By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 16 pages
of 16
Greek
"kiss"
Rarely heard New Testament name -- he was a friend of Saint Paul -- that might conceivably stand up to modern usage.
"the praised one"
In Greek and Roman mythology, Aeneas was the legendary son of Venus (or Aphrodite) who was the hero of Troy and Rome. Appearing in the Aeneid by the poet Virgil, he goes on to found the Roman state…
"resurrection"
A Greek name more familiar in English speaking countries in its feminine form, Anastasia, this masculine version bears further consideration. The traditional nickname is Sakis, as used by notable…
"called forth"
Sometimes used as a short-form of Catholic Pope name Anacletus, Cletus is an ancient name that has not-yet found the popularity of Theodore, Leo, Atticus and Max. It perhaps suffers from its…
Scottish form of Gregory
"vigilant, a watchman"
Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And…
Demitrius is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Demetrius, which comes from the ancient Greek name Dēmḗtrios (Δημήτριος), meaning 'devoted to Demeter' (the Greek goddess of…
"blessed"
Macarius, the name of several early saints, is virtually unknown in the U.S. though its Spanish forms Macario and the feminine Macaria are sometimes used. With the revival of many ancient s-ending…
Symeon is a historical Greek variant of Simon, originating from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning "he has heard" or "listening." This ancient form appears in the New Testament and was borne by several…
Diminutive of Alexander, Greek
"defending men"
There's Zan and there's Xan--take your pick. Both of these are the latest generation of Alexander nicknames, Xan having been noticed first as a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (a rich source…
Phoenician
"Baal protects the King"
This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold,…
"glorious, renowned"
Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.
Short form of Konstantinos, Greek form of Constantine
"steadfast"
Kostas makes the ancient emperor's name more approachable.
Italian and Spanish from Greek
"purple dye"
This ancient saint's name was borne by the infamous midcentury playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa.
"aggressive, warlike"
Pronounced "TAHL-a-mee," this was the name of one of Alexander the Great's generals and several Greco-Egyptian rulers, as well as the name of a famous Greek astronomer. Actress Gretchen Mol brought…
"bright, shining, glistening"
Also spelled as Argos, this name appears in Greek mythology, borne by Odysseus's loyal dog, by a giant creature with a hundred eye, a son of Zeus and King of Argos, and an Argonaut ship builder. The…
Leandros is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the name Leander, which comes from the Greek elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'andros' meaning 'man', thus translating to 'lion man' or…
"loving"
Could Philo be the next Milo? We love the o-ending and sweet meaning of this dynamic and distinctive Greek name, often used in literature, but never particularly popular. The ancient Philo (aka Philo…
Greek diminutive of Eustace
Became completely feminized in the unisex name revolution of the seventies.
Achilleus is the original Greek form of the more commonly known Achilles, one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology. The name is steeped in classical tradition, referring to the legendary warrior…
"from the east, rising sun"
Anatole is one of the unique boys' names with an unusual-ish feel but an uncertain provenance, with a meaning related to sunrise and thus to fire. While it's Greek in origin, it is associated more…
