Despina

Despina is best known as the clever and wily maidservant character in Mozart's opera Così fan tutte, and as one of Neptune's moons, making it a musical and an astronomy-inspired choice. However, the name is actually of Greek origin, derived from Despoina, who in Greek mythology was the daughter of Demeter and Poseidon.

Used most notably in Russia, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and South Africa, along within its native Greece, this form has been borne historically by a 14th century Serbian Princess. More recent bearers are singer Despina Olympiou, tennis player Despina Papamichail, musician Despina Mdende, and singer Despina Vandi.

In its native Greece, Despina is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable – DESS-pi-na (or more accurately THESS-pi-na, the TH like that in then), though elsewhere, it may be said as dess-PEE-nah. Given to 16 girls in the US in a recent year, this form may feel more approachable than the traditional Greek spelling.

Pronounced des-PEE-nuh.

As of October 2026, Despina ranked #15508 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1964 in 1931.