Updated October 2026
Across 3 pages
of 3
Scandinavia
"little mother"
Lillemor is a relatively recent coinage in Scandinavia, where it was most popular in the 1930s and '40s, especially in Sweden. As such, it is considered rather dated in Scandinavia, but it would…
Phonecian
"mother goddess"
Astarte is the ancient goddess of sexuality, fertility, and war, associated with Ishtar as well as Venus.
Yoruba
"mother returned"
West African name best known as that of Yetunde Price, half-sister of Venus and Serena Williams who was tragically murdered in 2003.
Form of Yemoja, Yoruba
"mother of fish"
Janaina is a name used by Brazilians and Caribbean people to refer to a Yoruba goddess of pregnancy and motherhood but also the Virgin Mary.
Inca, Quechua
"maize mother"
In Inca mythology, Saramama was the goddess of maize.
Slavic and Russian variation of Metrophanes, Greek
"mother appearing, shining mother"
Mitrofan comes from the obscure Greek name Metrophanes. It is primarily used as a first name but is also seen as a surname in countries such as Romania.
Finnish
"mother of waters"
A Finnish water goddess, often depicted as a mermaid with the body of a fish and the torso and head of a woman.
Sanskrit
"mother of rain"
Mariamman is a Hindu goddess worshipped as the bringer of rain and prosperity. Her name is often abbreviated to Amman, and her festivals are held during the late summer and early autumn seasons.
Inuit
"mother"
In Inuit mythology, Akna is the goddess of fertility and childbirth.