Names from my Greek family- Modern Greek

Strong, charismatic, and sleek, Elias has followed in the footsteps of Elijah and Eli to become a popular choice among parents today.

Sophia, which was the Number 1 girls' name in the US from 2011 to 2013, is among the top girl names in the Western World, with a sensuous sound and high-minded meaning. A real winner, Sophia reached the top of the charts without losing any—okay, much—of its sophisticated beauty.

Ellie first took off in the UK—yes, in this nickname form—and this warm and friendly name has also become hugely popular here. In 2011, Ellie entered the US Top 100 girl names for the first time and has remained near the top of the charts ever since.

Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.

Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names, it's still widely used.

Alexandra fell out of the Top 100 for the first time since 1983 in 2015 but is still a popular choice. Strong, tasteful, and elegant, Alexandra remains a chic modern classic with a solid historic pedigree.

Natalia was derived from the Latin word natalis, meaning "birthday." It refers to the birthday of Jesus Christ, and thus originated as a name for girls born on Christmas Day. Related forms include the French Natalie, Portuguese Natalina, and Russian diminutive Natasha.

As a highly popular girls' name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used girl names starting with M.

Artemis, one of the key figures of the female Greek pantheon, is the ancient virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, animals, childbirth, and a protector of young girls, later associated with the moon. Artemis is the equivalent to the Roman Diana, but a fresher and more distinctive, if offbeat, choice.

Leonidas is an ancient name that has started rising again along with centuries-old names such as Augustus and Cato. The original Leonidas was the most famous of Sparta's warriors, sacrificing his life at the Battle of Thermopylae; there is also a saint Leonidas.

Antonia is stronger than most feminized boys’ names, reflecting the pioneer spirit of Willa Cather's classic novel My Antonia. Antonia is hovering near the bottom of the US popularity list, which may be an excellent reason for you to use it.

Christina, a pretty and feminine, crystal clear classic, may be trending downward, but it's never out of style. Christina's short forms Chris, Christie, and Tina all seem dated—making the royal Christina best used in its full glory.

A common choice in Greece, Eleni is starting to rise in the US too thanks to its bouncy rhythm and cool -i ending. Also familiar in England and Wales, Eleni was chosen for 255 girls in the US in 2024, placing it just outside the Top 1000.

This most proper form of the name shot up the charts in the nineties, only to sink just as precipitously, supplanted by upstarts Makayla and McKayla ad infinitum. The Michaela version retains some elegance as the closest feminine form to the original.

A name that conjures up billionaire shipping magnates like, for instance, Stavros Niarcos.

Eirene, modernized to Irene, was the Greek goddess of peace. Eirene or Irene was also the name of an early empress and several saints.

Demetra is a feminine name of Greek origin, serving as a variant of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. The name carries significant mythological weight, as Demeter was one of the most revered deities in ancient Greek culture. Demetra has maintained consistent though modest usage, particularly in Greek communities and among families with Greek heritage. The name conveys strength, nurturing qualities, and a connection to the earth. With its classical roots and melodic sound, Demetra appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine grace that isn't overly common. The name often evokes images of abundance, nurturing, and natural beauty.

A unique option for a November baby (the November birth flower is a chrysanthemum) or to honor an ancestral Chris, Chrysanthe feels more wearable than the full Chrysanthemum, despite the storybook mouse.

Iakovos is a masculine name of Greek origin, serving as the Greek form of Jacob. The name traces back to Hebrew roots, meaning 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter,' referencing the biblical story of Jacob grasping his twin brother's heel at birth. In Greek Orthodox tradition, the name holds particular significance, with Saint Iakovos (James) being one of Jesus's apostles. Pronounced ee-AH-ko-vos, this melodic name retains popularity in Greece and Greek diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries a sense of classical dignity while maintaining relevance in contemporary Greek culture. With its distinctive sound and rich historical background, Iakovos offers a strong connection to Greek heritage while providing a unique alternative to more common Western variants like Jacob or James.

Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.