Classic Baby Names · Historic and Vintage Names
Ancient Greek Names
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Eleos
Greek
"mercy, pity, compassion"
In Greek mythology, Eleos was the personification of pity, mercy, and clemency. It is equally a virtuous Greek word name, albeit rarely used.
Xanthos
Greek
"golden-haired"
This alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound and can always be shortened to Xan.
Hylas
Greek
"wood, timber; trees, forest; matter"
In Greek mythology, Hylas was a companion, servant, and/or lover to Heracles, who was kidnapped by water nymphs. There are multiple versions of the myth, some in which Hylas falls in love with the…
Ambrosia
Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
"Immortal"
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was not a goddess or other figure but literally the…
Nyctimene
Ancient Greek
"to withstand the night; nocturnal"
In Greek mythology, Nyctimene was pursued by her own father, and therefore fled to find safety in the shadows of the woods. She was later transformed into an owl by the goddess Athena, out of…
Xanthippe
Greek
"yellow horse"
Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.
Timaeus
Latin from Greek
"honor"
Timaeus is an ancient name that appears in both Plato's Dialogues and in the New Testament. Might make a so-old-it's-new-again version of Timothy. The feminine variation is Timea.
Ambrosius
Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name…
Theophilus
Greek
"loved by God; friend of God"
This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus. Theophilus North is the title…
Anatole
Greek
"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…
Andreas
Original New Testament Greek variation of Andrew
"strong and manly"
Andreas is a beautiful name, with the patina of an Old Master painting, one that could make a dashing namesake for an Uncle Andrew. In Europe, Andreas is currently in the Top 20 in Norway and is also…
Myrto
Greek
"myrtle"
Derived from the Greek myrtos , Myrto appears a number of times throughout Greek mythology. It is the name of one of the Maenads (followers of Dionysus), the sister of Patroclus, and an Amazon woman.…
Apollonia
Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
"destroyer, strength; father's light"
This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain . It could…
Apollonius
Greek, Latinised
"from Apollo, destroyer; strength; father's light"
A dramatic classical name connected to the god of medicine and archery, we think just Apollo is a more wearable choice for a modern boy — though this longer form does fit in with the likes of…
Archimedes
Greek
"master planner"
Archimedes of Syracuse was a famous Ancient Greek thinker, especially in the fields of mathematics and sciences. He made important contributions to geometry and calculus. His name was a perfect…
Aristotle
Greek
"superior; the best purpose"
The great philosopher's name is commonly used in Greek families, and is one that could work for daring, philosophical American ones. With user friendly nicknames such as Ari, Aris, Artie, and Ris,…
Aristoteles
Greek
"superior"
The original Ancient Greek form of Aristotle. This variant could help separate the name from its heavy namesake, while still having a clear connection to it. Good for lovers of philosophy, Ancient…
Arsenios
Latin from Greek
"masculine, virile"
St. Arsenius (or Arsenios) the Great was a 5th-century Roman saint remembered for his influence on asceticism.
Arsinoos
Greek
"elevated mind"
The masculine form of Arsinoe. In Greek mythology, Arsinoos of Mysia & Arsinoos of Tenedos are both minor characters associated with the Trojan War. The name derives from the Greek arsis "rise, lift"…
Alexios
Greek
"defending men"
Very popular on its native turf, foreign-sounding here.