Pythia

An intriguing name with connections to Greek mythology, Pythia was the title of the high priestess at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Also known as the Oracle of Delphi, she was one of the most powerful oracles and women in Ancient Greece.

The name derives from the phrase pythia hiereia meaning "priestess of the Pythian Apollo", Pythios being an epithet of Apollo, likely borrowed from Pytho, the original name for Delphi. The name Pytho means "to rot" in Ancient Greek, and while this meaning does sound unfortunate, it was given to celebrate Apollo slaying a monstrous Python, which in turn gave off a sweet sickly smell as it decomposed.

While it may be pronounced as PIH-thee-uh in English, in Ancient Greek, it would have been PIE-THEH-A.

Pronounced PITH-ee-uh.