Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Medora

Greek

"mother's gift"

Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in…

Damara

Greek

"gentle girl"

This name of an ancient fertility goddess is associated with the month of May and could make a pretty, unusual choice for a springtime baby. Damaris is a similar possibility.

Phyllis

Greek

"green bough"

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,…

Psyche

Greek

"breath"

This name of the mortal girl loved by Eros is too loaded with psyche/psycho/psychic associations. The mythological Psyche became goddess of the soul.

Raemonia

Raemonia is an uncommon feminine name with a melodic, flowing quality. It appears to be a modern creation, possibly combining elements from names like Ramona (Spanish, meaning 'wise protector') and…

Medea

Greek

"middle"

Mythological princess who killed her kids. Eternal no-no.

Reveka

Reveka is a feminine name representing a variant spelling or cultural adaptation of Rebecca. Rebecca originated from Hebrew רִבְקָה (Rivkah), meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind', and appears in the Bible…

Reta

Greek

"shaken"

With a soft e, sounds like an affected pronunciation of Rita.

Cytherea

Greek

"from the island of Cythera"

Cytherea, a place-name that is the home of Aphrodite, seems stuck in ancient Greece.

Rhoda

Greek

"rose"

To those who remember, Rhoda is still reminiscent of the brassy Bronx 1970s sitcom Rhoda Morgenstern. But Rhoda has a much longer history--it is a name that can be found in the New Testament as a…

Roxane

Persian

"dawn"

Alternative (rarer) spelling of Roxanne.

Rue

Botanical names or word name

"herb; regret"

Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in…

Kynthia

Kynthia is an alternative spelling of Cynthia, a name with ancient Greek origins. The name derives from Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, birthplace of the goddess Artemis (Diana in Roman…

Zelena

Greek variation of Selena

See SELENA.

Selia

Selia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, creating a rich tapestry of meanings. It may be a variant of Celia, which derives from the Roman family name Caelius, meaning "heaven" or…

Celena

Celena is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, primarily considered a variant spelling of Selena or Celina. The name ultimately derives from Greek origins related to 'selene,' meaning…

Sibley

Variation of Sybil, Greek

"seer, oracle"

Meet my sibling, Sibley. Joking aside, Sibley sounds more possible than ever thanks to its trendy -ley ending and the new stylishness of big sister name Sybil.

Sybella

Variation of Sybil or Sibyl

"seer, oracle"

The lovely Sybella is being nudged into the spotlight by two influences: the original Sybil (the most popular spelling) or Sibyl, name of the beauteous youngest sister of television's period megahit…

Sirena

Greek

"entangler"

Sounds like Serena, but refers to the mythological sirens -- half woman, half bird -- who virtually sang men to death. Not a great role model for your little girl.

Tina

Diminutive of Christina et al

Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna…