* 1 list of Cool Greek Names*

An offbeat possible replacement for the overused Melissa and Marisa, Nerissa was used by Shakespeare for Portia's witty confidante in The Merchant of Venice. Queen Elizabeth has a cousin named Nerissa.

The name of the Greek winged god of love (usually romantic and sexual love) may seem a lot to live up to, but like other deity names, it's on the rise. In a recent year, it was given to more than 130 boys in the US.

Forget the oil. It's one of the twins that make up the constellation Gemini, and a mythological name on the cutting-edge of fashion; used by Metallica's James Hetfield.

Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.

Delicate and gentle old-fashioned name, the kind found in early English poetry. While Corinna and the original Green Korinna are technically diminutives of the ancient Kore, now the popular Cora, this name will often be mistaken for other similar-sounding though unrelated names, such as Karenna. But it's pretty and is backed by more tradition than you'd guess.

Homer is a name that has traveled from the ancient Greek scribe of the great classical epics to Bart Simpson's doltish dad, and has also become the surprise hot celebrity pick of such parents as Richard Gere (his father's name), Bill Murray, and Anne Heche. Simpsons creator Matt Groening has both a father and a son named Homer.

Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male soldier, though the name is also used for girls in modern Israel.

For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.

The name of the ship sailed by Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece is now more often used for starch, trucks, and heavy machinery.

From the root for aristocrat, an upwardly mobile choice -- or if you go by its other meaning, an earthy delicious choice.

One of the romantic names favored by British pastoral poets, it was first used as a masculine name by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso for his 16th century play about a shepherd falling in love with a nymph.

There's still only one.

Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.

Rhythmic route to the nickname Cal. This musical moniker is another great example of a traditionally feminine name that could easily go masculine.

A seriously classic name meaning love, Adelpha is also the name for a genus of butterflies.

Gorgeous name in any form, though the c may muddy the pronunciation.

This name of an ancient fertility goddess is associated with the month of May and could make a pretty, unusual choice for a springtime baby. Damaris is a similar possibility.

One of the more prominent by-products of reality TV, via Disney.

Daimon is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Damon, which derives from Greek origins meaning "to tame" or "to subdue." In Greek mythology, Damon was known for his legendary friendship with Pythias, symbolizing loyalty and self-sacrifice. The variant spelling with 'i' gives the name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining the original pronunciation. This spelling might also connect to the concept of "daimon" in ancient Greek philosophy, referring to a guiding spirit or divine inspiration. While less common than Damon, Daimon emerged in usage during the late 20th century when alternative spellings became more popular. The name conveys strength and classical heritage while offering a subtle uniqueness. Parents might choose this spelling to honor Greek traditions while giving their son a slightly more distinctive version of the traditional name.