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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.

Nestor

Meaning: traveler, voyager

Origin:Greek
1943
Nereus The name Nereus is used to refer to a Greek ...
Origin:Greek mythology name
2343
Alexios

Meaning: defending men

Origin:Greek
5033
Gregory

Meaning: vigilant, a watchman

Origin:Greek
491
Basil

Meaning: royal

Origin:Greek
500
Eugene

Meaning: wellborn, noble

Origin:Greek
360
Cleopatra

Meaning: glory of the father

Origin:Greek
937
Zenobia

Meaning: force of Zeus

Origin:Greek
1087
Berenice

Meaning: she who brings victory

Origin:Greek
1543
Syntyche

Meaning: common fate

Origin:Greek
5289
Corinna

Meaning: maiden

Origin:Greek
1867
Charis

Meaning: grace

Origin:Greek
1734
Nike

Meaning: victory

Origin:Greek
2968
Eirene

Meaning: peace

Origin:Greek
2228
Helene

Meaning: bright, shining one

Origin:French variation of Helen
1184
Cletus

Meaning: called forth

Origin:Greek
985
Theophilus

Meaning: friend of God

Origin:Greek
1097
Cyril

Meaning: lordly

Origin:Greek
486
Gregor

Meaning: vigilant, a watchman

Origin:Scottish form of Gregory
1516
Heron

Meaning: hero

Origin:Nature name or Greek
1874