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Ancient Greek Boys' Names

Ragnarok
By Ragnarok
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Ancient Greek names, including from history and mythology.
  1. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
  2. Damon

    • Origin:

      English variation of Damian

    • Description:

      Damon is a name with a strong, pleasing aura (much like the persona of Matt D.) and extremely positive ancient associations. From the classical myth, Damon and Pythias have become symbols of true friendship, as Damon risked his life to save his friend from execution. And Damon of Athens was the fifth century philosopher who taught both Pericles and Socrates.
  3. Andreas

    • Origin:

      Original New Testament Greek variation of Andrew

    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"

    • Description:

      Andreas is a beautiful name, with the patina of an Old Master painting, one that could make a dashing namesake for an Uncle Andrew.
  4. Ares

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "ruin, bane"

    • Description:

      Rooted in Greek mythology, Ares entered the US Top 1000 in 2013, when it was one of the year's fastest rising names. Similar in style to Atticus, Atlas, and Ari, it has continued to climb up the charts, and now ranks in the Top 500, given to around 770 babies each year .
  5. Theron

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "hunter"

    • Description:

      Theron is best known these days as the surname of actress Charlize, but it does have a long history as a first name, ranking in the Top 500 in the early part of the 20th century and only dropping out of the Top 1000 in the early 1990s. Theon is a similar name made familiar by the popular series Game of Thrones: Might it and Theron rise in tandem?
  6. Solon

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the wise one"

    • Description:

      Despite the reputation of the sagacious ancient Greek lawmaker, this name hasn't moved to the modern world.
  7. Theseus

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      The name of the Greek mythological hero famous for slaying the Minotaur is also heard in Chaucer and Shakespeare. While Theseus might have sounded pretentious for an American baby a decade ago, today with so many babies getting ancient mythogical names, it just might work.
  8. Myron

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "fragrant, an aromatic shrub, myrrh"

    • Description:

      One of many M names -- including Murray, Melvin, Morton, Milton, and Marvin -- given to first-generation Jewish boys to replace the old-fashioned Moses. Now we'd pick Moses over any of them.
  9. Alexios

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Very popular on its native turf, foreign-sounding here.
  10. Theodoros

    • Description:

      Theodoros is the traditional Greek form of Theodore, derived from the Greek elements 'theos' meaning 'god' and 'doron' meaning 'gift,' thus translating to 'gift of God.' This ancient name has been borne by numerous saints, scholars, and leaders throughout Greek history. The name maintains strong popularity in Greece and Cyprus, where it's often shortened to the nickname Theos or Teddy in everyday use. Theodoros carries a sense of dignity and classical heritage while remaining accessible. The name experienced a decline in global usage during the mid-20th century but has seen renewed interest amid the revival of traditional names. With its meaningful etymology and historical significance, Theodoros offers parents a name with depth, cultural resonance, and a harmonious sound.
  11. Alexandros

    • Description:

      Alexandros is the original Greek form of Alexander, carrying the powerful meaning 'defender of men' or 'protector of mankind.' This classical masculine name has deep historical roots, most famously associated with Alexander the Great, the Macedonian ruler who created one of history's largest empires. The name has been used continuously for over two millennia across many cultures, with this Greek version maintaining its authentic historical character. Alexandros conveys strength, leadership, and intellectual prowess through its connection to its famous namesake. The name remains popular in Greece and among families with Greek heritage, offering a direct link to Hellenic culture and history. For parents seeking a name with undeniable gravitas and historical significance, Alexandros provides both tradition and strength.
  12. Nikomedes

    • Description:

      Nikomedes is a masculine name of ancient Greek origin, combining the elements 'nike' meaning 'victory' and 'medes' meaning 'plans' or 'schemes,' creating the meaning 'victory-planner' or 'victory-thinker.' This name was borne by several kings of Bithynia, an ancient kingdom in northwestern Asia Minor, including Nikomedes I who founded the city of Nicomedia. While rarely used in modern times, Nikomedes represents a connection to classical history and Greek heritage. The name offers the potential nicknames Niko or Nik, which are more accessible for everyday use. Nikomedes provides a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and classical origins.
  13. Demetrios

    • Description:

      Demetrios is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing the original Greek form of Demetrius. Derived from Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility, the name literally means 'follower of Demeter' or 'belonging to Demeter.' This classical name has been used continuously since ancient times throughout Greek history and Orthodox Christian communities. Demetrios has remained particularly popular in Greece, Cyprus, and among Greek diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries associations with cultural pride, intellectual heritage, and religious significance, as Saint Demetrios is venerated in Orthodox Christianity. While less common in Western countries than the Latinized Demetrius, this authentic Greek spelling preserves the name's classical roots and offers a strong connection to Hellenic heritage and tradition.
  14. Anatolios

    • Description:

      Anatolios is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing the fuller, more traditional form of the more common Anatoly or Anatoliy. The name derives from the Greek word "anatole," meaning "sunrise" or "east," literally referring to "one from the east" or "dawn." Historically, the name was associated with the geographic region of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), which was named for its eastern position relative to Greece. Anatolios was the name of several early Christian saints and church figures, contributing to its use throughout Orthodox Christian communities. While the shortened forms Anatoly or Anatoliy are more common in Russia and Eastern European countries, the full Anatolios maintains stronger usage in Greece and among traditional Greek communities. The name conveys associations with new beginnings, illumination, and classical heritage, while remaining quite rare in Western countries.

  15. Herakles

    • Description:

      Herakles is the original Greek form of the more commonly known Roman name Hercules, belonging to the legendary hero renowned for his extraordinary strength and twelve labors. The name derives from Greek elements meaning "glory of Hera" (ironically, as the goddess Hera was his nemesis). Herakles embodies masculine power, courage, and heroic virtue in classical mythology. Though rarely used as a given name in modern times, it carries strong cultural associations with strength and heroism across Western civilization. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its authentic Greek form and powerful mythological connections. The name maintains a timeless quality while being distinctive enough to stand out in contemporary settings.

  16. Cadmos

    • Description:

      Cadmos is a masculine name from ancient Greek mythology, where Cadmus (the more common spelling) was the legendary founder of Thebes and bringer of the alphabet to Greece. The name possibly derives from Phoenician or Semitic roots meaning "eastern" or "from the east." In mythology, Cadmos slew a dragon and sowed its teeth in the ground, which grew into warriors. This rare name carries powerful associations with wisdom, civilization, and heroism. While virtually unknown in modern usage, Cadmos offers a distinctive ancient option for parents interested in mythological names that aren't as widely used as Apollo or Atlas. Its exotic sound and rich historical significance give it a timeless quality.

  17. Achaikos
    • Agamemnon
      • Agathon
        • Alcibiades