The Obscure Goddesses

Asherah

Sumerian

"she who treads on the sea"

Asherah is probably one of the most ancient of mother goddess symbols, recorded in the pantheons of several civilisations from the tenth century BCE. As the mother to innumerable gods and goddesses,…

Parvati

Sanskrit

"the daughter of the mountain"

This Hindu goddess name is very popular in India. The goddess of love, fertility and devotion, representing female force, Parvati is the wife of Shiva and the mother of Ganesh. There is a Harry…

Annona

Latin

"corn, grain"

The Roman goddess Annona personified Rome's grain supply. Her name is derived from the Latin word annōna , meaning "corn" or "grain," which ultimately originated from annus , "year."

Arethusa

Greek

"quick water"

In Greek mythology, Arethusa is a nymph who is transformed into a fresh water fountain. The name is also used for a type of orchid and featured in Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

Cacia

Cacia is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from 'acacia,' the name of a flowering tree known for its durability and beauty. In some contexts, it may be used as a shortened form of…

Carna

Latin

"flesh"

Carna was a Roman goddess of the heart and flesh. She was eventually conflated with Cardea, goddess of hinges.

Catha

Catha is a feminine name with roots in various cultures. It may be derived from the Greek name 'Katharine' or 'Katherine,' meaning 'pure.' In some contexts, Catha relates to the plant genus that…

Clementia

Latin

"showing clemency"

Clementia, related to names like Clementine and Clemence, was the older and original feminine version of this name. It was used most frequently in the Middle Ages in continental Europe. Clementia was…