Greek Mythology Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

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

In Greek mythology, Ganymede was Trojan youth who was so beautiful that he was carried off to be Zeus' cup-bearer, and made immortal. His name may derive from Greek ganymai "to be glad" plus medomai "to think, to plan".

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

In Greek Mythology, Minos was the first king of Crete. The Minotaur was born to his wife after Minos refused to sacrifice his bull to Poseidon.

Hesperus or Hesperos is a figure in Greek mythology who is the personification of the Evening Star or Venus, the son of the dawn goddess Eos. There's a Longfellow poem about a tragic shipping voyage called The Wreck of the Hesperus. An archaic name that with the revival of many old mythological names might just have a chance at revival.

In Greek mythology, Perses was a Titan and the father of Hecate, goddess of magic and the Underworld. His name derives from Ancient Greek pertho ("to destroy").

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.

Clotho is one of the three Fates of Greek Mythology. She and her sisters determined life from birth to death—Clotho spun the thread of life. Her Roman name is Nona because she was active during the ninth month of pregnancy.

In Greek mythology, Uranus is Father Sky, god of the heavens and father of the Titans. All admirable, inspirational qualities, but that name does not work in English.

Laertes, Ophelia's headstrong brother in Hamlet, has long been an intriguing namesake; Shakespeare got his name from the name of Odysseus' father in Greek mythology. But the ending "-es" feels a little too ancient for some. This shortened version might be more usable. Laert is another option that makes the Hamlet connection more explicit.

Galene is a minor goddess of Greek mythology, representing the calm seas. She is also sometimes referred to as Galatea.

In Greek mythology, Eleos was the personification of pity, mercy, and clemency. It is equally a virtuous Greek word name, albeit rarely used.

In Greek mythology, Arche was the muse associated with origins. As a baby name, it may be misunderstood as Archie.

The goddess and personification of victory in Greek mythology – sister to strength, force, and zeal – could make a powerful namesake for a daughter. The goddess would fly a chariot across battlefields rewarding the victors with laurel garlands. Though Nike would make a more unique alternative to her much more popular Roman counterpart, Victoria, be warned that many people’s first association will be the sportswear brand.

As elaborate O names such as Olympia and Ophelia gain popularity, Orithyia seems more and more usable. It's the name of several women in Greek mythology, including Orithyia, Queen of the Amazon, who co-ruled with her sister Antiope.

The name of the Muse of dancing in Greek mythology. Arguably the least usable of the nine Muses' names, despite serious competition from Melpomene and Polyhymnia. Those two at least have obvious nicknames, Mel and Polly -- and don't have "sick" in the middle. However, if you use the Greek pronunciation, that syllable is not emphasized, and you've got nicknames Tess, Coco, and Terri.

The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.

The name of a legendary sculptor in Greek mythology, who fell in love with a statue of a beautiful woman which he had carved from ivory. There have been many adaptations of the story of Pygmalion, including notable plays by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and George Bernard Shaw.

In Greek mythology, Sao was one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the sea god Nereus. A moon of Neptune is named in her honor. In modern times, it works equally well for a son.