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Short Names from Greek Mythology

rml14
By rml14
Updated Sat May 20 2023
2 or 3 syllable names from Greek mythology. Traditionally female names, but I think they could become unisex with time.
  1. Echo

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "echo or sound"

    • Description:

      Although this is traditionally seen as a female name, via the classical mythological nymph who pined away for Narcissus until all that remained of her was a disembodied voice — it can also be used for boys. Remember that old song, 'Little sir echo, how do you do?'
  2. Echo

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "echo or sound"

    • Description:

      Echo, the pretty, resonant name of a legendary nymph, was the heroine of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series Dollhouse. Nick Hexum, of the band 311, named his daughter Echo Love.
  3. Hera

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "protectress"

    • Description:

      She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today too, as so many ancient goddess names rise to prominence.
  4. Io

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      Io may be one of the slightest names in the book, but there aren't many two-letter names with as much substance as this Greek mythological example. Io, a name used for the largest moon of Jupiter, was in classic myth raped by Zeus and escaped from him by changing herself into a cow.
  5. Joanna

    • Origin:

      Variation of Johanna

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.
  6. Juno

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "queen of the heavens; young"

    • Description:

      Juno is an ancient name that feels as fresh as if it had been minted, well, not yesterday, but in 2007. Since the release of the popular indie film Juno, this lively but strong Roman goddess name has held new potential as a baby name. Currently in the UK Top 500 and used in The Netherlands too, Juno is on the rise in the US - and is 15 times more popular than it was before the release of the film.
  7. Juno
    • Leta

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "glad, joyful"

      • Description:

        Leta has hipster cred as the daughter of cool mommy blogger Dooce. Related to the Greek mythological Leda, a great beauty who mothered another great beauty, Helen of Troy, Leta is a name that's as unique as it is historic: Only 14 baby girls were named Leta in the US last year, and 18 were named Leda. Pronunciation is lee-tah.
    • Melina

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "little honey"

      • Description:

        This traditional Greek name has held somewhat steady in the lower half of the US Top 1000 for the past 25 years, which makes it a great option for parents looking for a name that both fits in and stands out.
    • Rhea

      • Origin:

        Greek mythology name

      • Meaning:

        "a flowing stream"

      • Description:

        Rhea is an old-style creative name of the Greek mythological earth mother of all the gods. A lot better than the Roman equivalent: Ops.
    • Sibel

      • Description:

        Sibel is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Turkish, where it enjoys significant popularity, the name is pronounced 'See-bel' and means 'ear of wheat' or 'spike of grain', symbolizing abundance and fertility. The name also has connections to the Greek 'Sibyl', meaning 'prophetess' or 'oracle', referring to female seers in ancient Greece and Rome. This dual heritage gives Sibel rich cultural significance. The name is widely used in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities. Outside of Turkish communities, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Sibel has a concise, elegant sound that works well across different languages, contributing to its international appeal while maintaining its cultural connections.
    • Sibella

      • Description:

        Sibella is a feminine name of Latin origin derived from Sibyl or Sibylla, referring to female prophets or oracles in ancient Greek and Roman culture. The name carries an air of mysticism and ancient wisdom, while its melodic quality gives it an elegant, sophisticated sound. Sibella was occasionally used during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, particularly among nobility, though it has always remained uncommon. The name experienced brief periods of minor popularity in the 19th century but remains rare today. Its classical roots combined with its lyrical sound appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth that maintains a distinctive quality. A child named Sibella would likely appreciate having a name that is recognizable but seldom encountered.

    • Sibyl
      • Talia

        • Origin:

          Hebrew; Australian Aboriginal

        • Meaning:

          "gentle dew from heaven; by the water"

        • Description:

          Talia is derived from the Hebrew elements tal, meaning "dew," and yah, in reference to God. In the mythology of one ancient sect, Talia was one of ten angels who attended the sun on its daily course. The occasionally homophonous name Thalia has unrelated Greek origins.