Greek Mythology Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Zelus or Zelos was the god of rivalry and competition, one of the four winged Daemones who were gods for Zeus. This rare name is one mythological choice that may not come back in the modern world.

An obscure name from Greek mythology — Drosera was a nymph — with a quirky, ethereal meaning.

Heracles is a masculine name derived from ancient Greek mythology, where Heracles (known as Hercules in Roman mythology) was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, renowned for his extraordinary strength and heroic adventures. The name combines 'Hera' (the queen of Greek gods) and 'kleos' meaning 'glory,' ironically meaning 'glory of Hera' despite Hera's antagonism toward him in the myths. As a given name, Heracles is exceedingly rare in modern usage but represents ultimate strength, courage, and perseverance. Parents choosing this powerful mythological name often appreciate classical history and may be drawn to its heroic symbolism and timeless narrative of overcoming impossible challenges.

Celestial and strong, Alcmena is a Latinized form of Alcmene a figure from Greek mythology, best known as the mother of Heracles after Zeus tricked her into thinking he was her absent husband. The name has the evocative meaning "strength and power of the moon", from the Greek elements, alke and mene.

The white winged stallion in Greek mythology who sprang from the blood of Medusa when she was beheaded by Perseus. Pegasus was ridden by the hero Bellerophon in his fight against the Chimera. The name may derive from the Greek for "from a water spring"; according to legend, a spring burst forth wherever Pegasus struck the earth with a hoof. So as well as being an animal name and a mythological name, you might consider this one of the names meaning water.

Makaria or Macaria is the name of two figures in Greek mythology, neither of whom have very uplifting stories to inspire a baby name.

Chronos, related to the word chronicle, is the Greek god of empirical time.

A minor character of Greek mythology.

Twin brother of Cassandra in Greek mythology who also was a celebrated seer. A Trojan prince, he was the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba.

Rhodos was the wife of Helios, the Greek god of the Sun, in Greek mythology. The Greek island of Rhodes is named for her.

A variation or an elaborated form of the rare name Asterope, Asteropeia blends the sounds of contemporary floral name Aster with the elegant flair of Cassiopeia. A nature and weather-related name, it appears in Greek mythology where it is borne by a daughter of Pelias.

Phobus, the god of panic, was a son of Ares and one of the gods of war. This is one mythological name we don't recommend.

The name of an ancient Thracian bard in Greek mythology, who boasted that he could sing better than the Muses. He was defeated, and his eyesight and poetic ability taken away, demonstrating that all god-given gifts can also be taken away by the gods.

The meaning of this name isn't clear, but it may mean "limping man" (from Greek skazo "to limp, stumble") or "awkward man" (from skaios) meaning "left, awkward" plus andros "man".

Taras is the former name of the Italian city Taranto, which was settled by Greeks in the 8th century BC. The founders named it after Taras, who figures in Greek mythology as the son of Poseidon. A saint from Constantinople bore the name.

Eurybia is a sea titaness and consort of Krios. A lesser-known name from Greek mythology, it may be on board to follow other goddesses back to glory.

In Greek mythology, Tartarus rules over the depths of the underworld. Probably not the best role model for a little boy.

Eurydome was a minor character in Greek mythology — according to some accounts, the mother of the Graces.

The Greek god of intellect, Coeus is one mythological figure whose name has not been revived in modern times...but should be.

The name of several characters in Greek mythology, one of them being a Samothracian king of whom it is said that the region of Emathia (now Macedonia) was named after him.