Greek Names

Sweet and soft but outdoorsy too, Pasha could make an interesting alternative to Sasha. Typically used as a diminutive for Russian male names like Pavel, it has also been used for the feminine name Praskovya. 
 
In Turkish, it may be linked to the word paşa meaning "well-behaved, good behaviour" or associated with the title of a high-ranking Ottoman military officer. The Charaxes jasius butterfly is better known as the two-tailed pasha, giving the name a nature connection too. 
 
As a feminine name, it has appeared in the short story The Chorus Girl by Anton Chekov and in the 2009 film, Whip It, while a real-life bearer is Finnish-Russian model and influencer Praskovia "Pasha" Pozdniakova (also known as MissParaskeva). 
 
Familiar yet rare in the US, Pasha offers an international flair with a cozy, approachable vibe. It could even work as a subtle honor for a family Paul, Paula, or Pauline.

Pasha

Pesha is a feminine name with Yiddish and Eastern European Jewish origins. Traditionally, it's considered a diminutive form of biblical names like Perpetua or Persian names meaning 'flower.' In some interpretations, Pesha is linked to the word for 'patience' or 'peaceful one.' The name carries cultural significance in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, where it was more common in previous generations. Pesha has a gentle, slightly vintage quality while remaining distinctive and uncommon in mainstream Western naming. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it easily pronounceable across languages. Today, Pesha might be chosen to honor family heritage or as an alternative to more widely used Jewish names. While rare in contemporary use, it represents a connection to Eastern European Jewish history and tradition.

Pesha

Petronella, and its shorter sister Petra, are both feminizations of Peter. While Petronella is a name with deep history, it's extremely rare. It was given to no baby girls on record in the US last year.

Petronella

Pipitsa is an uncommon feminine name with Greek origins, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form. In Greek usage, it serves as a cute, endearing nickname, similar to how English speakers might use terms like 'little one' or 'sweetie.' The name has a playful, melodic quality with its repetitive 'pi' sound followed by the diminutive suffix. While rarely used as a formal given name outside of Greek communities, Pipitsa captures the warmth and expressiveness characteristic of Greek familial terms of endearment. The name might appeal to parents with Greek heritage looking to celebrate their cultural background with a name that embodies affection and charm, though its highly specific cultural context makes it unusual in international settings.

Pipitsa

Popi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek contexts, it can be a diminutive of Kalliopi, meaning 'beautiful voice.' It also appears as a nickname in Hispanic communities, possibly derived from names like Penelope or Guadalupe. The name has a cheerful, playful quality with its repeating 'p' sound and easy pronunciation. Popi remains relatively uncommon as a formal given name in most Western countries but may be found as a nickname or in Mediterranean regions. The name's short, bright sound gives it an inherently upbeat quality that conveys warmth and friendliness. As a given name, Popi offers multicultural appeal with its connections to both Greek and Hispanic naming traditions.

Popi

Pinelopi is the Greek form of the name Penelope, a feminine name rich in mythological significance. In Greek mythology, Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus who waited twenty years for his return during and after the Trojan War. The name is thought to derive from Greek elements meaning "weaver" or "duck," referring to Penelope's famous weaving ruse to delay her suitors. Pinelopi maintains the authentic Greek pronunciation and spelling, giving it a distinctive Mediterranean charm. While less common internationally than the anglicized Penelope, Pinelopi is still used in Greece and Greek communities worldwide. The name evokes qualities of loyalty, patience, and cleverness, inspired by its mythological namesake. Parents might choose Pinelopi for its classical roots and melodic sound, while honoring Greek heritage.

Pinelopi

Penthia might not be the most charming flower name, but as the lovely Penelope ascends, and the lovely Cynthia fades away, a compromise may be in order.

Penthia

Too tightly tied to the acronym for the activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. 

Peta

Five girls were given the name Perrine last year.  Other feminine Perry or Peter alternatives are Perrin, Perry, or even Petra.

Perrine

Petrina is a feminine name with classical roots, derived from the Latin name Petrus, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's essentially the feminine form of Peter, carrying connotations of strength and steadfastness. The name appears across several European cultures, including Italian, Croatian, and Greek traditions, with slight pronunciation variations. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Petrina has maintained steady usage, particularly in Southern and Eastern European communities. The name has an elegant, somewhat Old World charm with its melodic three syllables and classical origins. Petrina offers parents a distinctive choice that still feels accessible and pronounceable. It provides a more uncommon alternative to the popular Patricia while sharing similar classical roots and a sophisticated sound that works well across different ages.

Petrina

Petal is the soft and sweet-smelling name of a character in the novel and film, The Shipping News. With the rise of such flower names as Poppy and Posy, we believe Petal — down-to-earth yet romantic — has its own appealingly distinctive style. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver named his daughter Petal Blossom Rainbow in 2009.

Petal

Petrini is a feminine name with Italian roots, derived from the masculine name Petrino, which is a diminutive form of Pietro (Italian for Peter). The name ultimately traces back to the Greek 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' While relatively uncommon, Petrini conveys strength and solidity. In Italian communities, it may be used as a family name that has transitioned to a given name, maintaining connections to ancestry and heritage. The name carries a melodic quality typical of Italian names, with its soft ending making it distinctly feminine. Petrini remains a rare choice for baby girls, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with historical depth and European flair.

Petrini

Petronelle and sisters Petronella and Petronel are all relatives of Petra, a feminization of Peter. They are old names, but extremely rare.

Petronelle

A bit pharmaceutical, not to mention hatlike. 

Phedora

Place-name mentioned in the New Testament and not yet on the name map. Philadelphia Thursday was the character played by Shirley Temple in John Ford's 1948 "Fort Apache." 

Philadelphia

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/316/baby-names-that-mean-new-beginnings?all=1">names that mean new beginnings</a>.
 It's a name used by sixteenth century poets and writers: Lyly has a character named Phyllida in his 1592 play Galathea, and there is a poem of the same period called Phyllida and Corydon.
 The distinguished Scottish actress Phyllida Law is the mother of actresses Emma and Sophie Thompson; Phyllida Lloyd directed such films as Mamma Mia! and The Iron Lady.

Phyllida

Philomela, the name of a mythological Athenian princess who was transformed into a nightingale, is rarely heard outside the Greek community. The mellifluous Philomela might make a more distinctive and prettier update for Pamela or Phyllis.  Philomela may also be a good choice for a music-lover's daughter.  Try Pippa or Millie for short.

Philomela

Though we've gotten used to Hermione via Harry Potter, and even Hermes with its godlike and fashion associations, most people would still have a problem with Hermia (too close to hernia?) and Herman.
 On the other hand Hermia could have potential: it has Shakespearean cred, as a character in A Midsummer Night's Dream; it fits in with the rise of Greek mythology names such as Atlas and Athena; and it leads to familiar nickname Mia.

Hermia

Ereni is a feminine name with Greek origins, likely derived from Eirene (or Irene), which means 'peace' in Greek. The name has connections to Greek mythology, where Eirene was the goddess of peace and springtime. This variant spelling with the '-i' ending gives the traditional name a fresh, melodic quality while maintaining its classical roots. Ereni is uncommon in most Western countries but may be found in Greek communities and throughout the Mediterranean region. The name carries beautiful symbolic meaning with its association with peace and harmony. Its flowing sound and meaningful heritage make it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and a distinctive yet accessible quality for their daughter.

Ereni

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.

Psyche

Greek names include choices from ancient mythology along with modern Greek names both familiar to English speakers and those used mainly in Greece. As 

 become more popular, Greek baby names are found more often in nurseries and on playgrounds around the world.

 for girls include Alexandra, Chloe, Katherine, Sophia, and Zoe. For boys, Greek names in the US Top 300 include Alexander, Andrew, Elias, Lucas, and Phoenix. In 

 include Constantine, Nicholas, Eleni, and Vasiliki.

today include Atalanta, Kassia, Timon, and Xan. Baby names drawn from ancient Greek myth include Pandora, Calypso, and Zephyr.



Many Greek baby names have traveled far and wide from their origins in Greece. But there are other Greek names that are attracting new interest that are more distinctly Greek: Cassia and Ione for girls, for instance, and Homer and Linus for boys.



If you’re interested in Greek names for your baby, here is our full range, ordered by current popularity on Nameberry.

Greek baby names for girls and boys with meanings and popularity, including top Greek names such as Theodore and Ophelia along with hundreds of unique Greek names. (Page 44)

Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)