Greek Names

The name of the father of the sea nymphs -- or one of its shorter forms such as Nereo or Nerio -- would be somewhat easier for a child to carry than Neptune. The name Nereus is largely forgotten but it certainly could rise again along with Atticus and Cassius and other ancient Greek brethren.
 It derives from the Greek neros meaning "water" and was borne by a 1st century Roman saint, making it both a saint name and a sea-related choice. The traditional Greek pronunciation has two syllables while the English form has three. 
 
The name has never charted in the US, but its Spanish and Italian form Nereo has occasionally been used.

Nereus

Nikasios is a masculine name with Greek origins. It derives from the Greek word "nike" meaning "victory," combined with the suffix "-asios," creating a name that essentially means "victorious one" or "he who brings victory." While relatively uncommon in modern usage, Nikasios reflects the ancient Greek tradition of bestowing names with powerful and aspirational meanings. This name would have been more prevalent in ancient Greece and Greek-speaking regions of the Mediterranean. Today, it remains a distinctive choice that connects to Hellenic heritage and history, maintaining appeal for families with Greek ancestry or those seeking a rare name with classical roots.

Nikasios

Nicomedes

Cool goddess name, but you might need to brace yourself for lots of sneaker jokes, depending on where you live. 

Nike

Nikostratos

Vernada is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Verna, which comes from Latin 'vernus' meaning 'spring.' The suffix '-ada' gives it a rhythmic, melodious quality. The name carries connotations of renewal, growth, and seasonal beauty. Vernada has never been widely popular but might have seen limited usage in the mid-20th century, particularly in Southern American naming traditions. Its rarity makes it distinctive for those seeking an uncommon name with classical underpinnings. The name has a vintage charm while still sounding feminine and dignified. Vernada might appeal to parents looking for a name that honors familial traditions while maintaining individuality.

Vernada

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 <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French name</a> for girls.

Oceanus

Oedipus

One way to reference mythology without naming your son after a god.

Olimpio

Olympos

A figure in Greek drama who murdered his mother makes for an unconventional choice for a baby name, but it has appeared on the US extended list several dozen times since records began.

Orestes

Name of the legendary ancient Greek poet and musician — whose music was so beautiful it made trees dance and rivers stop to listen — would provide a child with a challenging but indelible identity. 

Orpheus

Vernamina is a feminine name of rare occurrence, likely developed as an elaboration of the name Verna. Verna has Latin origins meaning 'spring-like' or 'flourishing,' and the -mina suffix adds a melodic quality that extends the name. This elaborate variation could have emerged as a unique creation by parents seeking distinctiveness, possibly combining elements of Verna with endings like those found in Wilhelmina or Ermina. Given its extreme rarity, Vernamina has no established usage pattern or cultural tradition, making it one of the more uncommon names in circulation. The name carries pleasant associations with springtime, renewal, and blossoming beauty through its connection to Verna. Its flowing, four-syllable structure creates a romantic, somewhat old-fashioned impression that might appeal to parents seeking a truly unique option with classical undertones.

Vernamina

Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness.  Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility.  Pan is also a Hindi name meaning leaf or feather.

This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry. 

Panos

Venedicta is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'benedictus' meaning 'blessed.' It represents a feminized form of Benedict, with the initial consonant changed from 'b' to 'v' – a phonetic alteration seen in several Romance languages. The name carries religious connotations, as Saint Benedict founded the Benedictine monastic order. Venedicta offers a more elaborate and distinctive alternative to the more common Benedicta or Benedetta. While rare in contemporary usage, it maintains appeal for those seeking a name with classical roots and spiritual significance. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. Potential nicknames include Veni, Venna, or Dicta. Its rarity gives a child bearing this name a sense of uniqueness while still connecting to historical tradition.

Venedicta

Parthenios, the name of a Greek river god, is draped in a toga. 

Parthenios

Pelagios is one of the more outre of the sea-related names.  But Pel could work as a short form -- or Gus.

Pelagios

Pello

Rare but attractive female form of Basil. 

Basilia

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 53)

Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)