Ancient Greek Boys' Names
- 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.
- Alexios
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Very popular on its native turf, foreign-sounding here.
- 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.
- Andreas
Origin:
Original New Testament Greek variation of AndrewMeaning:
"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.
- Ares
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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 .
- Atlas
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Achaikos
- Agamemnon
- Agathon
- Alcibiades
- Anaxagoras
- Andronikos
- Apollon
- Aristides
- Ariston
- Arkadios
- Artaxerxes
- Bion
- 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.
- Chariton