Phaethon

fah-EH-thon (Greek); FAY-uh-thon (English)

Greek

"radiant one, shining one"

Phaethon Origin and Meaning

The name Phaethon is a boy's name meaning "radiant one, shining one".

In Greek mythology, Phaethon is a son of the sun god Helios and the Oceanid Clymene. Trying to prove himself to his father, he convinces him to allow him to drive the chariot moving the sun across the sky, but he loses control and — after driving uncontrollably and causing parts of the Earth to burn or freeze — is killed by Zeus. His myth was likely intended as an explanation of Earth's different climates. "Phaethon" can also refer to a genus of birds, or the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

With a cool sound, interesting namesakes, and nicknames like Phae and Finn, Phaethon is an attractive ancient name for modern baby boys.