When we read stories about mythical places — or watch movies that are set in them — we feel absolutely inspired. That's why we think naming a kid after a mythical place can be such a good idea — what's a better sensation to have around a kid's name than that of sheer inspiration? When we refer to places as "mythological," we're taking a fairly broad definition of what that word may mean. Some of these places may have analogues in the real world (for example, a lot of the Greco-Roman myths that referenced fantastical places referred to both actual lands and to part of the mythology). And all of these places are an important part of religions, traditions, and lore we respect and admire. We think naming a baby after a place that has this kind of importance in the lives and traditions of people past and present has a lot of beauty and weight to it.
That said, it isn't just the mythical places that can be inspiring. Mythology in general can help the process of picking a baby name, presenting names derived from a variety of global traditions, through the people more than the places. While a name like Thor may be big shoes to fill, we think it's a pretty cool idea — and names like Athena just need to be more popular! For more specific traditions, consider Norse Mythology, especially for those with some ancestry that traces back to Scandinavia. Or, look to Greek baby name ideas, which may not be exclusively of the gods, but we love the sound of these names — and the meaning behind them. For those who love the sun, moon and stars, the names from astronomy and mythology are often intertwined.
But if the little one is destined to travel the world or get inspiration from distant lands, a name from a mythological place may be just the ticket.
AXIS
Axis is a super cool name for a baby boy, and it's got an interesting backstory: the "Axis Mundi" is considered the world center, or the connection between heaven and earth, for multiple world traditions and religions.
ATLANTIS
The "lost continent" of Atlantis has been part of the broader cultural imagination for generations, but was originally mentioned by Ancient Greek philosopher Plato as part of an allegory about hubris. We think the name Atlantis would make an unusual, beautiful name for a baby boy.
ARCADIA
Although the name Arcadia refers to a real region of Greece, it was also used in Renaissance mythology as an amazing, unspoiled land with Utopian ideals. We think it would be a beautiful name for a baby girl.
AVALON
Avalon literally means "isle of the apple trees," but it's a legendary island featured in the King Arthur legends. It's known as the place where his sword, Excalibur, was forged. We think it would be a fitting name for either a baby boy or girl.
ANNWN
In Welsh mythology, "Annwn" is the Otherworld, which was a place of delights, eternal youth, abundant food — a veritable paradise. We think the name "Annwn" would be a beautiful, unusual name for a baby girl.
BALTIA
In Greco-Roman geography and mythology, Baltia is the land of amber. There may actually be a land by the Baltic sea that corresponds with the mythological land, too. We think Baltia would be a great name for a baby girl.
BIRINGAN
Biringan means "The Black City" and it's is a mythical land somewhere in the Philippines. Local folklore dictates that it's inhabited by supernatural beings. We think Biringan would be a lovely name for a baby boy.
BRITTIA
In the early Middle Ages, Brittia was known as both a real island used for burying the dead and also a mythological "Isle of the Blessed," where souls go. We think the name is beautiful, and would be great for a baby girl.
DORADO
The mythical city of El Dorado started with myths surrounding a man, which then expanded to be a magical city covered in riches and jewels. We think the name would be a cool-sounding choice for a baby boy.
ELYSIA
The Elysian Fields are known as a perfect paradise, initially reserved in Greek mythology for heroes, but eventually encompassing all good people. We think Elysia would be an unusual and lovely name for a baby girl.
FINIAS
Finias sounds like Phineas, a traditional boys' name, but in Irish mythology, magical treasures are found in four mythical cities: Gorias, Finias, Murias, and Falias. We think Finias would be a great name for a baby boy.
EDEN
In the Book of Genesis, the Garden of Eden is described as a perfect, peaceful place. The name is derived from the Sumerian word "edin," which means "plain." We think it's a gorgeous name for a baby girl.
PARIME
Lake Parime, a legendary, enormous lake was said to have existed in South America, supposedly by El Dorado. We think the name Parime is beautiful, and would make for a surprising and interesting name for a baby girl.
Lemuria
Lemuria is a "lost land" in either the Indian or the Pacific ocean. It never existed, but it has inspired imagination and legends. This is a smart option for parents who want their daughter to never have another kid in class with the same name.
LYONESSE
In the legends of King Arthur, Lyonesse plays a big role, especially in the story of Tristan and Isolde, and is reportedly the land Tristan comes from. We think Lyonesse would be a cool name for a baby girl.
MELL
"Mag Mell" was a land of paradise in Irish mythology, similar to the Elysian Fields in Greek mythology. Mell is a beautiful name, similar to Melanie or Melody, and we think it would be a strong name for a baby girl.
AMIRTHA
Ayotha Amirtha Gangai is a mythical river known from a Tamil belief system and a sect of Hinduism. We think Amirtha would be a fantastic and unusual baby name for a girl, and that no one else in her class will have anything like it.
NYSA
Nysa is a mythical mountain region in Greek mythology. Traditionally, it was the place where Dionysus was born, and where many nymphs live. We think that Nysa would be a compelling and unusual baby name for a little girl.
ZERZURA
Known as both a mythical city and a mythical oasis, Zerzura is said to be a place of riches that exists in the Sahara Desert, inhabited by a sleeping king and queen. We think Zerzura is a cool name for a baby girl.
THULE
In Greek and Roman mythology, Thule is the place farthest north — perhaps somewhere in Norway. In medieval literature, it came to mean any distant place. We think it's a lovely name for a baby boy.
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