Greek Baby Names
Explore 514 greek names, each with its own meaning, history, and pronunciation. Find one that carries the stories you want your child to grow up with.
Greek names carry the weight of antiquity and the warmth of the Mediterranean. Many are mythological; many are saintly. Greek has given English more given names than any language except Hebrew.
A short history
Greek naming spans 3,000 years. The mythological names (Helena, Penelope, Theseus, Alexander) come from Homeric and classical sources. The saintly names (Georgios, Nikolaos, Katerina) come from Byzantine Christianity. The philosophical names (Sophia, Eugenia, Theophilus) draw on classical Greek virtue vocabulary.
Naming traditions
Greek families traditionally named the first grandchild on each side after the respective grandparent, producing dense family naming recurrence. Many Greek saints have specific name-days, which are celebrated rather than (or alongside) birthdays in Greek Orthodox tradition.
Sound and style
Greek names are vocalic and balanced, usually three or four syllables with stress on the penultimate. Alexander, Theodora, Elena, Nikolaos, and Sofia all demonstrate the characteristic rhythm.
Sophocles
“skilled in wisdom or wise in glory”
Sophocles derives from the Greek elements 'sophos' (wise, skilled) and 'kleos' (glory, fame), together meaning one who is famous for wisdom or glorified by skill. The name carries exceptional literary and cultural prestige as the name of the great 5th-century BCE Athenian playwright who wrote Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and other tragedies that continue to shape Western dramatic tradition. Choosing the name Sophocles connects a child to one of the supreme intellectual achievements of ancient civilization.
Sophronia
“Greek feminine name meaning sound-minded”
Sophronia is the feminine form of Sophronios, derived from 'sophrosyne,' the celebrated ancient Greek virtue combining wise counsel with emotional temperance and moral self-discipline. In ancient Greek philosophy, sophrosyne was numbered among the four cardinal virtues and was considered especially appropriate for women, representing both intellectual composure and moral purity. The name thus carries centuries of philosophical and spiritual significance, blessing its bearer with a heritage of inner balance.
Sostratos
“An ancient Greek masculine name meaning”
Sostratos is composed of the Greek elements 'sozo' (to save, to preserve) and 'stratos' (army, host, multitude), yielding the meaning one who saves the army or preserver of the people. The name was used in ancient Greece by men of various distinguished backgrounds, including architects and Olympic champions. It reflects the ancient Greek ideal of the man who protects and preserves his community through courage and skill.
Sotiria
“Greek feminine name meaning salvation or deliverance”
Sotiria comes from the Greek 'soteria' (σωτηρία), meaning salvation, deliverance, or preservation from harm. The root 'soter' (savior) was applied to gods, kings, and benefactors in ancient Greece and took on profound theological significance in early Christianity as a title of Jesus Christ. As a personal name, Sotiria expresses a parent's gratitude for a daughter seen as a gift and a blessing, as well as a hope that she will always be under divine protection.
Sotiris
“Saviour”
Sotiris comes from the ancient Greek word 'soter', meaning saviour or deliverer. The title was applied to gods and rulers in antiquity, and in Christianity it became one of the most important epithets for Jesus Christ. The name is especially meaningful within the Greek Orthodox tradition, where Christ as Saviour is a central theological concept. Sotiris is widely used across Greece and the Greek diaspora.
Spiros
“Spirit, breath”
Spiros is a widely used short form of Spyridon, which derives from the Latin 'spiritus' meaning spirit or breath. Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, a fourth-century bishop from Cyprus, is one of the most venerated saints in Greek Orthodoxy, and devotion to him has made Spyridon and Spiros perennially popular names in Greece and Cyprus. The name has an easy, friendly sound that travels well internationally.
Spyridon
“Spirit, breath”
Spyridon is a venerable Greek name related to the word for spirit or breath, carrying connotations of life force and divine inspiration. It is one of the most revered names in Greek Orthodox tradition, honouring Saint Spyridon, a beloved patron saint. The name has a distinctive, powerful sound that speaks to centuries of devotion and cultural heritage.
Spyros
“A beloved Greek masculine name derived”
Spyros is the Modern Greek contracted form of Spyridon, itself derived from the Latin 'spiritus' (spirit, breath) or possibly from the Greek 'spyris' (a wicker basket), though the Latin etymology is more widely accepted. The name is inseparably linked to Saint Spyridon of Trimythous in Cyprus, one of the most beloved saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church, celebrated on December 12th and particularly venerated on the island of Corfu where his relics are preserved. The name carries warmth, spiritual depth, and a quintessentially Greek character.
Stamatina
“A distinctively Greek feminine name meaning”
Stamatina derives from the Greek verb 'stamato' (σταματώ), meaning to stop or to cease, from the classical Greek 'histemi' (to stand, to halt). The name was traditionally given to a girl born to a mother who hoped this would be her last child, a poignant and intimate naming practice that turns a family's private wish into a public declaration. The name carries warmth and a sense of completion, of a family circle brought to its proper rounding.
Stamatis
“A traditional Greek masculine name meaning”
Stamatis derives from the Modern Greek verb 'stamato' (σταματώ), meaning to stop or to cease, itself rooted in the ancient Greek 'histemi' (to stand, to halt). Like its feminine counterpart Stamatina, the name was historically given to a son whose parents hoped he would be the last of their children, a naming custom that transformed a private familial wish into a public declaration. The name carries a sense of completion, fullness, and the gentle finality of a family circle closed in love.
Stathis
“Steadfast”
Stathis is the everyday Greek diminutive of Efstathios, a name derived from the Greek elements eu, meaning good or well, and stasis, meaning standing, stability or steadfastness. The full name thus means one who stands firm or well-established. Stathis takes this weighty formal name and renders it warm, approachable and affectionate, as Greek diminutives typically do. It is the version used by family and friends in everyday life across Greece and Cyprus.
Stavi
“cross or one who bears the cross”
Stavi is an affectionate short form of Stavros, derived from the Greek word 'stavros,' meaning 'cross.' The name carries deep religious resonance within Greek Orthodox Christianity, symbolizing faith, sacrifice, and spiritual devotion. It is widely used as both a standalone given name and as a familiar nickname throughout Greece and the Greek diaspora.
Stavros
“Cross”
From the Greek stavros, meaning 'cross'. The name carries deep Christian significance, referencing the cross of the crucifixion, and has been a staple of Greek naming culture for centuries.
Stavroula
“Of the cross”
Stavroula is the feminine diminutive of the Greek name Stavros, derived from the Greek word stavros meaning cross, as in the Christian cross. The diminutive suffix -oula gives the name an affectionate, intimate quality. It is a deeply traditional Greek name with strong Orthodox Christian significance, borne for centuries by women within Greek and Cypriot communities. The name is closely associated with the Feast of the Holy Cross, celebrated on the fourteenth of September in the Orthodox calendar.
Stefani
“crown or wreath”
Stefani derives from the Greek 'stephanos' (στέφανος), meaning 'crown' or 'that which encircles.' The name has been borne by saints, queens, and celebrated figures throughout history, lending it an air of grace and distinction. As a feminine form it carries the same regal connotations as its masculine counterpart Stephanos, while feeling modern and accessible.
Stefania
“Crown, wreath”
Stefania is the feminine form of Stefanos, itself derived from the Greek 'stephanos' meaning a crown or wreath, particularly the laurel wreaths awarded to victors in athletic competitions and honoured citizens. The name conveys themes of glory, achievement and honour. It is used across Greek, Italian and Polish naming traditions, giving it a broad European appeal. In Greece, Stefania is seen as an elegant feminine alternative to the more common masculine Stefanos, and has been used as a given name for girls for many centuries within the Orthodox tradition.
Stefanos
“Crown, wreath”
Stefanos derives from the Greek word stephanos, meaning crown, wreath, or garland. In ancient Greece, a stephanos was the laurel wreath awarded to victors in athletic competitions and to those honoured for distinguished service. The name carries connotations of triumph, honour, and glory. Saint Stephen (Stephanos in Greek) was the first Christian martyr, giving the name deep significance across the Orthodox and wider Christian world. Stefanos remains one of the most enduring Greek names, beloved for its classical roots and its association with both sacred tradition and worldly achievement.
Stelios
“pillar or column”
Stelios is a contracted form of Stylianos, which derives from the Greek 'stylos' (στῦλος), meaning 'pillar' or 'column.' The name carries connotations of stability, reliability, and enduring strength, qualities embodied by a structural column that holds everything above it. In Greek culture it is a beloved masculine name with both ancient architectural imagery and strong Orthodox Christian ties through Saint Stylianos.
Stephanos
“crown or wreath”
Stephanos (Στέφανος) is one of the most historically significant names in the Greek language, meaning 'crown' or 'garland' from the verb 'stephein,' to crown or encircle. It was the name of the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen, giving it enormous spiritual weight across two millennia of Christian tradition. The name symbolizes both earthly triumph, as in the laurel crown of athletic victory, and divine reward, as in the crown of martyrdom.
Stergios
“one who loves or affectionate”
Stergios comes from the ancient Greek verb 'stergein' (στέργειν), which describes a specific kind of love, the natural, instinctive affection between family members, particularly between parents and children. Unlike 'eros' (romantic love) or 'philia' (friendship), 'storge' is the quiet, devoted love of family bonds, making Stergios a name with exceptional emotional depth and warmth. The name is especially popular in northern Greece and Cyprus.
Stratos
“Army, warrior”
Stratos derives from the ancient Greek word 'stratos', meaning army or host of soldiers, and functions as an informal short form of Efstratios. The full name Efstratios combines 'eu' (good, well) with 'stratos', giving the extended meaning of a good soldier or a fine warrior. Stratos as a standalone name carries the strength and directness of its military root, with a bright, open sound that feels modern despite its ancient origins.
Stylianos
“pillar or column”
Stylianos derives from the Greek 'stylos' (στῦλος), meaning 'pillar' or 'column,' evoking the classical architectural image of a structure that supports and uplifts all that surrounds it. The name is inseparably connected to Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia, a Byzantine ascetic revered in the Orthodox Church as the protector of newborn children and nursing mothers. This saintly association has made Stylianos one of the most spiritually significant names in the Greek naming tradition.
Symeon
“God has heard”
Symeon is the ancient Greek form of the Hebrew name Simeon, meaning God has heard. It represents the Greek rendering used in early Christian and Byzantine texts, carrying significant weight in Orthodox Christianity and patristic literature. The name speaks to the idea of prayer answered, of a divine ear turned toward human need. It has a scholarly, ancient quality that feels both weighty and deeply sincere, connecting a child to a lineage of saints, monks, and mystics who shaped the Christian East.
Taki
“little one”
Taki functions in Greek as both a standalone name and as the diminutive ending of many longer Greek masculine names, such as Panagiotakis (little Panagiotis) or Nikolakis (little Nikolaos). The '-aki' suffix in Greek is a term of endearment, making it the linguistic equivalent of 'little' or 'dear.' As a given name, Taki carries the warmth of a nickname elevated to permanent identity, beloved for its approachable, affectionate sound.
Takis
“name”
Takis is one of the most recognizable Greek pet-name forms, built on the warm diminutive suffix '-akis' that is deeply embedded in Greek language and Cretan naming tradition. As a short form of Panagiotakis (beloved diminutive of Panagiotis, meaning 'all-holy') or similar names, Takis carries both spiritual and affectionate weight. It is a name that feels at once casual and deeply Greek, beloved across generations for its friendly, approachable energy.
Tasos
“Resurrection”
Tasos is a familiar Greek diminutive of Anastasios, which derives from the Greek 'anastasis', meaning resurrection or rising up. The name carries a deeply Christian meaning, connected to the resurrection of Christ, and is widely used in Greece as an informal, affectionate form. Despite its casual character in everyday use, the name retains its profound spiritual root.
Tassos
“immortal or undying”
Tassos is the beloved everyday form of Athanasios, one of the great names of the Orthodox Christian tradition, whose meaning, 'immortal' or 'undying', derives from the ancient Greek 'a-' (not) combined with 'thanatos' (death). The name carries profound spiritual and philosophical resonance, evoking both the Christian hope of resurrection and the classical Greek fascination with immortality. As a shortened form, Tassos transforms this grand concept into a warm, approachable name for everyday life.
Telemachus
“Far fighter”
Telemachus comes from the ancient Greek elements 'tele' meaning far off or distant, and 'mache' meaning battle or fight. The name thus means one who fights from afar or far-reaching fighter. In Homer's Odyssey, Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope who grows from a boy into a young man during his father's long absence, undertaking his own journey to seek news of his father. His story is one of the first coming-of-age narratives in Western literature.
Terpsi
“delight or she who brings joy”
Terpsi derives from the ancient Greek verb terpein, meaning to delight, please, or bring joy. It evokes a sense of graceful pleasure and artistic vitality, closely associated with music, dance, and the finer pleasures of life. As a shortened form of Terpsichore, it carries the full mythological weight of the Muse who presided over choral dance and lyric poetry.
Terpsichore
“Delight in dancing”
Terpsichore is an ancient Greek name composed of 'terpsis', meaning delight or enjoyment, and 'choros', meaning dance or circular dance. Together they form the meaning she who delights in dancing or joy of the dance. In Greek mythology, Terpsichore was one of the nine Muses, the divine sisters who presided over the arts and sciences and inspired human creativity. She was specifically the Muse of dance and the choral song that accompanied it. She is typically depicted holding a lyre and mid-dance, representing the fusion of music and movement. The name is extraordinarily rare as a personal name today but carries immense classical beauty and a connection to the very foundations of Western artistic tradition.
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