Greek Girl Names

Dido

Greek, meaning obscure

Dido was the heroine of Virgil's Aeneid and of the opera "Dido and Aeneas," and in Roman mythology the founder of Carthage. A strong ancient name in the Juno mode, but it could have some awkward…

Dorinda

Greek

"bountiful gift"

Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.

Dree

Diminutive of Andrea, feminine form of Andrew

"strong and manly"

This unique one-syllable name was added to the mix by Mariel Hemingway for her now grown model/actress daughter; it could make a distinctive middle name or Bree substitute.

Effy

Greek, diminutive of Euphemia

"fair speech"

This can be a short form of any Greek girls' name starting with 'Ef', such as Efstraria or Efrosini. It has also been suggested as a possible nickname for Elizabeth.

Ismene

Greek

"knowledgeable"

Sister of Antigone and daughter of Oedipus in Greek mythology, Ismene's name is unlikely to make it in modern times because of its teasability factor. Ismay or Esme would be better bets.

Aimilios

Greek

"strength"

Though some sources list this as a Greek variation of Emily, it is in fact used there only as a male name.

Ereni

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…

Hermia

Greek, female form of Hermes

"cairn, pile of stones, boundary marker"

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…

Eulala

Greek

"sweet-speaking"

Eulala is a melodious name highlighted for American parents when actress Marcia Gay Harden chose it for her older daughter. The pronunciation is yoo-LAY-la; Eulalia is the related name of the patron…

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…

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…

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.

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).…

Fantasia

Greek

"imagination"

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

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.

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,…

Galen

Greek

"healer, calm"

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

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.

Harmonia

Greek

"agreement, concord"

One Greek mythological name -- she was the goddess of order -- not yet embraced by American parents.

Hyacynthe

Hyacynthe is a rare feminine name derived from the Greek Hyakinthos, referring to the hyacinth flower and the mythological figure Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth beloved by Apollo. The traditional…