Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Hali

Greek

"the sea"

Like others in this vein, problematic due to the feminine Hailey connection.

Helios

Greek

"sun"

The name of the young Greek sun god, brother to the moon goddess Selene and the dawn goddess Eos, Helios is depicted as riding across the sky each day in a chariot pulled by four horses. A…

Hercules

Greek

"glory of Hera"

Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.

Herakles

Herakles is the original Greek form of the more commonly known Roman name Hercules, belonging to the legendary hero renowned for his extraordinary strength and twelve labors. The name derives from…

Heraklees

Heraklees is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Heracles (Latin: Hercules), the legendary hero of Greek mythology known for his extraordinary strength and courage. The name…

Hermes

Greek mythology name

"cairn, pile of stones, boundary marker"

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…

Hero

Greek

"demi-god; admired, courageous"

A bold, brave choice, that some may worry is a little heavy to bestow on a child, Hero wouldn't seem too out of place alongside Chosen, Merritt, or Noble. Though the mythological Hero was female, as…

Hesperos

Greek

"evening, evening star"

Hesperos or Hesperus is the personification of the evening star in Greek mythology; in Roman myth, that role is held by Venus. There's a Longfellow poem called "The Wreck of the Hesperus" about a…

Hieronymos

Hieronymos is a masculine name of ancient Greek origin, meaning 'sacred name.' It's the original Greek form of Jerome, which became more common throughout history. The name was borne by Saint Jerome…

Hilary

Latin from Greek

"cheerful, happy"

The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.

Hilarion

Hilarion is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the word 'hilaros,' meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful.' This historical name was popularized primarily through St. Hilarion, a…

Hippolytos

Hippolytos is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the elements 'hippos' meaning 'horse' and 'lyo' meaning 'to loosen' or 'to release,' roughly translating to 'freer of horses.'…

Homer

Greek

"security, hostage, pledge"

Homer is a name of two halves, associated with the ancient Greek poet of the epic Odyssey and with the (often) doltish patriarch of The Simpsons . So does that make Homer a classic and scholarly…

Homeros

Homeros is the original Greek form of Homer, the name belonging to the legendary ancient Greek poet credited with authoring the Iliad and Odyssey. The name carries profound literary and historical…

Icarus

Greek mythology name

Icarus, the mythological figure famous for flying too close to the sun, has a couple of negatives: his rash reputation, and those "icky" nicknames.

Ignatios

Ignatios is the Greek form of Ignatius, a masculine name with ancient Roman origins derived from the Latin word 'ignis' meaning 'fire.' This powerful association gives the name connotations of…

Isidore

Greek

"gift of Isis"

Isabel, Theodore, and Isadora are back: could it now be time for a more widespread revival of Isidore? Yet to see any big moves up the charts, Isidore was given to more than 30 boys in a recent year:…

Isiforos

Isiforos is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek name Isidoros, which combines 'Isis' (the Egyptian goddess) and 'doron' meaning 'gift' – essentially 'gift of Isis.' This…

Isidorios

Isidorios is a masculine name of Greek origin, serving as the full formal version of the more common Isidore. It derives from the Greek elements "Isis" (relating to the Egyptian goddess) and "doron"…

Janus

Latin

"doorway"

The meaning of this ancient Roman god's name relates to transitions, hence its connection to the name of the first month of the new year, a time of fresh beginnings. Janus is usually depicted as a…