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100 Greek Mythology Baby Names: Gods & Goddesses

Updated
Gods and goddesses — we have 100 of the coolest Greek mythology names for boys and girls.

What baby name to choose is something most parents-to-be wonder about from the minute they see the positive test, if not before. It’s not a decision to take lightly — a name is for life.

Studies show we often tend to judge people by their names (1). So, naming your baby girl Tesla or Fanta (yes, parents have done that) might lead to unwanted attention later on.

It’s a huge responsibility — how can you make it easier? One way is to narrow your choices down to a specific category or meaning.

This is what we’ve done — we’ve gathered 100 Greek mythology baby names for boys and girls.


Greek Mythology Boy Names (Greek God Names)

Here are 50 Greek mythology names for boys, inspired by the Gods themselves!

1. Abraxas

Abraxas is a mystical word composed of Greek letters. It was believed to have magical powers and was often inscribed on amulets and charms.

Around the second century AD, early Gnostics (ancient Greek religious thinkers) used the word to describe their god. Abraxas is described as a talisman with a cock’s head, but a man’s body (2). The name has often been used in pop culture. One example is in the book and movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

2. Achilles

Achilles means “thin-lipped” and was the name of one of the most famous Greek heroes. He was known as a warrior with incredible strength and remarkable bravery.

Despite all his power, he did have a vulnerable spot dubbed the “Achilles heel,” which is an expression widely used to this day.

3. Adonis

Adonis translates to “lord” in Greek. Derived from a Greek mythology figure, Adonis is a name often related to masculine beauty.

Since the early 2000s, Adonis’s popularity has grown immensely. Today, it’s ranked as number 366 of baby boy names in the U.S.

4. Ajax

Ajax is another Greek hero, known for being featured in Homer’s Iliad. He was formerly known as Ajax the Great.

Despite Ajax being a mighty name with a strong meaning, it’s also the title of a cleanser. So, if the reference is too strong, you can use Jax instead.

5. Apollo

Apollo was the name of the son of Zeus and Leto and twin brother of Artemis. He was the god of music, the sun, medicine, and poetry, amongst others.

In the U.S., Apollo is well known. It’s the name of a NASA space program between 1961 and 1972 that put the first humans on the moon. The name has also been featured in movies, thanks to the character of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise.

6. Argo

In Greek mythology, Argo was the name of the ship that Jason sailed on his search for the Golden Fleece. It’s also the title of a constellation located between Canis Major and Crux.

Many will know the name from the 2012 movie Argo, starring and directed by Ben Affleck.

7. Ares

Ares was an ancient Greek god of war and one of the 12 Olympians — he was the son of Zeus and Hera.

Ares is on the list of popular baby names this decade, where currently, it’s the 563rd most used name.

8. Atlas

Atlas is a mythological Greek titan, who was responsible for holding up the heavens for eternity.

Atlas has always been off the charts when it comes to baby names — until 2015, when it skyrocketed in popularity. Actress Anne Heche helped put this name back on our lists after she named her baby Atlas in 2009.

9. Cadmus

Cadmus translates to “one who excels” in Greek. Cadmus is another mythical hero, known for slaying serpents. He’s the son of King Agenor and the founder of Thebes.

Cadmus has a specific sound to it — it’s quite magical, which is probably why J.K. Rowling used it in Harry Potter.

10. Castor

Castor means “pious one” in Greek and defines one of the twins making up the Gemini constellation.

It’s a mythological name with some cutting-edge potential — James Hetfield from Metallica gave the name to his son born in 2000.

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11. Cronus

Cronus was the name of the youngest son of Gaea and Uranus — he was a leader of the first generation of Titans.

For a short period, Cronus became the ruler of gods and men after he overthrew his father. This came to an end once Zeus came of age and locked him away. Cronus is a rare name, which some might associate with rebellious behavior.

12. Damon

Damon is a mythological Greek legend, known for his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friend. Damon stands for loyalty and unselfishness.

It’s a name that comes with responsibility, which may encourage your child later on to be their best self. You may recognize the duo Damon and Pythias — if not, Matt Damon and former F1 world champion Damon Hill are other famous bearers of the name.

13. Dionysius

Dionysius is the name of the Greek god of the grape harvest, wine and winemaking, fertility, theatre, religious ecstasy, and ritual madness. He represents freedom as he encourages his followers to dance free of self-conscious care and fear.

Dionysius isn’t a widely used name — it’s unique. However, if you want an alternative, the Roman equivalent is Bacchus, which resembles Marcus in some ways.

14. Endymion

Endymion was a handsome figure from Greek mythology. He dwelled in the Elis region, where he was believed to be king. Endymion got his beauty from his father, Zeus.

Selene, a Titan goddess of the moon, fell in love with Endymion and requested that Zeus granted his son eternal youth. Based on its meaning, Endymion is associated with beauty and love. It’s perhaps too much for a first name but would make an unusual middle name.

15. Eros

Eros translates to “desire” in ancient Greek. It’s the name of the winged Greek god of sexual love.

It’s perhaps not a favored name in the U.S., but in Italy, it’s in the top 200.

16. Eryx

In Greek mythology, Eryx was the name of Poseidon and Aphrodite’s son, who was a king in Sicily. Eryx was known for being an excellent boxer, who, eventually, was defeated by none other than Hercules.

Eryx is a name on our watchlist. At the moment, it isn’t viral, but we see it as a possible replacement for Eric.

17. Evander

Evander was a migrant from Pallantium, Arcadia, who settled down in Italy, where he founded the town Pallention. Evander is also the son of goddess Carmentis and god Hermes.

We like how Evander sounds — it puts a spin on the usual Evan. In ancient Norse, it translates to “bow warrior” or “strong man.” The most famous Evander is the former U.S. boxing champion, Evander Holyfield.

18. Griffin

In mythology, a griffin was a mythical creature with an eagle’s head and wings and a lion’s body and tail. Griffins were the only creature worthy enough to pull Apollo’s carriage across the sky.

Griffin isn’t particularly unusual, and is the family name in the animated TV series “Family Guy.” It’s gained in popularity as a first name since the turn of the century.

19. Hades

Hades was the king of the dead and brother to Zeus and Poseidon. In Greek, Hades means “unseen,” and he wasn’t exactly known for being a fun guy.

Hades also isn’t a great first name for a baby — if you like it, perhaps it’s better as a middle or surname.

20. Hector

Hector means “holding fast” in Greek. It was the name of a hero who fought during the Trojan War and is on the rise among parents who want a hero name for their little one.

Hector is also widely used in movies, books, and television shows. The popular U.S. show, Longmire, featured a prominent character named Hector.

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21. Helios

Helios is the famous Greek Titan god of the sun. He’s thought to ride his golden chariot across the skies, towing the sun from the east to the west. He does this every morning and then from west to east at night, representing the rising and setting of the sun.

Helios isn’t a popular baby name in the U.S., but we like how it sounds. And, who doesn’t want to relate to the god of the sun? You can also spell it Helius.

22. Herakles

Herakles (also spelled Heracles) was one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology. If you have no clue who Herakles was, you may know him by his Roman name, Hercules (3).

He was famed for his incredible strength and endurance, which later earned him his immortal place in Olympus. The character of Hercules has been the star of movies and television shows.

23. Hermes

Hermes was “the messenger god.”

When picturing Hermes, some of us see the blue figure with wings on his shoes — others imagine the high-end clothing brand.

24. Homer

Homer was born between the 12th and 8th century BC, near the coast of Asia Minor. He is a famed poet, and two of his greatest works are the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Although he isn’t a mythological character, we couldn’t make this list without mentioning him since his work has had a significant effect on Western culture. If you name your child Homer, though, be prepared for some jokes from the animated television series, The Simpsons.

25. Icarus

Icarus got wax wings to escape the island of Crete, but he flew too close to the sun, and they melted.

It’s a known name, although not popular, probably due to his reputation and potential “icky” nickname.

26. Janus

We snuck this Roman god in because we like the name, and there’s no real Greek equivalent. Janus translates to “gateway.” It’s the name of an ancient Roman god and represents transitions, hence its link to January — a time for new beginnings.

When looking at Janus, he’s often depicted with two faces, gazing in opposite directions.

27. Jason

Jason means “to heal” in Greek. This has been a popular name for decades — it peaked during the ‘70s where it scored third place. In mythology, Jason was the leader of the Argonauts when they went to search for the Golden Fleece.

It’s also a name we recognize from the Bible, where he was hospitable to St. Paul. It was an often-used name in old-day Greece. There are also several famous Jasons today, like Jason Segel, Jason Momoa, and Jason Bateman.

28. Leander

Leander is a name used to define “lion-man” in ancient Greek. Leander was a Greek legend — he was powerful and famous for swimming across the Hellespont each night.

This is a somewhat scarce name in the U.S., but it isn’t too strange — Leander sounds like a fancier version of Alexander. Around the world, however, it’s quite popular — in Norway, it’s in the top 40. Spain and France each have their own version, being Leandro in Spanish and Leandre in French.

29. Morpheus

Morpheus is the Greek god of sleep and dreams. However, some suggest that he’s only the god of dreams, whereas his dad was the god of sleep.

Morpheus would send human shapes into the dreams of people, along with his brother, who’d send animals.

30. Nereus

Nereus was the father of the sea nymphs in Greek mythology.

Although Nereus hasn’t been a fashionable name, we believe that in our modern world of outrageous baby names, it could be. With Nereus, there’s always the possibility of using nicknames like Nerio or Nereo.

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31. Oceanus

According to Greek legends, Oceanus was a Titan who ruled over the ocean.

It’s a favored name in Europe, particularly in France, where Oceane is a popular choice for girls.

32. Odysseus

Odysseus means “wrathful” in Greek, but it is famous as the name of a hero mentioned in Homer’s saga.

Odysseus was brave and resourceful — but the name might be too much for some parents.

33. Olimpio

Olimpio is an ancient Greek word for “from Mount Olympus.” Olympus was the mountain where all the Greek gods lived.

Olimpio is an excellent name if you don’t want your little one associated with a particular Greek god.

34. Orion

Orion was a hunter of legend, who pursued Atlas’ seven daughters. The goddess Artemis killed him, and he was cast by Zeus to be the brightest constellation.

Orion is a beautiful name. It sounds like O’Ryan, a Gaelic name, but with an exotic twist.

35. Orpheus

Orpheus was the name of a legendary Greek musician and poet.

It was claimed that his music was so amazing that trees started dancing, and rivers stopped flowing to listen. It would make a fantastic name for the son of musicians.

36. Pan

Pan means “shepherd” or “flock” in ancient Greek. Pan was the god of flocks.

He’s depicted as a man with goat legs, who would play his pipe. He’s famous for his mischievousness. In Hindi, Pan means “feather” or “leaf.”

37. Paris

Paris was a mythological prince who is believed to have caused the Trojan war. With the help of Aphrodite, Paris managed to seduce Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman, who happened to be the wife of the king of Sparta.

Paris is a known name, but mostly for girls. It’s famous thanks to the French city and the well-known Paris Hilton. However, it is making a comeback as a boy’s name after a few celebrities have used it.

38. Parthenios

Parthenios was the name of a Greek river god. He was always depicted as a man draped in a toga.

Parthenios may not be the best first name for a baby, but it could be an original middle name.

39. Perseus

Perseus was another one of Zeus’ sons — he was perceived as a godly hero.

Perseus is one of those names that sound so old that it may be a unique modern-day choice. Plus, your son may someday get a kick out of watching the movie, Clash of the Titans, that showcases the legend of Perseus.

40. Pollux

Pollux was Castor’s twin half-brother, mentioned in both Greek and Roman mythology. Together, they were called Dioscuri. Pollux was immortal, while Castor wasn’t.

Pollux asked Zeus to share the gift of immortality with his brother so that they could remain together. So, Zeus turned them into the constellation Gemini.

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41. Poseidon

Poseidon is another ancient Greek god. Poseidon was the god of the sea and is perhaps a better name than his Roman equivalent, Neptune.

This is a mighty name, especially if you love the ocean.

42. Priam

Priam was the legendary king of Troy, the home of the Trojan War. Priam had many children — the most notable ones were Paris and Hector.

Priam sounds like a fancier version of Brian, which may make it suitable for the U.S.

43. Pyramus

Pyramus is a character in Greek and Roman mythology. His story was written by a Roman poet named Ovid and resembled that of Romeo and Juliet.

Pyramus lived in Babylon, next door to his lover Thisbe — their parents forbid that they’d marry due to their family rivalry. The story ends with Thisbe finding Pyramus dead on the ground.

44. Thanatos

Thanatos means “death” in Greek, and it was the name of the god of nonviolent deaths. He’s not always depicted as a god — sometimes, he’s considered a spirit.

Thanatos was gentle, but not to be confused with Hades, King of the Dead, who was known for being stern and unyielding. Thanatos might not be the best baby name. Despite his gentle nature, associating your baby with death doesn’t sound like the best idea.

45. Theseus

Theseus was a legend in Greek mythology. He was celebrated for slaying the Minotaur.

Chaucer acknowledged him in his first Canterbury tale, The Knight’s Tale, where he represents rules and order. Theseus isn’t a common name in the U.S.

46. Triton

Triton was known as the messenger of the sea and son of Neptune. He’s generally depicted as a merman, with the upper body of a man, but fins like a fish.

This was the name of Ariel’s father, the undersea king in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It’s also the name given to the largest of the planet Neptune’s moons.

47. Troy

The Trojan War in Troy is one of the most famed events in Greek mythology. Troy was a city located in a region called Asia Minor, where Turkey is today. The Trojan War started after the city’s prince, Paris, abducted or eloped with Sparta’s queen, Helen.

Troy is a name frequently used in the U.S. Its popularity peaked during the 1990s, and fell before the 2000s. However, we have full faith that this name will gain momentum again and reclaim its spot high on the list.

48. Troilus

Troilus was a Trojan prince. He was the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba.

An ancient prophecy indicated that Troy would never succumb, should Troilus reach the age of 20. However, he was killed by Achilles at a young age.

49. Zephyr

Zephyr translates to “west wind” in Greek. It stems from the Greek god Zephyr or Zephyrus, who was the god of the west wind.

This name is widely used in video games and books. It’s laid back and could quickly become a new trending name.

50. Zeus

Zeus was the sovereign god in Olympus. He was responsible for the sky, lightning, thunder, and fate, among many other things.

It’s a big name to live up to, but it would be fantastic as a middle name.

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Greek Mythology Girl Names (Goddess Names)

Check out these 50 Greek mythology names for girls, inspired by the goddesses!

51. Acantha

Acantha means “thorn” or “prickle” in Greek, and it was the name of a nymph.

Acantha was beloved by Apollo, according to Greek legends. Because of the meaning of the name, it would be fantastic as a tribute to a Grandma Rose.

52. Alala

Alala was the goddess of war-cry in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of Polemos, who was the daemon of war. Soldiers would cry out her name as their battle began.

Alala sounds like a fancy celebrity baby name. However, it’s reputed to stem from the screeches an owl makes.

53. Althea

Althea means “with healing power” in Greek. It’s always been a poetic, perhaps even ethereal name, widely used in Greek myths and poetry.

There are some famous people who have this name, like Althea Gibson — the first African American winner at Wimbledon. You could easily use the short version, Thea.

54. Andromeda

Andromeda was the daughter of Cassiopeia and was known for her beauty. The name also means “advising like a man” in Greek. Andromeda became a constellation, just like her mother.

Andromeda is an exclusive choice as not many babies in the U.S. carry that name.

55. Anthea

Anthea was the goddess of flowers and floral wreaths, which is also what the name means in Greek. Anthea is another name for the goddess Hera, who was the queen of Olympus. In ancient Greece, Anthea was a poetic symbol of spring.

The name has been used in more modern times — Anthea Disney was a relative to Walt Disney.

56. Aphrodite

Aphrodite was the goddess of love. She was celebrated poetically in ancient Greece — the best-known work is the Ode to Aphrodite, written by a female poet, Sappho.

Unlike the Roman variant, Venus, Aphrodite is a goddess name, which rarely descends to mortal use. It’s perhaps a bit much for a human baby to bear.

57. Ariadne

Ariadne is an ancient Greek word for “most holy.” It was the name of King Minos’ daughter. She helped Theseus escape from the labyrinth where the Minotaur was.

Ariadne, pronounced air-ee-ahd-nee, could be an excellent alternative to Ariana, accompanied by the trendy nickname Ari.

58. Arete

Arete was a goddess who people connected to attractive qualities like excellence, knowledge, and courage.

Arete is one of the more subtle names on this list, which makes it good for a modern baby.

59. Artemis

Artemis, twin sister of Apollo, was a virgin deity who ruled over wilderness, hunt, and animals. She is linked to fertility and called upon to help women in childbirth.

Her Roman counterpart is Diana, but Artemis seems a more updated and upbeat name with a trendy vibe to it.

60. Asia

Asia was the daughter of the sea god Oceanus.

We’re not sure if she was an inspiration to name the continent, but we adore this name. In a time when place names are trending, this could fly high on the list.

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61. Asteria

Asteria was the Titaness of falling stars and nocturnal oracles.

If you like the name Aster, then you should consider Asteria.

62. Astraea

Astraea, pronounced as-tray-ah, was the daughter of Eos and Astraeus. She was the virgin goddess of innocence, precision, purity, and justice. Astraea means “star-maiden” or “starry night.”

Astraea can also be spelled as Astria or Astrea.

63. Atalanta

Atalanta was a mythological maiden, famous for her incredible beauty and feisty personality. She refused to marry unless her suitor could beat her in a footrace.

It’s a fantastic name for a baby girl, which may encourage her to be confident in herself when she needs to be.

64. Athena

Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, civilization, and law and justice. She’s one of the most influential figures in Greek mythology. The name is also closely related to the modern-day Greek capital, Athens.

Athena continues to gain steam as a girl’s name in the U.S. It reached its highest spot in 2018, ranking 117. A decade before that, in 2008, it only ranked 456.

65. Aura

Aura means “soft breeze” in Greek. It was the name of the Titan of the breeze as well as fresh and crisp morning air in Greek mythology. Aura has a rather tragic story, as Zeus ultimately made her into a fountain.

In new age practices, Aura takes on another meaning as the emanation surrounding a person and considered part of their essence.

66. Aegle

Aegle was the Greek goddess of good health. She was the daughter of Epione and Asclepius and was often seen as the employee of her father.

Aegle sounds like a fancy version of Adele, which makes it attractive.

67. Calliope

Calliope translates to “beautiful voice” in Greek. Calliope is said to be the name of a muse of epic poetry.

It’s a bold and creative name, which made its debut on the top 1,000 list in 2016.

68. Calypso

Not to be confused with the Afro-Carribean music, Calypso was an island nymph and the daughter of Atlas. The name Calypso means “she who hides” in Greek. Calypso was responsible for delaying Odysseus when he was returning home.

Calypso is a known name, often used in movies and books and even for ships. It’s a dramatic name with a punch of power.

69. Cassandra

Cassandra means “prophetess” in Greek, and the name belonged to a Trojan princess who received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. However, she was condemned never to be believed.

Cassandra is a fantastic name, and its popularity peaked during the 1970s. Some famous examples include Cassandra Wilson and Charlie Sheen’s daughter. It can be shortened to make cute nicknames like Sandra, Sandy, Cassa and Cassie.

70. Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia was the name of a Greek mythological mother, who eventually became a constellation.

It’s pronounced kass-eeh-oh-pee—ah and has the potential of giving your daughter a unique name among her peers.

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71. Clio

Clio is an ancient Greek word for “glory,” and it’s pronounced klee-oh.

Clio was a Greek mythological muse, featured in heroic poetry and history. We must say, it’s a charming name that plays well on the tongue.

72. Cybele

Cybele draws roots from French as well as Greek and translates to “the mother of all gods.”

In Greek mythology, Cybele was the goddess of health, fertility and nature. It’s a beautiful name that sounds a lot like Sybil.

73. Cynthia

Cynthia means “moon goddess” or “woman from Kynthos.” The name is an epithet for Diana or Artemis.

Cynthia is an attractive name, but its popularity in the mid-20th century means it is often associated with an older generation.

74. Daphne

Daphne is a Greek name meaning “laurel tree” or “bay tree.” Although we generally see Daphne as an English name, it stems from the nymph daughter of Peneus, a Greek river god. Penus saved Daphne when Apollo was trying to transform her into a laurel tree.

Daphne is a beautiful name, but it may sound too outdated for some parents. It may be best known for being a main character in the Scooby-Doo cartoons and movies.

75. Delia

Delia means “born on the island of Delos.” Delia is an epithet for Artemis, the moon goddess. It stems from the Greek island of Delos, where Artemis and Apollo lived.

Delia has a charm to it that we can’t ignore. It sounds excellent in the south or as a nickname or alternative for Cordelia or Adelia. A famous example of Delia is the novelist and screenwriter Delia Ephron.

76. Demeter

Demeter was the goddess of agriculture, growth, harvest, grain, and nourishment. She was Zeus’s sister and mother to Persephone.

There are various versions of Demeter, like Demetria. However, it’s not the most popular Greek mythology name for girls.

77. Echo

Echo was a legendary nymph whose love for Narcissus eventually caused her to fade away until all there was left was her voice.

Echo is an unusual name but is prevalent in pop culture — an example is the character, Echo, on the CW series The 100.

78. Eos

Eos translates to “dawn” in Greek. It’s a quick pronunciation, like eros, but without the “r.”

Despite its ancient roots, Eos sounds innovative and modern, while honoring Auntie Dawn.

79. Gaia

Gaia is ancient Greek for “earth mother.” She is a mythological goddess and universal mother.

Gaia is popular among green parents — the name has an ecological element to it. It is frequently used in pop culture — it was also featured in the CW series The 100.

80. Halcyon

Halcyon means “kingfisher bird,” and it was a mythical bird mentioned in Greek mythology.

It’s one of the more unusual names, which may or may not work in today’s society. If you’re looking for a unique name, this one fits the bill.

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81. Hebe

In ancient Greek, Hebe means “youth.” Hebe was the daughter of Hera and Zeus — she’s known as the goddess of youth.

This is an odd name, which could work for trendy families who aren’t afraid to be bold.

82. Hera

Hera equates to “protectress” in Greek, and she was the queen of Greek gods.

Hera has a long story, which isn’t always pretty, like the time she tried to destroy Hercules. The name might also sound too wispy and wan for today’s babies.

83. Hermione

Hermione means “messenger” or “earthly” in Greek. According to ancient myths, Hermione was the daughter of the Spartan King Menelaus and Queen Helen.

The name was never a serious contender until J.K. Rowling used it for her main female character in the Harry Potter stories.

84. Hero

Hero is of Greek and English origin. In ancient Greece, Hero means “demi-god,” and the name belonged to a woman. Hero was the lover of Leander, who swam across the waters to be with her every night.

A few celebrities like Myleene Klass, Sam Taylor-Wood, and Aaron Johnson have used the name. It works well both as a first and middle name.

85. Hestia

Hestia translates to “hearth” or “fireside” in Greek. Hestia was the goddess of the hearth, chastity, and home.

The name hasn’t been on the baby name charts, and we’ll doubt it ever will be. Still, if you want something unusual, then it could work.

86. Ianthe

Ianthe means “purple flower” and was the name of a daughter of Oceanus, the ruler of the sea. Her mother was a Cretan woman, who was so beautiful, that when she died, the gods grew purple flowers around her grave.

Ianthe is almost poetic and a lovely name. During the 17th century, Ianthe was a favored name used by pastoral poets, and in the 19th century. She was included in Shelley’s, Georgette Heyer’s and Barbara Pym’s work.

87. Irene

Irene means “peace” in Greek, and it was the middle name of an ancient goddess named Serene Irene. She was the goddess of peace and had one of the most recognizable names in mythical history.

In Roman history, Irene is spelled as Eirene — it became a famous name, especially in Europe in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece.

88. Iris

Iris was the goddess of rainbows, which is also what the name translates to. In addition to being a goddess, she was the messenger of Hera and Zeus, riding the rainbow between Olympus and Earth.

Iris is a popular name on the list, which is probably due to the number of celebrities who’ve used it. It’s also the name of a notable British novelist, Iris Murdoch.

89. Kore

Kore means “maiden” in Greek. Kore is another name for Persephone, a daughter of Zeus, who was kidnapped by Hades. The legend says that she was gorgeous and attracted the attention of many gods including Hades, who took her to his world and married her, making her the goddess of the underworld.

Kore is pronounced ko-ree, not core. It’s a possible alternative to the now widely popular Cora.

90. Leda

Leda is Greek for “happy.” Leda was the beautiful mother of the also ravishing Helen of Troy.

It’s a rare name in the U.S., but common in some European countries — in Italy, Leda is pronounced as lay-dah.

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91. Maia

Maia is the Greek word for “mother,” and in Greek mythology, she was the fair-haired daughter of Atlas. To the Romans, Maia meant the incarnation of Earth and was celebrated as the goddess of spring.

Maia resembles Maya and is perfect for spring babies.

92. Nephele

Nephele means “cloudy,” and it was the name of a goddess Zeus created from clouds.

Nephele isn’t common in the U.S., but it’s still a beautiful name we hope to see on the charts soon.

93. Nyx

Nyx was a powerful goddess of the night.

She wasn’t viewed as a positive goddess. Nonetheless, the name sounds fresh and trendy enough to forget its origin.

94. Pallas

Pallas means “wisdom” — it was the name of the goddess of wisdom and arts, called Pallas Athena.

Pallas is a stylish girl’s name and would be amazing for artsy parents.

95. Pandora

Pandora was the name of a calamitous mythological girl — the name means “all gifted.” Pandora is said to let her curiosity get the better of her and opened a forbidden box that unleashed all evils upon the world.

Pandora is a rare, but quite beautiful name for a girl.

96. Penelope

Penelope means “weaver” in Greek and was the name of Odysseus’ wife in Homer’s Odyssey.

The mythological Penelope was brought up by a duck. Once she came of age, she pretended to weave while waiting for her husband’s return from the sea to scare off suitors.

97. Phoebe

Phoebe was the goddess of the moon and hunting. The name means “radiant” or “the shining one.”

Phoebe is also a name from the Bible and Shakespeare. In more modern times, the name Phoebe has been used for characters on the TV series, Friends and Charmed.

98. Rhea

Rhea translates to “flowing stream” and was the name of the earth mother of all gods in Greek mythology.

Despite its trendy sound, Rhea hasn’t been in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names for a while. It wasn’t until 2015 that it re-entered the charts. The most famous Rhea is probably actress, author, and wife of Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman.

99. Selene

Selene was the Greek goddess of the moon — she was sister to Helios, the god of the sun.

Although Selene is the original version, a later Latin alternative, Selena, is more commonly used in the U.S.

100. Xanthe

Xanthe means “golden” or “yellow” in Greek. Xanthe is an exotic epithet of Demeter, goddess of the harvest and agriculture.

In ancient Greece, Xanthe was a name often given to blonde baby girls. It’s a bold name, which makes it one of the rare ones.

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Tips on Choosing the Best Baby Name

Here are some tips on how to choose the best baby name for your little one.

  • Sound: Consider how the name sounds. Say it out loud a few times together with the middle and last name. Be wary of matches like “Ben Dover.”
  • Uniqueness: It’s always a good idea to pick a name that isn’t too popular at the time. This way, your little one won’t share their name with four other kids in their class.
  • Initials: Think about how the name will benefit or impact them in the future. You don’t want to choose something that’ll leave them with funny initials like “B.U.G.”
  • Aging name: You also want to pick a name that ages well. Imagine your baby as a teenager and then as an adult — will the name still be appropriate (4)?

Choose With Caution

Greek mythology baby names are fantastic for parents who are looking for a rare but meaningful name. Some may be too outrageous for the U.S., while others fit right in.

Finding the right name for your little one is imperative — you want one that sounds well and is suitable for them at every age.

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Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.