For centuries, baby names have been inspired by ancestral names, dearly departed loved ones, as well as names that pay tribute to certain cultures, countries, and religions. And while many parents strive to find a baby name that feels modern, others find they're leaning toward names rooted in the past — perhaps in the distant past.
Enter baby names inspired by ancient mythology from Greece, Rome, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Armenia. Many monikers that have been popular for decades originated in the legends of a variety of cultures all over the globe and each of them carry an undeniable amount of mystery and clout, while also paying homage to a range of beloved and cherished family traditions.
For instance, names that originated in mythology such as Daphne, Diana, Jason, Finn, and Hector have all been used for years.
But other mythology-based names that may have seemed a bit more eyebrow-raising years ago, like Apollo (the name of Zeus and Leto's son who was a god music, truth and prophecy, healing, the sun and light, plague, and poetry) or Cybele (the Roman mother of the gods) are being considered by modern parents who want to give their little ones a distinctive name that also nods to intriguing ancient culture and legend. And it's adding a ton of magic to our newest little generations.
Either way, when it comes to baby names inspired by mythology, there are endless options, especially for mothers and fathers who want to pay tribute to certain elements and symbolism. Certain options can bring to mind the moon, the arts, beauty, strength, friendship, the earth, the air, the sea. Here, 40 stunning baby names based on mythology, for boys and girls.
CALLIOPE
Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry — as well as the musical instrument on the merry-go-round — and means "beautiful voice."
APOLLO
The name of the Greek god of light and twin of Artemis is also a classic mythology moniker for boys.
FREYA
Freya, the name of the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, has long been popular in the UK, according to Nameberry.
DAMON
This boy name, which may bring to mind actors Damon Wayans or Matt Damon, is also one of two devoted friends in the Greek legend Damon and Pythias. Its meaning: "to tame, subdue."
CRESSIDA
Prince Harry's ex Cressida Bonas threw this baby girl name into global consciousness, and its also the name of a character who appears in many Medieval and Renaissance retellings of the story of the Trojan War. Its meaning: "gold."
TROY
The legendary city from Greek mythology is also a modern-sounding choice for a baby boy, which means "descendant of foot soldier."
SHEILA
Sheila, a baby girl's name of Irish origin, pays tribute to Sheila-na-gig, the Celtic goddess of fertility.
ANGUS
Angus is inspired by Aengus, a Celtic god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration. Its meaning is "one strength."
CYBELE
Cybele was a Roman goddess and mother of the gods, which is also its meaning.
AJAX
Ajax (or Aias) is a mythological Greek hero, the son of King Telamon and Periboea.
ARIADNE
The name of the Cretan goddess of fertility is also a gorgeous choice for a little girl that means "most holy."
DYLAN
Nameberry notes that unisex choice Dylan was a legendary sea god who prompted all the waters of Britain and Ireland to weep when he died.
ATHENA
Athena, the name of the goddess of wisdom, skill, and warfare, makes a strong choice for a baby girl.
CADMUS
Cadmus is the name of a serpent-killing hero of Greek mythology. He also founded the city of Thebes and invented the alphabet.
AURORA
Fans of Disney's Sleeping Beauty may love Aurora, who was originally the Roman goddess of sunrise whose tears turned into the morning dew.
FINN
This popular baby boy name is also the name of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), a warrior with mystical supernatural powers.
DELIA
Delia's name is based on that of the Greek island of Delos, the home of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology. It was also an epithet of the moon goddess Artemis, notes Nameberry.
JASON
In Greek mythology, Jason is the leader of the Argonauts who went in search of the Golden Fleece.
CYNTHIA
Cynthia was originally an epithet of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, the moon, and chastity.
HECTOR
Hector was the name of Homer's hero of the Trojan War in the Greek epic poem Iliad. It means from to hold, to have.
DAPHNE
Originating from Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who, in order to duck Apollo's amorous advances, was turned into a laurel tree by her father, a river god.
EVANDER
Evander is a name for a boy who appeared in both Greek and Roman mythology. He was a wise Arcadian hero who founded the city in Italy that preceded Rome and appeared in Virgil's Aeneid.
DIANA
Diana may be a way to pay tribute to the late Princess of Wales, but it is also the Latin name for the Roman goddess associated with the moon, virginity, and hunting. She was also the protector of wild animals.
ODIN
In Norse mythology, Odin was the god of art, culture, wisdom, and law.
GAIA
A sweet, uncommon choice, Gaia is the name of the Greek mythological earth goddess and universal mother.
PAN
An interesting, one-syllable option, Pan was the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness, according to Nameberry. He was also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility.
HALCYON
Based on Halycyone, a mythic bird who could tame the seas, the truly unusual baby girl name Halcyon brings to mind peace and tranquility.
TRISTAN
In Celtic legend, Tristan was a dragon slayer and one of the knights of the Round Table.
SATURN
The name of the Roman god of agriculture could also be an unusually cool baby boy name.
THOR
Sure, it's the name of a Marvel character, but before that, Thor was the name of the Norse god of thunder, strength, and rain.
ENID
Although it may sound more like a name for a grandmother than a newborn, antique names are coming back in style, and Enid — which means "life, spirit" — was the name of a Celtic goddess.
OSCAR
A boy name with roots in Irish legend, Oscar was a warrior, the son of Ossian and the grandson of Finn Mac Cumhaill (MacCool).
SELENE
The name of the Greek goddess of the moon may also serve as a tribute to late Tejano singer Selena.
JOVE
Another name for Jupiter, king of the Roman gods, this choice for a baby boy has a strong and upbeat vibe.
BRIGID
According to Nameberry, Brigid is the simpler Irish version of the name of the goddess of fire, which may also be spelled Brighid.
CASTOR
In Greek mythology, Castor is the name of one of the twins who make up the constellation of Gemini.
CASSANDRA
In Roman mythology, Cassandra was the beautiful daughter of the King and Queen of Troy. Apollo admired her so much that he gave her the gift of prophecy.
ARA
In Armenian mythology, Ara was the name of a handsome king who was the object of a rival queen's affections.
