God Names from Myth and Legend
- Alvis
Origin:
Norse mythology nameDescription:
Alvis, sometimes spelled Alviss, is a dwarf in Norse mythology who claims to know everything and names all the features of the natural world to show off to Thor, whose daughter Alvis wants to marry. But he gets so caught up in showing off his knowledge that the sun comes up and turns him to stone.
- Saturn
Origin:
Roman mythology nameDescription:
If you've rejected all the names on earth, you might move on to the sixth planet from the sun, also the Roman god of agriculture and plenty, and the origin of Saturday.
- Ashur
Origin:
AssyrianMeaning:
"who is happy"Description:
In ancient myth, Ashur was the supreme deity of the Assyrian Empire, the ruler of the gods, the god of war, and the creator of all things.
- Vidar
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"quiet god"Description:
Mythological son of Odin, powerful and mute.
- Sindri
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"Description:
This sparkling name from Norse Mythology is borne by the blacksmith dwarf, who, along with his brother Brokkr, forged Thor's hammer Mjǫllnir and Odin's golden ring, Draupnir. Also known as Eitri in mythology, his name means "sparkling" or "someone who sprays sparks", likely in reference to his work with metal.
- Triton
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
The Greek god Triton was the messenger of the sea and the son of sea god Neptune. He is usually represented as a merman, the the head and upper body of a human and the lower body of a sea creature. In The Little Mermaid he is the father of Ariel.
- Aither
Origin:
Greek mythologyMeaning:
"spirit of the air"Description:
In ancient Greece, Aither was one of the primordial deities. Aither is the personification of the upper air. He embodies the pure upper air that the gods breathe, as opposed to the normal air breathed by mortals. His name may be the origin of the word ether. He was said to be the source of the Gods' power.
- Hermes
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"cairn, pile of stones, boundary marker"Description:
These days, some may think of Hermes as an upscale brand name like Chanel and Porsche (spelled as Hermès), or a strange choice thanks to the parcel delivery company. However, with names from Greek mythology very much in style, it is possible there will be plenty who link it to the Greek messenger god.
- Janus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"doorway"Description:
The meaning of this ancient Roman god's name relates to transitions, hence its connection to the name of the first month of the new year, a time of fresh beginnings. Janus is usually depicted as a two-faced god facing in opposite directions, since he looks both to the future and the past. It's no surprise then, that Janus is one of the premiere January baby names. The Slavic form Janusz is more commonly used than the English, represented by the Polish cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, who has shot all of Steven Spielberg's films from Schindler's List to Lincoln.
- Hippolyte
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"releaser of horses"Description:
Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so. It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux.
- Pan
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"all or shepherd"Description:
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.
- Diarmaid
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"free man"Description:
This authentic form of the name of an Irish mythological hero with the power to make women fall instantly in love with him would work far better here as the Anglicized Dermot.
- Dionysius
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"god of Nysa"Description:
Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen today.
- Magni
Origin:
NordicMeaning:
"great"Description:
Magni is a powerful name from Norse mythology: he’s the son of Thor and the giant Járnsaxa. A more modern variant is Magne, which is currently climbing fast in Denmark.
- Quirinus
Origin:
Roman mythology nameDescription:
Quirinus is the Roman god of thunder and lightning, believed by some to be the Sabine god of war. While this is an intriguing and distinctive classic name, it also might provoke some middle school teasing.
- Oceanus
Origin:
Mythological nameMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
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 French name for girls.
- Midas
Origin:
Greek, meaning unknownDescription:
The story of King Midas's Midas touch is a common cautionary tale, as he wished for everything he touched to turn to gold, only to regret it later. The associations with greed likely turn parents off of the name, but it combines two popular trends of mythological names and names that mean wealth. The nickname Mighty is a bonus.
- Kyi
Origin:
Ukrainian deityDescription:
The name of the legendary founder of the capital city of Ukraine — Kyiv. In one source, Kyi is associated with smithery.
- Narvi
Origin:
Norse MythologyDescription:
A variant spelling of Narfi. The Narvi spelling also belongs to a moon of Saturn and a dwarf in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium.
- Parthenios
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
Parthenios, the name of a Greek river god, is draped in a toga.
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