Ancient Greek Names

Feminine form of Theophilus

A rare Greek name, reminiscent of Leander, Timothy, and Alexander. Derived from timao and andros meaning "to honor, respect" and "of man", it could be an interesting honor name for a Tim and an Andrew.

Timotheos is the original Greek form of Timothy, derived from Greek elements meaning 'honoring God' or 'God's honor.' This classical version maintains the full richness of its ancient origins, connecting directly to Biblical heritage. In the New Testament, Timotheos was a young companion of the Apostle Paul and recipient of two epistles. The name carries connotations of reverence, respect, and devotion. While Timothy became widely used throughout the Christian world, Timotheos remains closer to its authentic Greek roots, offering a more distinctive alternative. The name has occasional usage in Greece and among families seeking names with clear classical or biblical connections. Timotheos provides a dignified, scholarly impression while maintaining its spiritual significance.

See Dorcas.

The masculine form of Arsinoe. In Greek mythology, Arsinoos of Mysia & Arsinoos of Tenedos are both minor characters associated with the Trojan War. The name derives from the Greek arsis "rise, lift" and nous "mind, intellect".

Sometimes used as the masculine form of Irene / Eirene, Irenaeus is a name seen in the Early Christian church (for example, Saint Irenaeus who is considered to be one of the Church fathers). Other forms of this name are Irenaus and Eireneus.

Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen today.

A dramatic classical name connected to the god of medicine and archery, we think just Apollo is a more wearable choice for a modern boy — though this longer form does fit in with the likes of Aurelius, Augustine, Persephone, and Leonidas if you did want a big name for your baby.

A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.

The name of a Greek hero who played a central role in Homer's Iliad. Menelaus was a king of Sparta and the husband of Helen, and he started the Trojan War when she was taken from him by Paris. A dramatic mythological name, Menelaus could be a brave and unexpected choice for lovers of Ancient Greek myth and literature.

This bold, poetic name appears in Greek mythology as the hero who tamed Pegasus and slayed the Chimera, but displeased the gods by trying to fly to Olympus. The subject of a play by Euripides and an opera Jean-Baptiste Lully, Bellerophon is also the name of an antidote in the film Mission: Impossible 2 and the nickname of a planet outside of our solar system.

Pindar is the English name for the Ancient Greek lyrical poet Pindaros. It's uncertain where his name comes from, although it may be related to the Pindus (Pindos) mountains in Northern Greece and Southern Albania, or the ancient city of Pindos.

While this may seem like a modern spelling, Korinna is actually the Ancient Greek form of Corinna, originating from the word "kore" meaning "maiden". Most notably, Korinna was the name of an ancient Greek lyrical poet from Boetia.

A rare Ancient Greek name, derived from timao and andros meaning "to honor, respect" and "of man". It may be more familiar in its feminine form Timandra.

Hecabe (or Hekabe) is an alternate form of Hecuba, a character from Homer's Iliad. In the story, she is the wife of King Priam of Troy and the mother of Hector, Paris, Cassandra and others. One of the more obscure names from the Iliad, but one with potential, with its energetic ending reminiscent of Phoebe and the possibility for the cute nickname Bea.

The original Greek form of Circe, also used in various other languages. Less soft than the English Circe, Kirke nonetheless has a distinct sound with modern appeal. In Greek mythology, she is a sorceress with a significant role in Homer's Odyssey.

An ancient name with a beautiful meaning, but the sound may be a bit too grand for a modern child to wear. Pausanias was a 2nd-century writer famous for his Description of Greece, a work recounting his observations while travelling in classical Greece. Another historical namesake, Pausanias the Regent, was a significant Spartan regent and a general.

Meaning "golden flower", this name was borne by a semi-legendary 3rd century saint.

Aristotelia is a bold feminine form of the Aristotle, made up of the Greek elements aristos and telos meaning "best" and "purpose" respectively. Associated with philosophy and ethics, this name is also given to a tree in South America, better known as Chilean wineberry or maqui, and to a genus of moth.