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Boy Names Inspired by Mythology

bluedanube
By bluedanube
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Apparently my naming taste for boys is 95% Greco-Roman. There's a little bit of literary choice, and some sci-fi thrown in for good measure.
  1. Abraxas

    • Origin:

      Persian mythology name

    • Description:

      Abraxas is a sci-fi-sounding name with earthly possibilities, but some playground challenges.
  2. Acacius

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "thorny; or, innocent, not evil"

    • Description:

      Acacius is a Latinized form of the Ancient Greek Akakios and can be interpreted to relate to the same root as the name Acacia, for the thorn bush, or Akakios which means "not evil." With the modern taste for ancient names that end in "us," this obscure but attractive choice may have a chance of new life. Acacius is the name of three early saints.
  3. Adalius

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas brought his Latinate name into the spotlight, and he has an equally unusual middle name--DONQUAIL.
  4. Adonis

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Semitic Adonai

    • Meaning:

      "lord"

    • Description:

      The name of a figure from Greek mythology, Adonis is a high-pressure name often synonymous with masculine beauty. Nonetheless, many mythological names that would have previously been deemed off limits have made their way up the popularity charts—for instance, Penelope currently ranks highly for girls. And indeed, Adonis was one of the fastest-rising boys' names of 2016, moving up 307 spots on the U.S. popularity chart in just one year.
  5. Aegeus

    • Description:

      Aegeus is a masculine name with deep roots in Greek mythology. It belonged to the legendary king of Athens who was the father of the hero Theseus. The name likely derives from the Greek word 'aix' meaning 'goat' or possibly from 'aigialos' meaning 'sea shore.' In mythology, King Aegeus tragically threw himself into the sea (later named the Aegean Sea after him) when he believed his son had died. This name carries strong classical associations and projects an air of dignity and ancient wisdom. While never common in modern usage, Aegeus appeals to parents with an appreciation for mythology and classical history. The name offers the rare combination of historical weight, distinctive sound, and a connection to one of Western civilization's foundational cultural traditions.

  6. Aeneas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the praised one"

    • Description:

      In Greek and Roman mythology, Aeneas was the legendary son of Venus (or Aphrodite) who was the hero of Troy and Rome. Appearing in the Aeneid by the poet Virgil, he goes on to found the Roman state and break the heart of Queen Dido of Carthage.
  7. Aerimus

    • Description:

      Aerimus is an extremely rare masculine name with a contemporary constructed feel. It appears to blend elements that evoke both classical Latin naming patterns and modern fantasy nomenclature. The prefix 'Aer-' suggests connections to air or the sky (from Latin 'aer'), while the '-imus' suffix resembles Latin superlative endings. Though lacking historical usage or traditional cultural roots, Aerimus has a dignified, almost mythological quality that might appeal to parents seeking a completely unique name with an ancient, scholarly resonance. The name's rarity means a child named Aerimus would likely never meet another person sharing their name, offering true individuality.
  8. Albion

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white, bright"

    • Description:

      Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
  9. Aldous

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "old"

    • Description:

      Aldous has long been associated with British writer Huxley, author of Brave New World. So many of these rare British names are starting to be reconsidered by the literary or hipster crowds and this one, considering its pedigree, deserves the renewed interest.
  10. Altair

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "falcon"

    • Description:

      The eleventh brightest star in the sky has a celestial feel, but also could be the name of a commercial airline.
  11. Amadeus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lover of God"

    • Description:

      Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's middle name could make an interesting pick for music-loving parents--if only in middle place. Amadeus is the title of a Peter Shaffer play which became an award-winning film in 1984.
  12. Ambrosius

    • Description:

      Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by Saint Ambrosius of Milan, an important 4th-century theologian and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. Throughout European history, the name appeared among clergy, nobility, and scholars, maintaining associations with learning and spiritual devotion. While Ambrosius has never been widely popular in modern English-speaking countries, it retains appeal for parents drawn to names with classical roots and substantial historical significance. The name projects dignity and intellectual seriousness, with potential nicknames including Ambrose, Brose, or even Sio.

  13. Ambrus

    • Origin:

      Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "immortal"

    • Description:

      Hungarian form of Ambrose
  14. Amphion

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      Son of Zeus known for musical abilities, an edgy choice for music-minded families.
  15. 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.
  16. Androcles

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glorious man"

    • Description:

      Mythological name with a fabulous meaning. Sure it's weighty, but so is Aphrodite; Andy is an easy nickname choice to make this name more wearable in the classroom.
  17. Aragon

    • Origin:

      Spanish place name

    • Description:

      Equally strong, dramatic and romantic, this name of an old kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and a modern Spanish community as well, would give a boy an instant pedigree.
  18. Archimedes

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "master planner"

    • Description:

      Archimedes of Syracuse was a famous Ancient Greek thinker, especially in the fields of mathematics and sciences. He made important contributions to geometry and calculus. His name was a perfect choice, meaning "master planner" or "master thinker".
  19. Argo

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      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.
  20. Aristedes

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "son of the best"

    • Description:

      This name of an early Greek Christian philosopher comes with a wizened, ancient air about it. Still, perhaps the nickname Ari might help it work for a baby to grow into.