Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Halcyon

Greek

"kingfisher bird"

This highly unusual name -- the Halycyone was a mythic bird who could calm the seas -- conjures up images of utter peace and tranquility because of the phrase "Halycon days"...and the sleeping pill.

Galen

Greek

"healer, calm"

The final n makes this choice infinitely more modern than Gail.

Galatea

Greek

"she who is milk-white"

This name's meaning derives from the material from which the mythical sculptor Pygmalion chiselled his ideal woman - she was carved from ivory. Pygmalion fell in love with his creation and Aphrodite,…

Fedora

Greek variation of Theodora

Fedora is occasionally heard among the British Mayfair and Belgravia set, but we're afraid that in this country there would be too strong an association with the man's felt hat.

Yannia

Yannia is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the masculine name Yannis, which is a variant of John meaning "God is gracious." The feminine form adds a soft, elegant quality while…

Jocasta

Greek, meaning unknown

Jocasta is a mythological name fashionably used in England, but mostly ignored here. She was the mother of Oedipus, King of Thebes, whom he (oops) unwittingly married. If you can ignore that small…

Jolán

Greek

"violet"

One of a number of similar forms of the "violet" name family used throughout Europe — others include Yolanda, Violante and Iolanthe.

Fantasia

Greek

"imagination"

One of the more prominent by-products of reality TV, via Disney.

Cat

Diminutive of Catherine, Greek

"pure"

May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.

Lalage

Greek

"to chatter"

An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman . Appealing…

Evathia

Evathia is an uncommon feminine name with Greek origins. It likely derives from 'Evanthia,' meaning 'blooming flower' or 'beautiful flower,' combining elements of 'ev' (good) and 'anthos' (flower).…

Letha

Greek

"forgetfulness"

Letha is taken from Lethe, the mythological River of Oblivion. Letha now sounds as if it's missing a first syllable.

Lethe

Greek

"oblivion"

In Greek mythology, Lethe was the name of one of the five rivers in Hades, the underworld. Lethe was also the name of the Greek spirit of forgetfulness and oblivion, with whom the river was often…

Lexia

Greek, diminutive of Alexia

See ALEXIA.

Libra

Greek

"scales, balance"

Appropriate for a girl born between late September and late October, Libra suggests both balance and freedom.

Lilis

Lilis is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be connected to Lilith from Hebrew mythology or function as a variation of the flower name Lily. In Indonesian and Malay traditions,…

Lilika

Lilika is a charming feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It may be considered a diminutive form of names like Lily or Liliana, or it could be related to the Greek name Lilitka. In…

Evanthe

Greek

"fair flower"

Evanthe is a pretty Greek name not often heard outside its native culture. With its stylish Ev-begining, Evanthe could make an interesting choice if you're looking for a generic flower name.

Evadne

Greek

"pleasing one"

In Greek mythology, Evadne was the daughter of Poseidon. Evadne also appears in literature (Mary Shelley's "The Last Man") and has a pop culture reference as the cousin of Wonder Woman. A more…

Eustacia

Greek

"fruitful"

Eustacia, the ancestor of mid-century fave Stacy, is just the kind of fusty old relic that might be polished up for modern use. Eustacia Vye is the central character of Thomas Hardy's The Return of…