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Ancient Greek Names

Ancient Greek names are suddenly being used for modern babies. The revival of Greek mythology as a fresh naming influence has led to thousands of babies being born with once-unusual names like Penelope, Atlas, and Calliope.

Along with Penelope, Ancient Greek girl names ranking in the US Top 1000 include Athena, Alexandra, Chloe, Paris, Sophia, and Zoe.

For boys, the Ancient Greek name influence is even stronger. Along with Atlas, Ancient Greek boy names ranking in the Top 1000 include Alexander, Theodore, Orion, Leon, and Sebastian.

Now we are moving beyond names from solely mythology and considering names that were used in Ancient Greek culture. There is some crossover between these categories, although Greek children were usually given variations of the names of gods and goddesses, rather than the actual divine name.

Along with Alexandra and Zoe, Greek girl names in the US Top 700 include Anastasia, Chloe, and Irene. Boy baby names ranking highly include Alexander, Damon, Leonidas, Orion, and Theodore. In Greece, popular names include Athanasios, Eirene, Nicholas, and Sophia. Along with familiar choices like Jason, Gregory, and Melissa, you’ll find many intriguing names from Ancient Greece that are waiting to be discovered.

For more Greek names, take a look at our lists of Greek Goddess Names and Greek Baby Names for Modern Kids.

Origin:Greek, alternate form of Demeter
1766
Theophania

Meaning: of divine manifestation

Origin:Greek
4440
Doris

Meaning: gift of the ocean

Origin:Greek
710
Ambrosia

Meaning: Immortal

Origin:Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
750
Hero

Meaning: demi-god

Origin:Greek
1512
Melissa

Meaning: honeybee

Origin:Greek
541
Alexis

Meaning: defender

Origin:Greek
2230
Paris The meaning of Paris is 'a place in France'....
Origin:French place-name
1935
Erasmus

Meaning: beloved, desired

Origin:Greek
648
Ambrosius The classy and attractive name Ambrosius can...
Origin:Greek
3549
Odysseus

Meaning: wrathful

Origin:Greek mythology name
1529
Nicodemus

Meaning: victory of the people

Origin:Greek
811
Christian

Meaning: anointed one or follower of Christ

Origin:Greek or English from Latin
441
Damian

Meaning: to tame, subdue

Origin:Greek
245
Homer

Meaning: security, pledge

Origin:Greek
1479
Philo

Meaning: loving

Origin:Greek
1490
Jerome

Meaning: sacred name

Origin:Greek
682
Giles

Meaning: young goat

Origin:Greek
1073
Demetrius

Meaning: follower of Demeter

Origin:Greek
762
Hermes

Meaning: the messenger god

Origin:Greek mythology name
1034