Greek Girl Names
- Sybella
Origin:
Variation of Sybil or SibylMeaning:
"seer, oracle"Description:
The lovely Sybella is being nudged into the spotlight by two influences: the original Sybil (the most popular spelling) or Sibyl, name of the beauteous youngest sister of television's period megahit Downton Abbey, and Top Ten name Isabella. Biggest downside: There are an awful lot of girls with names that are variations of Bella around these days. But Sybella at least makes a distinctive member of the genre.
- Brontë
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thunder"Description:
Bronte is the lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name; a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. An extra element of Bronte's appeal: the surprise of it dramatic meaning coupled with its mellifluous sound.
- Karissa
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarissaDescription:
Both Karissa and Carissa are trending downward, along with the other issa names that first rose to popularity in the 1970s. Karissa fell out of the Top 1000 in 2014, two years after Carissa.
- Cynara
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thistly plant"Description:
Poetic though thorny.
- Kassandra
Origin:
Original spelling of CassandraDescription:
Kassandra is actually the original form of Cassandra (Greek names do not have Cs), though most will see it as a Kardashianization, which is a shame! As you might expect, the C currently charts higher. Still, Kassandra can lead to all sorts of cute nicknames, such as Kassie, Kass, and Sandy.
- Isaura
Origin:
Greek place-nameDescription:
The name of an ancient country located in South Asia Minor, perfect for someone looking for a rare and feminine name with history.
- Damia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"spirit"Description:
Greek nature goddess name that has a pleasing femininity. Damia is one of the more unusual goddess names newly fashionable for contemporary baby girls.
- Cate
Origin:
English diminutive of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
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.
- Ilene
Origin:
Greek variation of HelenDescription:
Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.
- Justina
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of JustinDescription:
Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.
- Eleusine
Origin:
Botanical nameDescription:
Eleusine is the botanical name of genus of grasses found across Africa and Asia. It also has a lovely soft sound and look. This might be a great choice for nature lovers or African or Asian parents looking for something with heritage meaning that's still quite unusual. Bonus points for its very fashionable "El" beginning
- Timothea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"honoring god"Description:
Previously Timothy's dusty and outdated sister, now actually feels fresher than its brother name. With Thea names right on trend at the moment, this could be a surprising and even more unusual alternative to Theodora or Dorothea for lovers of vintage names and that stylish Thea sound.
- Zoie
Origin:
Spelling variation of Zoe; GreekMeaning:
"life"Description:
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.
- Kalliope
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"beautiful voice"Description:
Original form of the more familiar Calliope, the muse of epic poetry.
- Aretha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"virtuous"Description:
There's still only one.
- Cleora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. in 2012) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things Egypt-related. A range of Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleo, Cleora, Cleona, and Cleola, made the Top 1000 then as the ancient tombs were opened in Egypt.
- Harmonia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"agreement, concord"Description:
One Greek mythological name -- she was the goddess of order -- not yet embraced by American parents.
- Arete
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"virtue"Description:
Arete is a minor goddess in Greek mythology who personifies the idea of excellence or perfect virtue. There is also a mythological queen Arete, with her sister an "exacter of justice".
- Eustacia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fruitful"Description:
Eustacia, the ancestor of mid-century fave Stacy, is just the kind of fusty old relic that might be polished up for modern use. Eustacia Vye is the central character of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.
- Stasia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"resurrection"Description:
Anastasia is a lovely yet very long name, and Stasia is a fresher, classier short form than Stacy.