Greek Myth Names: Beyond Athena and Orion (WIP)
Share
Copy link
If you are passionate about mythology or have Greek heritage, why settle for a well known name such as Persephone or Iris? These names are inexplicably tied with mythology, but the following are unusual names with a history spanning millennia. Goodbye, Apollo and Artemis, hello Elpis and Acheron. (I suggest looking up the pronunciation, but two important rules are that the 'e' at the end is always pronounced 'ee' and that the c makes a hard kuh sound like in car.)
- Asteria
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"star"Description:
Asteria is an Anglicized spelling of the Greek Astraea or Astraia, the goddess of justice and innocence. She became the constellation Virgo, so all forms of this name would be especially appropriate for a child born in late August or early September.
- Endymion
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"dive into, enter"Description:
The name of a mythically handsome youth – loved by Selene, the moon, who bore him fifty daughters. If you're looking for a mythological name for your son, this might make an excellent choice both rare and appealing.
- Melia
Origin:
Greek mythology name, diminutive of Amelia, or HawaiianMeaning:
"ash tree; honey; work; plumeria"Description:
This is a rich, melodic shortening of the popular girls' name Amelia that can stand on its own. There are several figures in Greek myth named Melia, most notably a daughter of Oceanus. The Meliae are nymphs associated with trees.
- Lyssa
Origin:
Short form of Alyssa or Greek mythological nameMeaning:
"anger, fury, rage"Description:
Most contemporary English speakers will hear the name Lyssa as short for the long-popular Alyssa or Melissa. But Lyssa is a bona fide Greek mythology name, though not a very appealing one.
- Aletheia
Description:
Aletheia is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning 'truth' or 'disclosure.' In Greek philosophy and mythology, Aletheia was personified as the spirit of truth, sincerity, and frankness. The name carries significant philosophical weight, as it was an important concept for ancient Greek philosophers like Parmenides and later Heidegger, who explored the nature of truth and unconcealment. While uncommon in everyday usage, Aletheia appeals to parents drawn to names with profound meanings and classical roots. Its distinctive sound pattern sets it apart from more popular Greek-derived names, making it a thoughtful choice for those seeking a name that embodies intellectual values and ancient wisdom.
- Macaria
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"blessed, happy"Description:
Unusual and rhythmic, Macaria is the feminine form of the ancient Greek Makarios or the Latinized Macarius. It could be an unexpected way to get to cool nickname Mac, without using Mackenzie, Mackinley, and similar.
- Alala
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"war cry"Description:
This name of the mythological sister of Mars might be used for a girl born under one of the signs ruled by the planet Mars--Aries or Scorpio. She is the personification of the war cry.
- Arae
Description:
Arae is a feminine name with possible roots in ancient Greek mythology, where Arae were spirits of curses. Alternatively, it could be a modern variation of names like Aria or a creative spelling of similar-sounding names. The name has a ethereal, musical quality with just two syllables that flow smoothly together. Arae remains exceptionally rare in contemporary usage, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something truly unique. Its brevity and open vowel sounds give it a modern feel despite potential ancient origins. The name's uncommon nature means it carries few preconceptions, allowing a child to define it through their own personality.
- Anaideia
- Auxesia
- Aceso
- Acheron
- Aeceus
- Aeon
- Eleos
- Adicia
- Acraea
- Aedos
- Elpis
- Alke