When it comes to baby names, the Greeks were probably the first to come up with some really cool ones that are still popular today. Greek mythology names like Alexandra, Cassandra, and Daphne are just as trendy today as they were in Ancient Greece. Celebrities are in on the trend, like Chris Noth, who named his son Orion; Kelly Rutherford, who named her Hermes; or Uma Thurman who gave her daughter, Luna, a name from Greek mythology (and also five names). Here are 16 of the best names from the Greek myths.
Girls
Aphrodite. The name means "risen from the foam." But anyone with this name might have a hard time living up to it, considering she was the goddess of love.
Athena. Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, the daughter of top god Zeus and the patron goddess of the city of Athens in Greece. She is associated with the olive tree and the owl.
Artemis. The goddess of the hunt, forest, hills, and moon. Protector of young girls and was believed to relieve women of diseases. Good name for your future doctor.
Calypso. She is the singing nymph who fell in love with Odysseus after he was shipwrecked on her island. She managed to keep him there for seven years, until Zeus finally came and rescued him. Good for a tenacious baby with a set of lungs.
Eurydice. Husband Orpheus loved her so much that when she died, he went to the underground to pursue her. He was allowed to bring her back to life. This is a baby who might end up with an awesome husband!
Hera. Queen of the Gods and sister of Zeus. She presides over marriage and childbirth. Good name if you want grandkids.
Iphigenia. She willingly scarified herself on an altar so that the men of Troy would be victorious in war. Nice little patriotic baby name — though hopefully your little Iffie won't ever sacrifice herself.
Pandora. The first woman created by the gods, she opens up a box and unleashes all the world's problems. For that tyke you just know is going to be endlessly curious and somewhat of a rabble-rouser.
Boys
Adonis. The god of beauty and desire. A solid narcissistic baby name.
Agamemnon. King of Argos, he ordered the Trojan war when his brother's wife, Helen, was kidnapped. This is a baby who will stick up for his pals.
Ajax. A Greek warrior who is described as the strongest of all Achaens. Would fit a strong, sturdy baby. Like maybe that 13-pound one born in China.
Apollo. Can't go wrong with this name. He was the god of light and the sun, truth and prophecy, healing, plague, music, poetry, and more. In case you have twins, Artemis is his sister.
Dionysus. The god of wine, madness, dance, fertility, and ecstasy. You'll never have a dull moment with your little Dionysus.
Damocles. Famous for holding a sword over a king's throne to demonstrate the peril that powerful people are always in. Kid with this name could grow up to be in politics.
Eros. He had arrows that he could shoot people with and make them fall in love. No doubt your little Eros will pierce your heart the second he arrives.
Helios. Means "sun" in Greek. He will totally light up your life.
Leander. One night he swam across a river to meet his lover, Hero, but he drowned. Hero was so distressed she killed herself. But forget all of that and know your little Leander will be a lover boy and ladies will go cray for him.
Menelaus. He had his wife, the beautiful Helen, stolen from him, which started the Trojan war. But he eventually got her back and they settled down. Little Menelaus always gets the hottest babes.
Orpheus. Legend has it he could "charm all living things and even stones with his music." Cool name if you're hoping for your own little rock star.
Do you like any names based on Greek mythology?
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