Classic Baby Names · Historic and Vintage Names
Ancient Greek Names
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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…
Theron
Greek
"hunter"
Theron is best known these days as the surname of actress Charlize, but it does have a long history as a first name, ranking in the Top 500 in the early part of the 20th century and only dropping out…
Thespia
Greek
"divine inspiration"
The name of a Naiad-nymph in Greek mythology, named after the Ancient Greek city of Thespiae. Thespia is an undiscovered gem of a name: unique but familiar, with easy access to trendy nicknames like…
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.
Timon
Greek
"reward, honor"
Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground…
Timothea
Greek
"honoring god"
Previously Timothy's dusty and outdated sister, now actually feels fresher than its brother name. With Thea names right on trend at the moment, this could be a surprising and even more unusual…
Timotheos
Timotheos is the original Greek form of Timothy, derived from Greek elements meaning 'honoring God' or 'God's honor.' This classical version maintains the full richness of its ancient origins,…
Tryphon
Greek
"softness, delicacy"
The name of an Ancient Greek grammarian who lent his name to the original Professor Cuthbert Calculus from the French edition of The Adventures of Tintin : Professeur Tryphon Tournesol. The name…
Xanthippe
Greek
"yellow horse"
Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.
Xanthos
Greek
"golden-haired"
This alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound and can always be shortened to Xan.
Xenia
Greek
"hospitable, welcoming, guest"
The name of a Christian saint and a city in Ohio, Xenia is one of the more accessible and intriguing x names. It is the name of one of the Bond Girls--played by Famke Janssen in the film "GoldenEye."…
Xenophon
Greek
"foreign voice"
This name of an ancient Greek historian sounds too long-ago and faraway to consider for a modern child.
Zeno
Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods
Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the…
Zenobia
Greek
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…
Zenobios
Greek
"life of Zeus"
Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.
Photine
Ancient Greek
"light up"
Deriving from the Greek word phos meaning "light", Photine is a rare choice with a Biblical link. The name of the Samaritan woman in "Jesus and the Woman at the Well" (John 4), Photine is associated…
Photina
Ancient Greek
"light up"
Deriving from the Greek word phos meaning "light", Photina is a variation of Photine, a rare choice with a Biblical link. The name of the Samaritan woman in "Jesus and the Woman at the Well" (John…
Theano
Greek
"goddess"
Theano was a 6th century Greek philosopher, who has been called both the wife and student of Pythagoras, though not enough is known about her life to say which was true. Her surviving writings focus…
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.…
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…