Greek Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Queen Hecuba was the legendary queen of King Priam of Troy, mother of Hector, Paris, Cassandra and others. Euripedes' tragedy Hecuba depicts Hecuba's grief over the death of her daughter Polyxena, and the revenge she takes for the murder of her youngest son Polydorus.

Anthea would be simpler and prettier, though Panthea has possibilities.

Attractive place-name, of a beautiful resort region of Turkey.

This spelling variation hasn't followed cousins Zoe and Zoey up the charts. Even though there are a number of feasible spellings, Zoie along with Zooey might cause some unwanted confusion.

Also written as Philemon, this New Testament character was a recipient of Paul's epistles.

Short form of the Russian Varvara, a feistier version of Barbara.

Victorian feel.

See RETA.

Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.

The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.

Meet my sibling, Sibley. Joking aside, Sibley sounds more possible than ever thanks to its trendy -ley ending and the new stylishness of big sister name Sybil.

Kostis is a short form of Konstantinos, the Greek variation of Constantine.

Often given as an independent name in Greece.

Thessaly is the name of an area of Greece, known for being near Mount Olympus. This variation lends itself to the nickname Sally. You may also wish to consider the name Larissa, which is the capital of the Thessaly region.

Timeo is a Top 100 name in France but is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world. Appearing briefly in the New Testament and related to Timon, a Shakespearean name, Timeo is a valid possibility for parents looking for an unusual name with cross-cultural cred.

Many old school girl names are feminine forms of male names. This one gets an exotic twist from being the female version not of Basil but the form used in Eastern Europe and Russia Vasily. This uncommon name would make an interesting and rare V-starting choice.

Astraia -- or Astraea or Asteria -- is the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who became the constellation Virgo. While largely unknown today, this is one of the Greek goddess namesthat may be rediscovered.