Classic Baby Names · Historic and Vintage Names
Ancient Greek Names
Across 10 pages
of 10
Myron
Greek
"fragrant, an aromatic shrub, myrrh"
One of many M names -- including Murray, Melvin, Morton, Milton, and Marvin -- given to first-generation Jewish boys to replace the old-fashioned Moses. Now we'd pick Moses over any of them. Myron…
Nereus
Greek mythology name
"water"
The name of the father of the sea nymphs -- or one of its shorter forms such as Nereo or Nerio -- would be somewhat easier for a child to carry than Neptune. The name Nereus is largely forgotten but…
Nestor
Greek
"traveler, voyager"
A wise ruler of legend--his sage advice helped the Greeks win the Trojan War--whose name is a possibility for the adventurous, though related in sound to the dated Lester-Hester family.
Nicodemus
Greek
"victory of the people"
This rarely used New Testament name could make an unusual route to the cool nickname Nico. Borne by the person who helps to entomb Jesus following his crucifixion, it has the powerful meaning of…
Nicomedes
Greek
"pondering victory"
Even more daunting than Nicodemus.
Nike
Greek
"victory"
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…
Nikias
Greek
"victory"
The name of a 5th century Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War, fittingly derived from Greek nike "victory". He was largely responsible for the negotiations which led to the Peace of Nicias…
Niko
Finnish variation of Nicholas; diminutive of Nikolaos, Greek
"victory of the people"
Niko was used for 17 baby girls in the US last year, and twin sister Nico for another 35 -- though that's still far fewer than the 2700 baby boys who were given either of those two names. There were…
Nikostratos
Greek
"army of victory"
A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.
Odysseus
Greek mythology name
"wrathful"
The name of the brave, resourceful hero of Homer's epic saga, Odysseus is associated with hatching the Trojan Horse plot, and with his long and challenging journey home to his kingdom. Possibly…
Oenone
Greek, Latinized
"wine"
A mystical name with a sleek sound, although the pronunciation of the "Oe" beginning may be confusing at first glance. In Greek myth, Oenone was a fountain nymph of Mount Ida, the daughter of the…
Orpheus
Greek mythology name
"the darkness of the night"
Name of the legendary ancient Greek poet and musician — whose music was so beautiful it made trees dance and rivers stop to listen — would provide a child with a challenging but indelible identity.
Pausanias
Greek
"relieving sorrow, stopping grief"
An ancient name with a beautiful meaning, but the sound may be a bit too grand for a modern child to wear. Pausanias was a 2nd-century writer famous for his Description of Greece, a work recounting…
Pelagia
Greek
"the sea"
The name of several early saints, including one, Pelagia the Penitent, a beautiful and licentious dancing girl who repented, then, disguised as a man, spent the rest of her life living alone in a…
Pelagios
Greek
"from the sea"
Pelagios is one of the more outre of the sea-related names. But Pel could work as a short form -- or Gus.
Pericles
Greek
"far-famed"
Ancient Athenian statesman whose name was once used in the US mostly for enslaved people, following a trend for names of ancient figures.
Pindar
Greek, Anglicised, meaning uncertain
Pindar is the English name for the Ancient Greek lyrical poet Pindaros. It's uncertain where his name comes from, although it may be related to the Pindus (Pindos) mountains in Northern Greece and…
Philemon
Greek
"kiss"
Rarely heard New Testament name -- he was a friend of Saint Paul -- that might conceivably stand up to modern usage.
Philo
Greek
"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…
Phoibos
Phoibos is a masculine name of ancient Greek origin. It served as an epithet of Apollo, the Greek god of sun, music, prophecy, and healing. The name means 'bright' or 'shining,' reflecting Apollo's…