Cool Greek Names and Their Meanings

The Greek language just isn’t wanting cool names. You’ve in all probability heard of Aphrodite, the goddess of affection and sweetness; or Zeus, the god of the sky. These names solely scratch the floor — since Greek is without doubt one of the oldest languages on the planet, its historical mythology, epic tales, and trendy historical past are filled with well-known names utilized in Greece and past.

Whether or not you’re searching for a reputation in your child or are merely interested in Greek names, we’ve obtained you lined. As a author from Cyprus, the place Greek is without doubt one of the official languages, I’m aware of a whole lot of names. And enjoyable reality: Cyprus is the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, one of many many cool Greek names listed on this article!

Widespread Greek Names

In Greek, you’ll typically discover male names ending with -os, -as, or -is, and feminine names with -a or i. You’ll additionally discover the identical identify typically has a male and a feminine model.

Let’s begin our checklist of cool Greek names by protecting some hottest ones. Within the desk beneath, you’ll discover the feminine identify within the first column, the male identify within the second column, and the that means of the identify within the third column.

Greek Names for Ladies

Many Greek names for ladies have non secular connotations, corresponding to Maria and Michaela. It’s additionally potential to seek out names with historic and mythological origins, in addition to names with necessary character traits, corresponding to Sofia which implies “knowledge.”

Listed here are 10 of those Greek lady names and their meanings:
Αλεξάνδρα (Alexandra): Derived from the traditional Greek phrases alexo (“to defend”) and aner (“man”), the that means of Alexandra interprets into “defender of mankind.” It may be shortened to Alex, Sandra, or Lexi.

Αθηνά (Athena): In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of knowledge, struggle, and crafts. She was identified for her intelligence, strategic considering, and bravado.

Ελένη (Eleni): Eleni means “shiny” or “shining mild.” Its Latin model is Helena, which you will acknowledge from the English identify Helen or the well-known Helen of Troy.

Ζωή (Zoe): Zoe means “life” in Greek. It’s a brief and easy, but stunning identify.

Κατερίνα (Katerina): Katerina is a variant of the Greek identify Aikaterine, which implies “pure.” It symbolizes innocence, advantage, and readability of spirit.

Μαρία (Maria): Maria is the Greek type of the Hebrew identify Mary, which has numerous interpretations. Its most well-known one can be its non secular significance in Christianity, because it was the identify of the mom of Jesus. Different sources say it means “bitter,” “wished-for baby,” or “rebellious.”

Σοφία (Sofia): Sofia means “knowledge” in Greek. It has a complicated and cultured really feel, symbolizing intelligence, information, and understanding.

Δάφνη (Daphni): Daphne means “laurel tree.” Its origins lie in Greek mythology, as Daphne was a nymph who was remodeled right into a laurel tree due to her love for Apollo.

Λυδία (Lydia): The identify Lydia comes from the Asian area of Lydia. It’s additionally thought to derive from the area’s legendary king, Λυδός (Lidos).

Greek Names for Boys

Greek names for boys typically have robust, masculine qualities. Much like women’ names, in addition they typically carry non secular significance and fascinating character traits.
Αλέξανδρος (Alexandros): Like its female model Alexandra, Alexandros means “defender of mankind.” A well-known Greek with this identify is Alexander the Nice, one among historical past’s most famed conquerors and army strategists.

Δημήτριος (Demetrios): Demetrios means “follower of Demeter,” the Greek goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility. It’s a well-liked identify that’s thought to convey a way of devotion and loyalty.

Γεώργιος (Georgios): Georgios means “farmer” or “earthworker.” King George III of England was nicknamed “Farmer George” for his curiosity in agriculture. Coincidence?

Ιωάννης (Ioannis): Ioannis is the Greek type of the Hebrew identify Yochanan, which implies “God is gracious.”

Κωνσταντίνος (Konstantinos): Konstantinos means “fixed” or “steadfast.” Roman emperor Constantine the Nice, who made it unlawful to persecute Christians, had this identify. He additionally based town of Constantinople (now Istanbul). Constantinople is the mix of two phrases: Constantine and πόλη (poli), the Greek phrase for metropolis.

Ελευθέριος (Eleftherios): Eleftherios means “liberator” or “the free one.” It comes from the Greek phrase for “free,” ελεύθερο (elefthero), and may even be present in Greece’s motto: Eleftheria i Thanatos (“Freedom or Loss of life”).

Βασίλειος (Vasileios): Vasileios means “kingly” or “royal” in Greek. Enjoyable reality: Santa Claus in Greek just isn’t Saint Nicholas as you’ll count on — it’s Άγιος Βασίλης (Saint Vasilis).

Νικόλαος (Nicholas): Nicholas means “victory of the individuals” in Greek. It’s a extremely popular identify, and also you’ll hear its different derivatives, corresponding to Nikos.

Λέων (Leon): Leon means “lion” in Greek, symbolizing power, braveness, and management. Apart from Leon, you might also hear Λεωνίδας (Leonidas), which implies “son of lion.” Probably the most well-known Leonidas might be the King Leonidas I of Sparta, or ought to I say “That is Sparta!”

Mythological Greek Names

From the charming tales of gods, goddesses and heroes to inspiring tales, Greek mythology is filled with historic and distinctive names.

Listed here are among the most well-known ones and their meanings:

1. Αφροδίτη (Aphrodite): Aphrodite was the goddess of affection, magnificence, and pleasure. Her Roman equal is Venus, which impressed many artworks, particularly The Delivery of Venus by Botticelli.

In keeping with a fable, Aphrodite was born from seafoam in Paphos, Cyprus. For those who’re ever in Cyprus, you’ll be able to see this legendary website your self — it’s known as Petra tou Romiou. Though not so fashionable in different languages, you’ll be able to come throughout girls named Aphrodite in Greek-speaking nations.

2. Άρης (Ares): Ares was the god of struggle. He was identified for his fierce, impulsive nature and his love of battle.
3. Άρτεμις (Artemis): Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. Recognized for her independence and athleticism, her identify conveys freedom, journey, and power. The Roman equal of Artemis is a well-liked lady’s identify, Diana.
4. Ήρα (Hera): Hera was the queen of the gods and the goddess of household. She was identified for her loyalty, devotion, and highly effective presence.
5. Αθηνά (Athena): Goddess of knowledge and braveness, Athena remains to be a well-liked identify for ladies in Greece.
6. Πηνελόπη (Penelope): Penelope’s origins will be traced again to Homer’s Odyssey, one of many oldest items of literature. The identify itself means “weaver.”
7. Φοίβη (Phoebe): Phoebe was a Titan related to the moon and mind. It means “shiny” or “pure,” and remains to be a well-liked lady’s identify in Greek and different languages.
8. Άτλας (Atlas): Atlas was a Titan condemned to carry up heaven for eternity. It may be used as a boy’s identify conveying power and endurance.

Greek Names Are In every single place!

Alexander, Sophia, Phoebe, and extra. Many Greek names turned fashionable not solely in Greece but additionally around the globe, which makes them so cool!

Names are just one a part of studying in regards to the Greek tradition — be sure to test our different articles on Greek from important Greek phrases to the wonders of the Greek alphabet to get some studying inspiration!

Yaren Fadiloglulari

Freelance Content material Author & Journalist

Initially from Cyprus, Yaren is a freelance author for a lot of digital publications, journey and training manufacturers, and start-ups.

Speaks: English, Turkish, French, and Spanish

View all posts by Yaren Fadiloglulari