Ancient Greek Names

St. Arsenius (or Arsenios) the Great was a 5th-century Roman saint remembered for his influence on asceticism.

Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.

The name of a Naiad-nymph in Greek mythology, named after the Ancient Greek city of Thespiae. Thespia is an undiscovered gem of a name: unique but familiar, with easy access to trendy nicknames like Thea, Tess and Pia.

This rare name, used by a Byzantine saint, is not as attractive as other Greek "Eu" name like Eugenia, Eulalie and Eudora. This probably belongs in the footnotes of the history books.

A rare name from Ancient Greece, Timandra appears in Greek mythology and the works of Shakespeare. Reminiscent of Amanda, Tiana, and Alexandra, Timandra could be an unexpected way to honor a Tim or an Andrew.

Theano was a 6th century Greek philosopher, who has been called both the wife and student of Pythagoras, though not enough is known about her life to say which was true. Her surviving writings focus on how to deal with children, physicians, philosophers, servants, and unfaithful husbands.

In Greek mythology, Alcestis is a princess who sacrifices herself to save the life of her husband, King Admetus. Heracles later rescues her from the underworld and she is reunited with her husband. Euripides' famous play "Alcestis" was based on the same myth. More difficult than Penelope or Artemis, Alcestis still has a soft and sweet sound that could make it appealing to parents interested in mythology or theatre.

Deriving from the Greek word phos meaning "light", Photina is a variation of Photine, a rare choice with a Biblical link. The name of the Samaritan woman in "Jesus and the Woman at the Well" (John 4), Photine is associated with Jesus's mercy and love, and with spreading the word of God.

A rare and mystical sounding name, but with the familiar element of Dora, this name has been borne by a 4th century saint and by the 19th century Russian opera singer, Nymphodora Semenova. Derived from Ancient Greek, it is made up of doron meaning "gift" and 'númphē meaning "nymph" or less literally, "bride, young wife, girl".

A rare choice from Greek mythology, Herse was the name of several figures including a daughter of Zeus and Selene and a consort of Danaus. Also borne by one of the Jupiter's moons, Herse may now be more familiar in its modern form, Ersi.