Greek Names

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

Hali

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 Greek elements meaning "glory of Hera" (ironically, as the goddess Hera was his nemesis). Herakles embodies masculine power, courage, and heroic virtue in classical mythology. Though rarely used as a given name in modern times, it carries strong cultural associations with strength and heroism across Western civilization. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its authentic Greek form and powerful mythological connections. The name maintains a timeless quality while being distinctive enough to stand out in contemporary settings.

Herakles

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 derives from combining 'Hera' (the Greek goddess) and 'kleos' (glory), ironically meaning 'glory of Hera' despite the goddess's antagonism toward the hero in mythology. While Hercules has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries, Heraklees with this spelling remains extremely rare. The name carries powerful associations with strength, bravery, and perseverance, referencing Heracles' famous twelve labors and his eventual ascension to godhood. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its classical roots and heroic connotations.

Heraklees

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 tragic ship voyage.

Hesperos

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 (Hieronymus in Latin), the 4th-century scholar who translated the Bible into Latin. Hieronymos combines 'hieros' (sacred) and 'onoma' (name), suggesting someone whose name or reputation is holy. Though relatively rare in its original Greek form, the name carries historical gravitas and scholarly associations. It offers distinctive Greek flair while connecting to the more familiar Jerome. The name might appeal to parents interested in classical culture, religious history, or simply seeking an uncommon name with historical depth.

Hieronymos

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

Hilary

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 4th-century hermit and saint who was a disciple of St. Anthony the Great and founded monasticism in Palestine. Despite its distinguished history, Hilarion has remained relatively uncommon in the Western world. The name carries a scholarly, classical quality that appeals to parents interested in distinctive historical names. While more frequently found in Eastern Orthodox communities and Greek-speaking regions, Hilarion occasionally appears elsewhere, offering a unique alternative to more common classical names. Its connection to 'hilarious' gives it a subtle association with joy and laughter.

Hilarion

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.' In Greek mythology, Hippolytos was the son of Theseus who was tragically killed after rejecting the advances of his stepmother Phaedra. The name carries associations with purity, dedication, and tragic nobility. Extremely rare in modern usage, Hippolytos remains primarily of historical and classical interest. Those familiar with Greek literature or mythology might appreciate its rich cultural significance. Some modern bearers might use shortened forms like Hippo or Polys in casual settings. The name evokes qualities of strength, integrity, and a connection to classical tradition.

Hippolytos

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 significance, evoking images of classical civilization and epic storytelling. Meaning possibly 'hostage' or 'pledge' in ancient Greek, Homeros has a sophisticated, scholarly air while maintaining melodic quality. While the anglicized Homer has maintained modest usage in English-speaking countries, Homeros remains rarer and provides a direct connection to its Hellenic origins. The name might especially appeal to families with Greek heritage or parents drawn to names with strong cultural and intellectual associations. Its distinctive sound sets it apart from more common classical revivals.

Homeros

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 passion, enthusiasm, and illumination. The name gained prominence through Saint Ignatius of Antioch and later Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. While the Latinized Ignatius is more common in Western countries, Ignatios remains in use in Greek Orthodox communities and among families with Greek heritage. The name carries a classical dignity and religious significance that has sustained its usage through centuries. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Ignatios offers a distinctive alternative with rich historical and spiritual connections.

Ignatios

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 rare name carries profound historical connections to both Greek and Egyptian cultures. While uncommon even in Greece today, it represents the rich tradition of Greek naming that connects to classical mythology and religious heritage. The name has a dignified, scholarly quality and projects strength and wisdom. Isiforos might appeal to parents with Greek heritage or those interested in names with ancient roots and distinctive character that sets them apart from more common Greek names like Nicholas or Alexander.

Isiforos

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" meaning "gift," thus translating to "gift of Isis." This traditional Greek name has historical significance in Orthodox Christianity, with Saint Isidore of Pelusium being a notable bearer. While relatively uncommon outside of Greece and Greek diaspora communities, Isidorios carries a majestic, classical quality with its melodic syllables and ancient heritage. In modern usage, it represents a connection to Greek cultural traditions while offering distinctive character compared to more familiar international names.

Isidorios

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 two-faced god facing in opposite directions, since he looks both to the future and the past. It's no surprise then, that Janus is one of the premiere <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/629/71-wonderful-names-for-january-babies">January baby names</a>. The Slavic form Janusz is more commonly used than the English, represented by the Polish cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, who has shot all of Steven Spielberg's films from Schindler's List to Lincoln.

 But with January having been taken over by the girls, why not consider Janus? One caveat: it does sound a lot like the female Janice.

Janus

Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.

Calixta

Heremias is a masculine name of Greek origin, serving as a variant of Jeremiah or Jeremias. The name derives from the Hebrew 'Yirmeyahu,' meaning 'God will uplift' or 'appointed by God.' It carries biblical significance as Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament known for his messages of both judgment and hope. Heremias is particularly used in Latin American countries and the Philippines, where Spanish naming influences persist. While not among the most common names globally, it provides a distinctive alternative to more familiar versions of Jeremiah. The name conveys spiritual depth and prophetic tradition while maintaining its cross-cultural appeal.

Heremias

Hieremias is a masculine name representing a Latin or Greek variant of Jeremiah, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'Yahweh has uplifted' or 'appointed by God.' This classical form of the name appears in early religious texts and historical documents. While the more common Jeremiah has maintained steady popularity in English-speaking countries, Hieremias remains extremely rare, offering a distinctive alternative with scholarly and historical resonance. The name carries biblical significance as Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament known for his messages of both judgment and hope. Hieremias has a formal, dignified quality with its classical structure and pronunciation. This variant might appeal to those seeking a name with ancient roots, religious significance, and an uncommon yet recognizable presence.

Hieremias

Another of the new Greek-accented Cal- names. 

Calantha

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.

Calandra

The ancient Leontios, the name of several early saints and a Byzantine empire, may rise again with the pride of lion names so fashionable in Europe, from Leo to Leon to Leonie. The Latinized version is Leontius.

Leontios

Bryonia is a distinctive feminine name derived from the scientific name for a genus of climbing plants commonly known as bryony. The name has Greek origins, as 'bryon' referred to moss or plants in ancient Greek. This botanical name remains quite rare as a given name, appealing primarily to parents drawn to unique nature-inspired choices. Bryonia carries an elegant, classical sound while offering the approachable nicknames Bry or Nia. Though uncommon in most naming statistics, it fits alongside other botanical names that have gained popularity in recent decades. The name suggests natural beauty, resilience, and growth—qualities associated with the climbing plant it references.

Bryonia

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 51)

Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)