Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the name, making it feel less baby-ready than it deserves to be. Hillary as a name has so much going for it: the popular, rhythmic three-syllable structure, the fact that it's strong but light, proper but jaunty, with an irresistible meaning -- having the same root as hilarious. The Italian Ilaria may be one way to make the name fresh.

Overly ambitious choice, recently borne by the hapless hero of cult movie hit Napoleon Dynamite.

Demetri is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from Demetrius, which honors Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. The name literally translates to 'follower of Demeter' or 'earth-lover.' This shorter variant maintains the classical heritage while offering a more streamlined, contemporary feel. Demetri has gained moderate popularity in the United States and Europe, particularly appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal. The name appears in Greek, Russian, and Eastern European naming traditions, making it recognizable across multiple cultures. With its strong consonants and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation, Demetri projects strength and sophistication while remaining approachable.

A simple but unusual name with roots in disparate cultures, Neri appears in the Bible as a male name and is still sometimes used for boys as well as girls. The appeal of Neri are its deep roots combined with its simple, upbeat, modern feel, ala Peri and Rory.

Themis was the Titan -- one of the Elder Gods (or in this case Goddesses) -- of Justice and Order, usually depicted blindfolded and holding the scales of justice. Themis was the mother of the Fates and the seasons. While her name has fallen from mortal use, Themis might rise again along with such rediscovered goddess names as Aurora and Juno.

Phyllis has been used by classical poets for the idealized pastoral maiden. A Greek mythological name of a woman who was turned into an almond tree, Phyllis was in the Top 100 from 1916 to 1958, reaching #24 in 1929, and has the (remote) possibility of joining other revived s-ending names like Iris. In the 'St Clare' book series by Enid Blyton Phyllis is nicknamed Fizz. Just a thought. Phyllida is a variation that sounds at once more old-fashioned and more stylish.

Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero in Greek myth was a woman. Myleene Klass got that when she chose Hero for her daughter, and Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson used it as their daughter's middle--and we wouldn't be surprised to see more girls with this heroic name.

A mathematical possibility, but the odds are against it.

Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.

One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.

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 familiar, Demeter is not one of the Greek goddess namesthat's finding widespread modern favor.

Pheobe is an alternative spelling of the more conventional 'Phoebe,' a feminine name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'bright' or 'pure.' This variation maintains the pronunciation of the original but features a transposed 'o' and 'e.' The name derives from Greek mythology, where Phoebe was a Titaness associated with the moon and prophecy. While less common than the standard spelling, Pheobe occasionally appears in naming records, sometimes as an intentional variation and other times as a spelling error. The name carries the same melodic quality and classical heritage as Phoebe, which has enjoyed moderate popularity throughout the English-speaking world. Those named Pheobe share connections to a name with rich mythological associations and a meaning that evokes light and clarity.

These days, some may think of Hermes as an upscale brand name like Chanel and Porsche (spelled as Hermès), or a strange choice thanks to the parcel delivery company. However, with names from Greek mythology very much in style, it is possible there will be plenty who link it to the Greek messenger god.

This name of the queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream has a delicate, lacy charm similar to Tatiana's, but that first syllable could cause embarrassing problems.

Anatole is one of the unique boys' names with an unusual-ish feel but an uncertain provenance, with a meaning related to sunrise and thus to fire. While it's Greek in origin, it is associated more closely with France. Anatole Kuragin is a dashing, roguish prince in Tolstoy's War and Peace.

For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.

The name of the ship sailed by Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece is now more often used for starch, trucks, and heavy machinery.

Eliane is a melodic name with the very fashionable El- beginning. Lovely and lilting as it is, be aware that there are many El- variations around these days, and little girls called Ellie as a result.

Atalanta was a beautiful mythological maiden who refused to marry any man who couldn't beat her in a footrace -- quite a role model. This myth is found in Ovid's Metamorphoses and later in Swinburne's Atalantis in Calydon.

A common Greek nickname, coming from the affectionate -akis suffix. Most often used as a nickname for Stamatios (from the affectionate nickname Stamatakis) or Panagiotis (from Panagiotakis), but it can work for many more Greek boy names.