Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Another culture's take on the Hailey/Halle phenomenon.

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

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 Moore was born Demi.

An even more unusual cousin name is the Cornish Demelza, made somewhat familiar via the TV series Poldark.

Calista Flockhart opened the door to a whole flock of graceful and unusual Greek names like this, including Calantha, Calla, Carissa, and Cassia. Calandra itself is the name of a species of lark, and has the versatile nickname options of Callie, Candy, Andra, Andie and Birdie.

Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.

Kasiani, also spelled Kassiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kasiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in the Greek Orthodox Church, is associated with fallen women. The 9th century saint Kasiani was supposed to be in love with the Emperor Theophilos, who rejected her when she proved to be more intelligent than he.

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.

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.

A mathematical possibility, but the odds are against it.

The Roman god of the underworld, the former ninth planet, a cartoon dog...but not a baby.

Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground problems.

Lex is still used mostly for boys, but like Alex, may cross over with the rising popularity of all long forms of the name. Lexi is another, more feminine option.

A delicate name with strong roots, Aniceta is most often used in contemporary Spain. Saint Anicetus was an ancient pope and martyr.

Semon is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may function as a rare variant of Simon, which derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning "he has heard" or "listening." Alternatively, it could have origins as a surname before transitioning to first-name usage. In some Slavic contexts, particularly Russian, it appears as a variant of Semyon (Семён). The name has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries and remains quite uncommon. Some families may choose it to honor ancestors with the surname Semon, while others might select it for its distinctive quality while maintaining connections to the more familiar Simon. Due to its rarity, a person named Semon often stands out, making the name memorable in contemporary contexts.

Even more daunting than Nicodemus.

The Biblical Erastus was an assistant of Paul's in the New Testament. A name used in the 19th century that has fall off the scope, but may be revived as parents dig deeper for undiscovered Biblical choices.

Intriguing and unusual.

Creative variation on Peter.

In ancient Greek mythology, a Trojan king with fifty children; in the modern world it sounds more like a computer language or environmentally correct car.

Avram is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, serving as a variation of Abraham. Meaning 'exalted father' or 'father of many,' it carries significant religious and historical weight in Jewish tradition. While Abraham is the anglicized form commonly used in English-speaking countries, Avram remains closer to the original Hebrew אַבְרָהָם (Avraham). The name appears in the Torah/Bible as God's chosen name for the patriarch originally called Abram. Popular in Jewish communities worldwide, especially in Israel and among Ashkenazi Jews, Avram also has usage in Eastern European countries. The name combines historical gravitas with a distinctive sound that feels both ancient and accessible. Its biblical significance makes it meaningful for many religious families.