Pronunciation: ERR-uh-toh · ˈɛrətoʊ
• Meaning: “Lovely” or “desired.” The Muse of love poetry and lyric verse, she was often depicted with a lyre.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cora

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: KOR-ah · ˈkɔːrə
• Meaning: maiden
• Popularity: #102 and falling (#93 → #102, 2024)

Penelope

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: puh-NEL-oh-pee · pəˈnɛləpi
• Meaning: uncertain; possibly linked to a Greek word for a duck species
• Popularity: #28 and falling (#23 → #28, 2024)

Cassandra

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: kuh-SAN-drah · kəˈsændrə
• Meaning: “She who entangles men.” A Trojan princess gifted with prophecy by Apollo, but cursed so that no one would ever believe her predictions.
• Popularity: #613 and rising (#639 → #613, 2024)

Ariadne

• Origin: Greek (Cretan Greek)
• Pronunciation: air-ee-AD-nee · ˌæriˈædni
• Meaning: most holy
• Popularity: #1,258 and falling (#1,136 → #1,258, 2024)

Andromeda

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: an-DROM-uh-duh · ænˈdrɒmɪdə
• Meaning: ruler of men (Greek mythological name)
• Popularity: #2,300 and rising (#2,397 → #2,300, 2024)

Helen

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: HEL-en · ˈhɛlən
• Meaning: shining light / the bright one
• Popularity: #424 and falling (#395 → #424, 2024)

Daphne

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: DAF-nee · ˈdæfni
• Meaning: laurel tree
• Popularity: #192 and rising (#241 → #192, 2024)

Calypso

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: kuh-LIP-soh · kəˈlɪpsoʊ
• Meaning: she who conceals
• Popularity: #3,966 and rising (#4,063 → #3,966, 2024)

Circe

• Origin: Ancient Greek (mythological name)
• Pronunciation: SUR-see · sɜːʳsi
• Meaning: “Bird” or “falcon.” A powerful enchantress and daughter of the sun god Helios, known for transforming Odysseus’s men into swine.
• Popularity: #4,785 and rising (#6,469 → #4,785, 2024)

Electra

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: ih-LEK-trah · ɪˈlɛktrə
• Meaning: amber, shining
• Popularity: #9,068 and falling (#7,748 → #9,068, 2024)

Eurydice

• Origin: Greek Mythology
• Pronunciation: yoo-RID-ih-see · jʊˈrɪdɪsi
• Meaning: wide justice
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Maia

• Origin: Greek/Roman (mythological); also Māori
• Pronunciation: MY-ah · ˈmaɪə
• Meaning: refers to the mythological Maia — mother of Hermes in Greek myth, and a Roman goddess of springtime growth (source of the month name ‘May’); also used independently as a Māori name meaning ‘brave, confident’
• Popularity: #459, holding steady (2024)

Leda

• Origin: Greek (mythological name, origin obscure)
• Pronunciation: LEE-dah · ˈliːdə
• Meaning: “Happy” or “woman.” A queen of Sparta and mother of Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, and the twins Castor and Pollux.
• Popularity: #7,780 and falling (#7,481 → #7,780, 2024)

Phaedra

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: FEE-drah · ˈfiːdrə
• Meaning: bright, shining
• Popularity: #6,086 and falling (#5,090 → #6,086, 2024)

Io

• Origin: Ancient Greek (mythological name, deeper root uncertain)
• Pronunciation: EYE-oh · ˈaɪoʊ
• Meaning: “Moon.” A priestess of Hera who was loved by Zeus and transformed into a white heifer. She wandered the earth before being restored, and a moon of Jupiter is named for her.
• Popularity: #9,867 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Antigone

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: an-TIG-oh-nee · ænˈtɪɡəni
• Meaning: roughly ‘against birth’ or ‘in place of a parent’ (Greek anti- + -gone, ‘birth’)
• Popularity: #12,244 and rising (#12,280 → #12,244, 2024)

Chloe

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: KLOH-ee · ˈkloʊi
• Meaning: green/young plant shoot, an epithet of the Greek goddess Demeter
• Popularity: #20 and rising (#26 → #20, 2024)

Harmonia

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: har-MOH-nee-uh · hɑːrˈmoʊniə
• Meaning: harmony, concord
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Atalanta

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: at-uh-LAN-tuh · ˌætəˈlæntə
• Meaning: of equal weight; balanced
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Amalthea

• Origin: Greek (mythological)
• Pronunciation: am-al-THEE-uh · æməlˈθiːə
• Meaning: tender goddess (traditional gloss)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Alcyone

• Origin: Ancient Greek (the underlying word is itself of pre-Greek/uncertain origin)
• Pronunciation: al-SY-uh-nee · ælˈsaɪəni
• Meaning: kingfisher; name of a Pleiad and of a mythological queen turned into a kingfisher
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Terpsichore

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: terp-SIK-uh-ree · tɜːrpˈsɪkəri
• Meaning: delight in dancing
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nyx

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: NIKS · nɪks
• Meaning: night (personified as the primordial goddess of night)
• Popularity: #2,704 and falling (#2,693 → #2,704, 2024)

Psyche

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: SY-kee · ˈsaɪki
• Meaning: soul, breath of life (also the Greek word for ‘butterfly’)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Greek God Names for Boys

The gods of Olympus and beyond carry names that are bold, timeless, and full of power. These are perfect for parents who want a name with serious mythological weight.

Apollo

• Origin: Ancient Greek (theonym, etymology disputed)
• Pronunciation: uh-PAH-loh · əˈpɑːloʊ
• Meaning: God of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy. Twin brother of Artemis and one of the most important and complex of the Olympian gods.
• Popularity: #414 and rising (#434 → #414, 2024)

Ares

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: AIR-eez · ˈɛriːz
• Meaning: Greek god of war
• Popularity: #295 and rising (#414 → #295, 2024)

Hermes

• Origin: Ancient Greek (etymology disputed)
• Pronunciation: HER-meez · ˈhɜːrmiːz
• Meaning: uncertain: possibly from a root meaning ‘to bind together’, or of pre-Greek non-Indo-European origin
• Popularity: #3,908 and falling (#3,744 → #3,908, 2024)

Atlas

• Origin: Greek (possibly pre-Greek substrate)
• Pronunciation: AT-luss · ˈætləs
• Meaning: possibly ‘the enduring one’ (disputed, may be pre-Greek with no recoverable meaning)
• Popularity: #101 and rising (#111 → #101, 2024)

Helios

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: HEE-lee-os · ˈhiːlioʊs
• Meaning: the sun
• Popularity: #2,881 and rising (#3,138 → #2,881, 2024)

Eros

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: AIR-ahs · ˈɛrɑːs
• Meaning: (romantic) love, desire
• Popularity: #1,487 and falling (#1,378 → #1,487, 2024)

Pan

• Origin: Greek (mythological)
• Pronunciation: PAN · ˈpæn
• Meaning: “All” or “shepherd.” The rustic god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, depicted with goat horns and legs. His sudden appearances caused “panic” — the word comes from his name.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Zephyr

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: ZEF-er · ˈzɛfər
• Meaning: the west wind
• Popularity: #1,133 and falling (#1,121 → #1,133, 2024)

Triton

• Origin: Greek (mythological, word origin uncertain, possibly Pre-Greek)
• Pronunciation: TRY-tuhn · ˈtraɪtən
• Meaning: Son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, a merman messenger of the sea who calmed the waves by blowing through his conch shell trumpet.
• Popularity: #3,874 and falling (#2,767 → #3,874, 2024)

Morpheus

• Origin: Greek (via Latin, possibly coined by Ovid)
• Pronunciation: MOR-fee-us · ˈmɔːrfiəs
• Meaning: form, shape
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Prometheus

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: prə-MEE-thee-əs · prəˈmiːθiəs
• Meaning: forethought
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Dionysus

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: dye-uh-NYE-sus · ˌdaɪəˈnaɪsəs
• Meaning: god of Nysa
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cronus

• Origin: Greek (mythological, origin uncertain)
• Pronunciation: KROH-nəs · ˈkroʊnəs
• Meaning: unclear; possibly ‘the accomplisher’
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Oceanus

• Origin: Greek Mythology
• Pronunciation: oh-SEE-uh-nus · oʊˈsiːənəs
• Meaning: The Titan god of the great river that encircled the entire world. Father of all rivers, streams, and ocean nymphs. The word “ocean” comes from his name.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hyperion

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: hy-PEER-ee-uhn · haɪˈpɪəriən
• Meaning: the one who goes above; the high one
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Greek Mythology Boy Names

From Trojan princes to legendary kings, these boy names from Greek mythology are full of adventure and meaning.

Orion

• Origin: Ancient Greek (etymology uncertain)
• Pronunciation: oh-RY-un · oʊˈraɪən
• Meaning: uncertain; possibly ‘heaven’s light’ (a speculative Akkadian derivation, not firmly established)
• Popularity: #325 and rising (#373 → #325, 2024)

Alexander

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: al-ig-ZAN-der · ælɪɡˈzændər
• Meaning: one who defends or protects men
• Popularity: #27 and falling (#22 → #27, 2024)

Paris

• Origin: Greek / French (dual origin)
• Pronunciation: PAIR-iss · ˈpærɪs
• Meaning: Either from the Trojan prince of Greek mythology, or from the city of Paris (ultimately the Gallic Parisii tribe name)
• Popularity: #484 and rising (#493 → #484, 2024)

Hector

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: HEK-tur · ˈhɛktər
• Meaning: holding fast, steadfast
• Popularity: #380 and rising (#384 → #380, 2024)

Troy

• Origin: Irish (also English/Norman surname from Troyes, France)
• Pronunciation: TROY · ˈtrɔɪ
• Meaning: foot soldier
• Popularity: #531 and falling (#461 → #531, 2024)

Adonis

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: uh-DAH-nis · əˈdɑːnɪs
• Meaning: beautiful young man (Greek mythological figure loved by Aphrodite); the name is often traced to a Semitic word for ‘lord’
• Popularity: #206 and falling (#174 → #206, 2024)

Damon

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: DAY-mun · ˈdeɪmən
• Meaning: to tame, subdue
• Popularity: #454 and falling (#425 → #454, 2024)

Castor

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: KASS-ter · ˈkæstər
• Meaning: beaver (mythological Gemini twin’s name)
• Popularity: #6,887 and rising (#7,359 → #6,887, 2024)

Pollux

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: PAHL-uks · ˈpɒləks
• Meaning: very sweet
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Evander

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: ih-VAN-der · ɪˈvændər
• Meaning: good man
• Popularity: #771 and rising (#779 → #771, 2024)

Icarus

• Origin: Greek (mythological)
• Pronunciation: IK-uh-rus · ˈɪkərəs
• Meaning: “Follower.” Son of the inventor Daedalus who flew too close to the sun on wings of wax and feathers, a timeless cautionary tale about hubris.
• Popularity: #5,289 and falling (#5,130 → #5,289, 2024)

Orpheus

• Origin: Greek (origin uncertain)
• Pronunciation: OR-fee-us · ˈɔːrfiəs
• Meaning: “The darkness of night.” A legendary musician and poet whose music could charm animals, trees, and even stones. He journeyed to the underworld to retrieve his wife Eurydice.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Daedalus

• Origin: Greek Mythology
• Pronunciation: DED-uh-ləs · ˈdɛdələs
• Meaning: cunningly made, skillfully wrought
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Aeneas

• Origin: Greek (via Latin); the name’s own root is uncertain
• Pronunciation: ih-NEE-us · ɪˈniː.əs
• Meaning: “Praised.” A Trojan hero, son of Aphrodite and the mortal Anchises. He survived the fall of Troy and, according to legend, became the ancestor of the Roman people.
• Popularity: #5,650 and rising (#6,225 → #5,650, 2024)

Phoebus

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: FEE-bəs · ˈfiːbəs
• Meaning: bright, radiant, pure — an epithet of Apollo as sun god
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Paeon

• Origin: Greek Mythology
• Pronunciation: PEE-on · ˈpiːɒn
• Meaning: healer, physician
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Proteus

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: PROH-tee-əs · ˈproʊtiəs
• Meaning: first
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Endymion

• Origin: Greek (mythological name)
• Pronunciation: en-DIM-ee-un · ɛnˈdɪmiən
• Meaning: “To dive into.” A handsome mortal shepherd or king whom the moon goddess Selene fell in love with. Zeus placed him in eternal sleep so his beauty would never fade.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Greek Hero Names

Greek mythology’s heroes slayed monsters, sailed uncharted seas, and accomplished the impossible. These names carry that same energy of bravery and adventure.

Achilles

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: uh-KIL-eez · əˈkɪliːz
• Meaning: “Pain” or “grief of the people.” The greatest Greek warrior of the Trojan War, nearly invulnerable after being dipped in the River Styx — except for his famous heel.
• Popularity: #1,221 and rising (#1,229 → #1,221, 2024)

Perseus

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: PUR-see-us · ˈpɜːrsiəs
• Meaning: uncertain; popularly linked to a Greek root meaning ‘to destroy’ (disputed)
• Popularity: #1,290 and rising (#1,469 → #1,290, 2024)

Jason

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: JAY-sun · ˈdʒeɪsən
• Meaning: one who heals
• Popularity: #148 and falling (#147 → #148, 2024)

Theseus

• Origin: Ancient Greek (mythological)
• Pronunciation: THEE-see-uhs · ˈθiːsiəs
• Meaning: uncertain; possibly ‘one who sets/establishes’ (shares a root with Greek thesmos, ‘institution’)
• Popularity: #3,763 and rising (#4,325 → #3,763, 2024)

Odysseus

• Origin: Ancient Greek (mythological, etymology disputed)
• Pronunciation: oh-DISS-ee-us · oʊˈdɪsiəs
• Meaning: traditionally linked to a Greek word for ‘wrath/hatred’ via Homer’s own wordplay in the Odyssey — the name’s true origin is uncertain, possibly pre-Greek
• Popularity: #3,131 and rising (#4,842 → #3,131, 2024)

Ajax

• Origin: Ancient Greek (mythological name)
• Pronunciation: AY-jaks · ˈeɪdʒæks
• Meaning: “Eagle.” A towering Greek warrior at Troy, known as “Ajax the Great.” He carried an enormous shield and was second only to Achilles in strength.
• Popularity: #3,681 and falling (#2,804 → #3,681, 2024)

Hercules

• Origin: Greek (via Latin)
• Pronunciation: HER-kyuh-leez · ˈhɜːrkjʊliːz
• Meaning: traditionally read as Hera’s name plus the Greek word for ‘glory,’ though the Hera connection is linguistically disputed
• Popularity: #6,582 and falling (#3,743 → #6,582, 2024)

Heracles

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: HAIR-uh-kleez · ˈhɛrəkliːz
• Meaning: glory of Hera
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Patroclus

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: puh-TROH-klus · pəˈtroʊkləs
• Meaning: glory of the father
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Telemachus

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: tuh-LEM-uh-kuhs · təˈlɛməkəs
• Meaning: far from battle
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Bellerophon

• Origin: Greek (mythological name, origin uncertain)
• Pronunciation: buh-LAIR-uh-fahn · bəˈlɛrəfɒn
• Meaning: “Slayer of Belleros.” The hero who tamed the winged horse Pegasus and rode him to defeat the fire-breathing Chimera.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Leonidas

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: lee-ON-ih-dus · liˈɑːnɪdəs
• Meaning: son of Leon (lion)
• Popularity: #508 and falling (#475 → #508, 2024)

Unique Greek Mythology Names

If you want something a little more unexpected, these rarer names from Greek mythology are just as beautiful and meaningful — but you probably won’t hear them at every playground.

Lyra

• Origin: Ancient Greek (via Latin)
• Pronunciation: LY-rah · ˈlaɪrə
• Meaning: a lyre, the stringed musical instrument
• Popularity: #482, holding steady (2024)

Halcyon

• Origin: Greek (via Latin)
• Pronunciation: HAL-see-uhn · ˈhælsiən
• Meaning: the mythical kingfisher of Greek legend, whose story gave rise to the figurative sense ‘calm and peaceful’
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Phoenix

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: FEE-niks · ˈfiːnɪks
• Meaning: the mythical firebird symbolizing rebirth and renewal
• Popularity: #275 and falling (#269 → #275, 2024)

Griffin

• Origin: Welsh
• Pronunciation: GRIF-in · ˈɡrɪfɪn
• Popularity: #223 and falling (#214 → #223, 2024)

Pandora

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: pan-DOR-ah · pænˈdɔːrə
• Meaning: all-gifted (endowed with gifts by all the gods, per the myth)
• Popularity: #3,857 and falling (#3,816 → #3,857, 2024)

Xanthe

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: ZAN-thee · ˈzænθi
• Meaning: golden, yellow
• Popularity: #17,473 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nereus

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: NEER-ee-us · ˈnɪəriəs
• Meaning: associated with the sea/water
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Leander

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: lee-AN-der · liˈændər
• Meaning: man of the people (Greek ‘people’ + ‘man’)
• Popularity: #1,752 and falling (#1,512 → #1,752, 2024)

Nerissa

• Origin: Greek (coined by Shakespeare)
• Pronunciation: nuh-RISS-uh · nəˈrɪsə
• Meaning: sea nymph
• Popularity: #14,738 and rising (#16,908 → #14,738, 2024)

Aegeus

• Origin: Greek Mythology
• Pronunciation: EE-joos · ˈiː.dʒuːs
• Meaning: “Protection.” The king of Athens and father of Theseus. He threw himself into the sea when he mistakenly believed his son was dead, giving the Aegean Sea its name.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Astraea

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: uh-STREE-uh · əˈstriːə
• Meaning: starry one, linked to the Greek goddess of stars and justice
• Popularity: #2,096 and rising (#2,157 → #2,096, 2024)

Chryseis

• Origin: Greek (mythological)
• Pronunciation: kry-SEE-is · kraɪˈsiːɪs
• Meaning: daughter of Chryses; golden one
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mentor

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: MEN-tor · ˈmɛntɔːr
• Meaning: advisor, counselor
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Thalassa

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: thuh-LASS-uh · θəˈlæsə
• Meaning: sea
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Echo

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: EK-oh · ˈɛkoʊ
• Meaning: sound / repeated sound
• Popularity: #1,693 and falling (#1,558 → #1,693, 2024)

Narcissus

• Origin: Greek Mythology
• Pronunciation: nahr-SIS-us · nɑːrˈsɪsəs
• Meaning: possibly ‘numbness/sleep’ (disputed, may be pre-Greek)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Sibyl

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: SIHB-ul · ˈsɪbəl
• Meaning: from the legendary Greek prophetesses called Sibyls; used to mean ‘oracle’ or ‘seer’
• Popularity: #9,438 and falling (#7,584 → #9,438, 2024)

Pegasus

• Origin: Greek (possibly pre-Greek)
• Pronunciation: PEG-uh-suhs · ˈpɛɡəsəs
• Meaning: “From a spring.” The divine winged horse that sprang from the blood of Medusa when Perseus slew her. He was later tamed by the hero Bellerophon.
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Larissa

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: luh-RISS-ah · ləˈrɪsə
• Meaning: citadel, fortress (from a Greek place name), or possibly named after a mythological nymph of the same name
• Popularity: #1,615 and falling (#1,478 → #1,615, 2024)

Melaina

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: meh-LAY-nuh · məˈleɪnə
• Meaning: dark, black (feminine form)
• Popularity: #10,770 and falling (#9,394 → #10,770, 2024)

Ianthe

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: eye-AN-thee · aɪˈænθi
• Meaning: violet flower
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

More Names We Love

Melissa

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: muh-LISS-uh · məˈlɪsə
• Meaning: honeybee
• Popularity: #378 and rising (#410 → #378, 2024)

How These Names Are Trending

31 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

31 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

31 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

31 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

30 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

30 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

No matter which name you choose from this list, you’re giving your little one a name that has echoed through thousands of years of storytelling. Greek mythology names carry weight, beauty, and meaning — they’re the kind of names that grow with a person and always have a story to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Greek mythology baby names?

Some of the most popular Greek mythology names used today include Athena, Penelope, Chloe, and Helen for girls, and Apollo, Jason, Alexander, and Orion for boys. These names have crossed over from mythology into mainstream use while still carrying that mythological charm. Athena and Penelope in particular have surged in popularity in recent years.

Are Greek mythology names appropriate for modern babies?

Absolutely! Many Greek mythology names are already widely used and feel perfectly natural in a modern setting. Names like Chloe, Jason, Helen, and Iris are so common that many people don’t even realize they come from mythology. Even bolder choices like Artemis, Orion, and Calliope are becoming increasingly popular as parents look for unique yet meaningful names.

What Greek mythology names work for both boys and girls?

While most Greek mythology names lean clearly toward one gender, a few work beautifully as unisex options. Phoenix (the reborn firebird) is used for both boys and girls. Echo has a soft, modern feel for any gender. Paris, while traditionally a male Trojan prince, is now commonly used for girls too. Artemis, though a goddess name, has been used for boys in some cultures.

How do I choose a Greek mythology name that won’t be hard to pronounce?

Stick with names that follow familiar English phonetic patterns: Athena, Apollo, Iris, Chloe, Jason, Helen, Orion, and Daphne are all easy for English speakers. If you love a longer name like Persephone or Telemachus, consider whether you’re comfortable gently correcting people and whether your child will enjoy having a more distinctive name. Many parents find that even unusual names become second nature to friends and family very quickly.

📊 Curious how popular a name actually is? Look it up in our Baby Name Popularity Checker — pulls live SSA data to show ranking trends.

Read next;

🌷 Strong boy names with powerful meanings

🌷 Elegant girl names with beautiful meanings

🌷 Rare girl names worth discovering

✨ Love these names? Create free printable nursery art for any name →