Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Dorcas

Greek

"doe, gazelle"

Classic name used by the Romans, the Puritans, and the Bard, but pretty much taboo today due to the objectionable connotations of both its front and back ends.

Beryl

Greek

"sea-green jewel"

Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.

Dido

Greek, meaning obscure

Dido was the heroine of Virgil's Aeneid and of the opera "Dido and Aeneas," and in Roman mythology the founder of Carthage. A strong ancient name in the Juno mode, but it could have some awkward…

Diantha

Greek

"divine flower"

Diantha, a mythological flower of the supreme Greek god Zeus, is a melodious and more unusual cousin of Diana, heard most often in The Netherlands. Some similar choices: Diandra and Dianthe.

Beraniece

Beraniece appears to be an elaborated variation of Berenice or Bernice, names with Greek origins meaning 'bringer of victory.' The classical name Berenice has historical significance, most notably…

Anastasha

Anastasha is a feminine name that appears to be a creative blend of Anastasia and Natasha, both names with Russian and Slavic origins. Anastasia comes from Greek roots meaning 'resurrection' or…

Dione

Greek

"divine queen"

In Greek mythology the mother of Aphrodite by Zeus, and also one of Saturn's moons; this is an astral name quite distinct from the better known Dionne.

Dionne

Greek, feminine variation of Dion

"divine"

Dionne is an Americanized version of the Greek Dione, with many sub-versions of its own, identified with singer Dionne Warwick. It was also the surname of the Canadian quintuplets born in 1934, who…

Beranice

Beranice appears to be a variant spelling of Berenice, a name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'bearer of victory.' The name has historical significance, carried by several queens and princesses in…

Diandra

Greek

"twice a man; divine woman"

Diandra is one of many variations on Diana, but without the regal, classic feel. For some, that might be a drawback, while others may see it as a plus. On one hand the name could be interpreted to…

Diamanta

Greek

"diamond"

Diamanta is a version of Diamond that is sometimes heard in France, and does soften the hardness of the stone. It likely comes from the Greek Diamantina.

Berenike

Berenike is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, representing the original Greek form of Berenice or Bernice. The name derives from 'pherenike,' combining 'pherein' (to bring) and 'nike'…

Stasia

Greek

"resurrection"

Anastasia is a lovely yet very long name, and Stasia is a fresher, classier short form than Stacy.

Alexina

Variation of Alexandra, Greek

"defending men"

This spin on the "Alex" prefix was the 88th most popular girl name in Scotland in 1900.

Annis

Variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

Annis and Anice are both antique variations of Agnes that have fallen out of use, perhaps because of pronunciation problems (ANN-is, or an-EES?)

Dora

Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, Greek

"gift"

Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection,…

Desdemona

Greek

"ill-starred"

Desdemona is as Shakespearean as a name can be, but because the beautiful and innocent wife of Othello came to such a tragic end, her name has been avoided for centuries. But at this point in time,…

Demeter

Greek

"earth mother"

Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain, agriculture, and the harvest, growth and nourishment, was Zeus's sister and Persephone's mother. Variation Demetria is the full name of actress Demi Moore. Though…

Bernice

Greek

"she who brings victory"

Rarely heard today-- it fell off the list around 1980--Bernice is a biblical name of Greek origin. In the Bible, she is a sister of King Agrippa. Bernice was a Top 100 name in the US for more than…

Demetria

Greek, alternate form of Demeter

Demetria is a dramatic ancient Greek earth goddess possibility with the star-studded nickname Demi. Young actor/singer/songwriter Demi Lovato was born Demetria, but contrary to common hearsay, Demi…