The most popular mythology-inspired baby names come from ancient Greece. Greek mythology is fascinating, and choosing names from the pantheon can prove fruitful. After all, these names are time-tested and storied, offering so much character and hidden meanings. The most popular Greek goddess names in the US today, all of which are in the top 1000 most given names for girls, include Calliope, Persephone, Athena, Maia, Daphne, Penelope, Irene, and Phoebe. We’ll dive into these favored picks and offer more unique and obscure options.
These names are not just aesthetically pleasing; they carry a historical heft and charm, representing the goddesses from whom they originate. These names hold profound significance, from the wise and brave Athena to the festive Thalia. As we unravel their meanings, let yourself be swept away by the fascinating tales of Greek mythology and perhaps discover that perfect baby name that echoes the qualities you envision for your daughter.
Most Popular Greek Goddess Names in the US
Calliope
In the most recently released baby naming data from the Social Security Administration, Calliope ranked 583rd in the US. It debuted in the top 1000 in 2016, making it a relatively new Greek goddess name on the scene. Calliope is generally pronounced by Americans as ka-LYE-oh-pee, but in Greece, you will hear it said ka-lee-OH-pee. Calliope is the muse of epic poetry, and thus, the name is taken to mean “beautiful voice.”
Persephone
Persephone, often called the Goddess of Spring, plays a pivotal role in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Zeus, the chief god, and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Known for her dual identity, Persephone is not only associated with the vitality and fertility of spring but also presides over the underworld as the wife of Hades. She is the reason for the seasons. Persephone’s etymology is disputed, but the name is taken to mean either “bringer of death,” or “dark blue.” Persephone entered the US top 1000 names in 2019 and has been slowly climbing.
Athena
Athena, often recognized as the city protectress in Greek religion, is a goddess of war, handicraft, and practical reason. Identified by the Romans as Minerva, she embodies wisdom and warfare, standing out for her role in defending towns and encouraging heroic endeavors. Athena takes her name from the city of Athens, making her a central figure in Greek mythology. Athena cracked the top 100 most popular names for girls for the first time in 2021. It’s one of the most popular Greek goddess names in the US today.
Maia
Maia, a figure of significance in ancient Greek religion and mythology, is known as one of the Pleiades and is celebrated as the mother of Hermes, a prominent Greek god whom she bore with Zeus, the king of Olympus. She was renowned for her beauty and was a beloved nymph in Greek mythology. Maia’s association with the month of May, a time honoring the rebirth of spring and the anticipation of summer, highlights her connection to fertility and nurturing growth. Maia is a mother earth goddess, and its meaning is “mother.” As of 2022, Maia is firmly in the top 500 most popular names for girls.
Daphne
Daphne is a captivating figure from Greek mythology, celebrated as a naiad, a type of female nymph associated with freshwater bodies such as fountains, wells, springs, streams, and brooks. Depending on the source, she was often depicted as the daughter of a river god, either Peneus or Ladon. Daphne’s beauty attracted many admirers, but she was known for wanting to remain virginal. According to myth, Apollo was so obsessed with Daphne that her father turned her into a laurel tree. Thus, the name means “laurel tree” or “bay tree.” Daphne enjoyed its most popular year in the US in 1962, but it is tracking to best that in the next couple of years.
Penelope
Penelope is best known as the queen of Ithaca and the faithful wife of the hero Odysseus. Daughter of the Spartan king Icarius and the naiad Periboea, Penelope’s tale is one of devotion and endurance. While Odysseus was away on his legendary journey, Penelope was courted by over a hundred suitors, all of whom she skillfully managed to rebuff. For twenty long years, she awaited her husband’s return, remaining faithful to him despite his prolonged absence and the constant pressure from her suitors.
Penelope pretended to weave to deter suitors, and “weaver” could be the meaning of the name. A duck raised Penelope, and it is also argued that the name could mean “duck.” This appellation is more popular today than ever before, ranking 21st. That makes it one of the most beloved names from Greek mythology in the US today.
Irene
More traditionally spelled Eirene, Irene was one of the most popular names of the Roman Empire. The name originated in Greek, however, and means “peace.” Irene was the goddess and embodiment of peace. Irene was most popular in the US in the early 20th century but has been trending down for decades. We think there’s life still left in this one as holds vintage charm today.
Phoebe
Phoebe, also spelled Phoibe, comes from a Greek root that means “bright.” Phoebe is one of the many epitaphs of the goddess Artemis, who ruled over the moon and hunting. Phoebe is on an upward swing and performed the best it ever had in the US last year. Phoebe isn’t just popular in the US; it is a star in every majority English-speaking country and Germany.
Iris
In ancient Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow and serves as a messenger of the gods. Renowned for being the daughter of Thaumas and Electra, Iris was often depicted as the handmaiden and personal messenger of Hera, the queen of the gods. Thanks to the myth, Iris’ name means “rainbow.” We were not lying when we told you Greek mythology names are red-hot today. Iris is more popular than ever in the US, ranking in the top 100 today!
Selene
Selene is the goddess and personification of the Moon. Often referred to as Mene, she is traditionally the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia. She was depicted as a woman riding sidesaddle on a horse or driving a chariot drawn by winged steeds, often with a crescent moon diadem upon her head. As with Iris and many other appellations on this list, Selene is more prevalent in the US than ever before. It ranked 691st as of last year.
Chloe
Chloe is a lesser-known figure in Greek mythology, but she holds an important place in cultural tradition due to her connection with the agricultural calendar. The name Chloe, which means “green shoot” or “blooming,” is one of the many epithets of the goddess Demeter, the deity of agriculture and harvest. In this context, Chloe symbolizes the arrival of spring, new growth, and fertility. Chloe is one of the most popular names in the country today. In the most recent tally, it ranked eighteenth.
Unique and Underutilized Goddess Names
Clio
Clio could be the ticket if you’re after an alternative to Chloe. Clio, also spelled Kleio, is a figure of great significance in Greek mythology. She is celebrated as the muse of history and, in some accounts, the muse of lyre playing. As one of the nine Muses, she is a patron of history. Clio’s role was to proclaim and recount the history of heroes, celebrating their astonishing deeds and incredible accomplishments. The appellation means “glory.” The name has never been a popular choice in the US. That should change!
Rhea
Rhea is renowned as the mother of the gods and the Titaness of female fertility, motherhood, and ease. She is the daughter of the earth goddess Gaia and the sky god Uranus, embodying a powerful connection between heaven and earth. As the wife of Cronus, Rhea played a crucial role in the cosmic order, responsible for the flow of life and generations. The name is trending up today, but it pales in comparison to its popularity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Rhea’s Greek root means “a flowing stream.”
Aura
Aura, a minor deity in Greek and Roman mythology, is often symbolized as the “breeze”. Sometimes found in its plural form, Aurae, she represents the gentle breeze of early mornings. Aura was a nymph and the daughter of the Titan Lelantos and Periboa. Known for her association with cool, fresh winds, Aura was also recognized as a skilled huntress. This appellation was once a cherished pick in the US but that has not been the case for over 100 years!
Gaia
Without a doubt, Gaia is one of our most beloved appellations, from Greek mythology or otherwise. Gaia, also known as Gaea, is a significant figure in Greek mythology. She is the personification of Earth and one of the primordial deities born at the dawn of creation. Often referred to as the “Mother Earth,” Gaia is the originator of all life and the universal mother. Sadly, the name has never been popular in the US. However, in Israel, England, Italy, and Switzerland, it performs very well.
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Delia
Delia is not a standalone character in Greek mythology, but rather an epithet often used to refer to Artemis. The term “Delia” is derived from the island of Delos, the birthplace of Artemis and her twin brother Apollo. Delia is a moon goddess who was. worshipped for her nurturing and protective aspects. Unfortunately, this once-beloved option has tanked in popularity in recent years.
Circe
Circe is a fascinating character, known as an enchantress and minor goddess. She is often described as the daughter of the sun god, Helios. Gifted with the power of sorcery, Circe was skilled in the magic of transmutation, illusion, and necromancy, living on the mythical island of Aiaia.
Circe’s abilities were not limited to her magical arts; she was also an adept herbalist and potion maker, capable of transforming humans into animals. This talent played a significant role in several myths, most notably in Homer’s Odyssey, where she turned Odysseus’s men into swine.
Circe is one of the coolest characters from the pantheon. That has not translated to the appellation becoming popular in the US. The root of this name means “bird.”
Thalia
Thalia, known as the “joyous” or the “flourishing,” is a significant character in Greek mythology. She is recognized in two different contexts: as one of the nine Muses and as one of the three Charites (Graces). As a Muse, Thalia presides over comedy and idyllic poetry, inspiring artists and creators with her joyful spirit. As a Grace, Thalia represents festivity and rich banquets, often associated with Aphrodite’s retinue. Thalia’s most popular year in the US was 1993, but it has started to climb once more. Yay!
Artemis
Artemis is recognized as the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, and nature. Also known for her associations with childbirth and virginity, Artemis is often depicted with a bow and arrow, symbolizing her prowess as a hunter. The root of this name is contested but it could be “holy” or “butcher.” Artemis eked its way into the top 1000 last year, but is still pretty rare.
Anthea
Anthea is not typically recognized as an individual figure in Greek mythology. Instead, “Antheia” or “Anthea” is an epithet often associated with the goddess Hera and sometimes with Aphrodite. The term Anthea translates to “flower” or “blossom” in Greek, symbolizing spring and fertility. You will want to pronounce this one an-THEE-ah. The name has performed better in the UK than the US and it has never been popular here.
Astrea
Astrea, also known as Astraea, is the virgin goddess of justice, innocence, purity, and precision, encapsulating the virtues of an idylic world. Astrea is the daughter of Astraeus, the god of dusk, and Eos, the goddess of dawn, her name translating to “star-maiden” or “starry night.” This appellation has never been popular in the US, where it has gone virtually unused.
Calypso
Calypso is s a nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia. In Homer’s Odyssey, she detained the hero Odysseus for seven years, offering him immortality if he chose to stay with her. However, Odysseus’ longing for his homeland led him to decline her offer. Her name, related to the Greek word καλύπτω, which means “to conceal.” This darlin appellation has never been a popular option in the US.
Hera
Hera, the queen of the Olympian gods, is the goddess of marriage, women, the sky, and the stars of heaven, Hera is often depicted as a beautiful woman embodying the grace and majesty of her celestial domain. As the wife of Zeus, Hera holds a position of significant influence, reigning over Mount Olympus alongside her husband. The root of this extremely rare name is “protector.”
Theia
Theia, also known as Euryphaessa, is a significant figure in Greek mythology. She is one of the twelve Titans, the children of the earth goddess Gaia and the sky god Uranus. Theia is often associated with sight and the shining ether of the bright, blue sky. By extension, she is also considered the goddess who endowed gold, silver, and gems with their brilliance and intrinsic value. Her name, translating to “goddess” or “divine,” reflects her celestial nature. The Anglicized form of this appellation, Thea, has always been more popular in the US.
Melia
Melia is often associated with ash trees. The name Melia comes from the ancient Greek word μελία, meaning ‘ash-tree.’ As an Oceanid nymph, she was the daughter of the Titan Oceanus and was particularly linked to the Ismenian spring of Thebes in Boiotia, central Greece. This name goes virtually unused in the US today. However, it is popular in Germany, where it is considered a short form of Amelia.
Cybele
Cybele is the Great Mother of the Gods. She has her roots in ancient Phrygia, where she was considered the highest deity and divine consort of its rulers. Her influence extended to Greece and Rome, where she was associated with various Greek and Roman goddesses. Known for her connection with motherhood, nature, fertility, and agriculture, Cybele was deeply revered as the universal mother of not only the gods but also of all humans, animals, and plant life. Pronounce this appellation SIB-el-ee. It means “mother of the gods.”
Dione
Dione is a Titaness and an oracular goddess. Her name, which translates to “divine queen,” reflects her celestial status. Dione is primarily known from Book V of Homer’s Iliad, where she tends to the wounds suffered by her daughter Aphrodite. This is another name with a somewhat tricky pronunciation, dy-OH-nee. The appellation gained traction in the late 1960s and early ’70s but has not garnered much attention since then.
Ambrosia
Ambrosia is recognized as one of the Nysiades nymphs. The Nysiades were the nymphs of Mount Nysa, entrusted with the care of the infant god Dionysus by his father Zeus. Ambrosia, along with her sisters, nurtured Dionysus and played a key role in his upbringing. The name Ambrosia also holds significant importance in Greek mythology as it refers to the “food of the gods.” Only a dozen baby girls were named Ambrosia in the US in the most recent year counted. The root of the name means “immortal.”
Rhodes
Rhodes is depicted as a sea nymph or goddess. She is the personification of the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. According to myth, she is the daughter of the Titan Oceanus and his wife Tethys, making her one of the Oceanids. Rhodes was the wife of the sun god Helios, who fell in love with her during his first journey across the sky. The Greek root of this name means “where the roses grow.”
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Doris
Doris is an Oceanid, a sea nymph, and the personification of the bounty of the sea. As one of the 3,000 daughters of Titans Oceanus and Tethys, her lineage connects her deeply to the realm of water. The name translates to “gift of the ocean.” Doris was married to Nereus, the old man of the sea, and together they had a son, Nerites, and fifty daughters. Doris can’t shake its image as an “old lady name,” which seems to be keeping new parents from it. We love its retro charm!
As we conclude our journey through the enchanting realm of Greek mythology, we hope you’ve found inspiration in the rich tapestry of tales that these goddess names weave. Each carries a legacy of strength, wisdom, beauty, and more – a powerful gift to bestow upon your child. Whether you choose a name imbued with the spirit of wisdom like Athena or one that echoes joy like Thalia, remember that every name has its unique story. Thank you for joining us on this fascinating voyage into mythology and motherhood.
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