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.
Anastasia
“Resurrection, one who shall rise again”
Anastasia derives from the Greek 'anastasis,' meaning resurrection or rising up. The name carries profound spiritual significance, symbolising renewal, hope, and triumph over adversity. It has been beloved across Eastern European and Greek cultures for centuries, often associated with royalty and sainthood.
Anastasios
“Resurrection”
Anastasios derives from the Greek 'anastasis', meaning resurrection or rising up. It is a name of profound theological significance in Greek Orthodox Christianity, evoking the central miracle of the Christian faith. The name has been borne by saints, emperors and patriarchs, giving it an august and deeply rooted heritage. In Greece, Anastasios is one of the most enduring masculine names, maintained through generations by religious tradition and the importance of the Easter feast, 'Anastasi' in Greek, which celebrates the Resurrection.
Anastasis
“resurrection or rising up”
Anastasis derives from the Greek verb anistemi (to stand up, to rise), combining ana (up, again) and stasis (standing). It is the theological term used in the Greek New Testament for the resurrection of the dead and holds profound significance in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. As a name it promises a life marked by renewal, recovery from adversity, and spiritual elevation.
Anaximander
“Meaning ruler of that which is”
Anaximander is composed of the Greek elements anaxios (ruler, lord) and the prefix a- combined with peras (limit), via apeiron (the boundless or infinite). The name therefore means ruler of the boundless or master of the infinite, which aligns perfectly with the historical Anaximander's philosophy that the arche or first principle of all existence was the apeiron, the unlimited and indefinite source of everything. It is a name of extraordinary intellectual ambition.
Andromache
“Man battle”
Andromache derives from the Ancient Greek elements 'aner' (man) and 'mache' (battle), giving it the literal sense of a woman who fights like a man or one who battles men. In Homer's Iliad, Andromache is one of the most moving figures: the devoted wife of the Trojan hero Hector, whose farewell scene before the walls of Troy is among the most poignant passages in ancient literature. The name speaks of courage, loyalty, and the strength that endures grief.
Andromeda
“Ruler of men”
From Greek 'aner' (man) and 'medo' (to rule or think on). In mythology, Andromeda was an Ethiopian princess who was rescued by the hero Perseus after being chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. Her story became one of antiquity's most enduring tales of courage and love. Both a galaxy and a constellation bear her name, making Andromeda one of the few names that spans mythology, astronomy, and everyday use.
Androniki
“Victory of man”
Androniki is a striking Greek name meaning "victory of man" or "victorious among people," combining the Greek elements for "man" and "victory." It is a name of triumphant energy and classical beauty, rooted in the rich tradition of Greek naming. Though less common internationally, it carries a powerful, heroic quality that stands out with elegance.
Anesti
“he has risen or resurrection”
Anesti is a vernacular Greek contraction of Anastasios, derived from anastasis (resurrection), from anistemi (to stand up, to rise again). It is particularly associated with the Greek Easter proclamation Christos Anesti (Christ is risen), which is the central liturgical cry of the Orthodox Pascha. As a name it carries immense devotional significance and the promise of triumph over adversity.
Angel
“Messenger, divine messenger”
Angel comes from the Greek 'angelos', meaning messenger, which was adopted into Latin as 'angelus' to describe the celestial beings of Christian and Jewish scripture. The name carries a profound sense of divine protection and spiritual purity. As a given name it has been used across many cultures, with Spanish and Latin American traditions favouring it strongly for boys, while in English-speaking countries it is used for both boys and girls. It is simultaneously simple and deeply meaningful.
Angelos
“Messenger, angel”
Angelos is the original Greek word from which the English word 'angel' derives, meaning messenger. In ancient Greek, it referred simply to a messenger or envoy, but through its adoption into Christian theology, it gained the elevated meaning of a divine messenger of God. The name carries both earthly directness and spiritual resonance.
Anthea
“Flower, blossom”
Anthea comes from the Greek anthos (ἄνθος), meaning flower or blossom, and was used in antiquity as both a divine epithet and a personal name. The goddess Hera bore Anthea as one of her titles at Argos, where she was worshipped in her aspect as a goddess of flowers and spring vegetation. As a personal name Anthea suggests a woman of natural beauty, gentle charm, and flourishing vitality.
Antheia
“Flower, blossom”
Antheia derives from the Ancient Greek word 'anthos', meaning flower or blossom, and conveys the beauty and vitality of flowering plants. In Greek mythology, Antheia was an epithet of the goddess Hera in her role as protector of gardens and blossoming life, and also the name of one of the minor Graces. The name is an evocative choice that connects a child to the classical world and the natural beauty of flowers in full bloom.
Anthimos
“flowering or full of blossom”
Anthimos shares its root with Anthea, coming from the Greek anthos (ἄνθος, flower, blossom) with the masculine suffix -imos denoting one who is characterised by that quality. The name therefore means the one who blooms or he who is full of flowers. It carries associations of generous abundance, creative flourishing, and a warm personality that brightens the lives of those around him. Several saints in the Orthodox calendar bear this name.
Antigone
“Against birth”
Antigone derives from the Greek elements 'anti', meaning 'against' or 'in opposition to', and 'gone', meaning 'birth' or 'generation'. The name carries a sense of defiance and moral courage, reflecting one who stands against the established order in pursuit of higher principles.
Antiopi
“Meaning she who faces the opposing”
Antiopi (Ἀντιόπη) is composed of the Greek prefix anti- (against, facing) and ops (ὤψ, face, eye, or aspect), yielding the meaning face-to-face or the one who confronts. The name was borne by notable figures in Greek mythology, most famously an Amazon queen who became the mother of Hippolytus by Theseus, and a Theban princess loved by Zeus. Both bearers reflect the name's associations with strength, independence, and formidable character.
Antonis
“Priceless, of inestimable worth”
Antonis is the Greek form of Anthony, derived from the Roman family name Antonius. The meaning 'priceless' or 'of inestimable worth' comes from a traditional interpretation, though the Antonius family name itself may be of Etruscan origin. Saint Anthony the Great, the Egyptian monk who founded Christian monasticism in the 3rd century, gave the name its deep religious significance for the Orthodox world. Antonis is consistently one of the most beloved male names in Greece, combining Roman heritage with Greek Orthodox devotion.
Aphrodite
“Risen from foam”
Aphrodite is one of the most iconic names in all of mythology, belonging to the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. The name is traditionally connected to the Greek word 'aphros', meaning sea foam, referring to the myth of her birth from the sea. Aphrodite is used as a personal name in Greece and Cyprus, carrying extraordinary mythological power and an unmistakably Greek character.
Apostolos
“Apostle, messenger”
Apostolos comes directly from the Greek word 'apostolos', meaning one who is sent forth, a messenger, or an envoy. In Christian theology, the term describes the twelve disciples of Jesus sent out to spread the faith. As a given name it is deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox tradition and carries a strong sense of mission and spiritual purpose. It remains a distinctly Greek name, treasured for its religious depth and its connection to the early Christian world.
Ares
“Bane, ruin”
Ares is the name of the ancient Greek god of war, likely derived from a root meaning 'bane' or 'ruin'. It embodies raw power, courage, and the untamed force of conflict, making it a striking and bold choice.
Arethusa
“the excellent one or the virtuous one”
Arethusa (Ἀρέθουσα) likely derives from the Greek arete (excellence, virtue) combined with the participial suffix -ousa (she who has or she who is), yielding the meaning she who has virtue or the excellent one. The name belongs to one of the most beautiful myths in the Greek canon: a nymph pursued by the river god Alpheus who prayed to Artemis and was transformed into a sacred spring at Syracuse.
Areti
“Virtue, excellence”
Areti comes from the ancient Greek word 'arete', meaning virtue or excellence. In classical Greek philosophy, arete was the highest aspiration of human character, encompassing courage, wisdom, and moral goodness. It was the central ideal in Homeric epics and Aristotelian ethics, representing the fullest realisation of one's potential. Areti as a given name carries this weighty philosophical heritage whilst remaining soft and melodic in sound.
Argyrios
“silver or made of silver”
Argyrios comes directly from argyros (ἄργυρος), the Greek word for silver, which derives from the Proto-Indo-European root arg- meaning to shine or be white, also the source of the Latin argentum (silver) and the name Argentina. Silver in the ancient world was associated with the moon, with refinement, with the second rank of honour after gold, and with the clarity of a well-tempered character. As a name it promises a person of genuine worth and quiet brilliance.
Argyro
“Silver”
Argyro derives from the ancient Greek 'argyros', meaning silver, one of the most valued metals in the ancient world. The name evokes luminous beauty, preciousness, and the cool shimmer of moonlight reflected on water. In Greek mythology and folklore, silver held protective and purifying qualities, and the name connects its bearer to these associations of radiance and worth.
Ariadne
“Most holy”
Ariadne derives from the Greek 'ari' (most, very) and 'adnos' (holy, pure), creating a name that means 'most holy' or 'utterly pure.' It carries an air of sacred beauty and mythological depth.
Aris
“Best”
Aris is a short, punchy Greek name derived from the prefix 'aristo-', meaning best or excellent, which appears in classical names such as Aristotle, Aristides, and Aristarchus. It has evolved into a confident standalone name with a modern, sharp sound while carrying the philosophical and intellectual heritage of ancient Greece. Aris is also sometimes considered a short form of Aristotelis, the Greek form of Aristotle.
Aristarchos
“best ruler or excellent chief”
Aristarchos (Ἀρίσταρχος) is composed of aristos (ἄριστος, best, noblest, most excellent) and archos (ἄρχος, ruler, leader, first). The name therefore means the best ruler or the one who leads excellently. It was borne by several notable figures in antiquity including the astronomer who first proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system, over a millennium before Copernicus, making it one of the most intellectually distinguished names in the Greek tradition.
Aristides
“Son of the best, most noble”
Aristides is derived from the Greek 'aristos', meaning best or most excellent, combined with the patronymic suffix '-ides', meaning son of. The name therefore carries the sense of son of the best or one descended from excellence. It belongs to a family of classical Greek names celebrating virtue and aristocratic achievement, including Aristotle and Aristophanes. Aristides is most celebrated as the name of the Athenian statesman Aristides the Just, whose reputation for fairness and integrity made him one of antiquity's most admired public figures.
Aristomenis
“best in spirit or excellent in strength”
Aristomenis (Ἀριστομένης) unites aristos (ἄριστος, best, noblest) with menos (μένος, spirit, strength, battle-fury, the vital force that drives a warrior). The name therefore means the one of best spirit or the most excellent in strength and valour. Its most famous bearer, the hero Aristomenes of Messenia, was celebrated as the greatest national hero of the Messenian people and their centuries-long struggle against Spartan subjugation.
Aristophanes
“Best appearance”
Aristophanes combines the ancient Greek elements 'aristos', meaning best or excellent, and 'phaino', meaning to appear, to shine, or to make manifest. The full name therefore carries the sense of one who shows the best, or whose excellence is made visible. As a compound name it follows a long tradition of Greek names built from 'aristos', which also appears in Aristotle, Aristides, and Aristocles, all sharing the idea of supreme virtue or excellence.
Aristotelis
“Best purpose”
Aristotelis is the original Greek form of the name Aristotle, composed of 'aristos' meaning best or excellent and 'telos' meaning purpose, end, or goal. The name therefore expresses the idea of striving towards the best possible outcome, a concept central to Aristotelian philosophy. It is an imposing and intellectually rich name rooted in the summit of Greek intellectual tradition.
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