Greek God Names

In Greek mythology, Zagreus was a god of the underworld and the son of Persephone and either Hades or Zeus. The word zagreus refers to a hunter who catches (and dismembers) live animals — the mythical Zagreus is often considered the "first Dionysius," as Dionysius was dismembered as an infant.

Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.

In Greek mythology this was an alternative name of the god Chronos, also used in English and a good candidate for baby name usage due to its good meaning and name-like sound.

The name of the father of the sea nymphs -- or one of its shorter forms such as Nereo or Nerio -- would be somewhat easier for a child to carry than Neptune. The name Nereus is largely forgotten but it certainly can rise again along with Atticus and Cassius and other ancient Greek brethren.

In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).

Laertes, Ophelia's headstrong brother in Hamlet, has long been an intriguing namesake; Shakespeare got his name from the name of Odysseus' father in Greek mythology. But the ending "-es" feels a little too ancient for some. This shortened version might be more usable. Laert is another option that makes the Hamlet connection more explicit.

Aether, who might be equated with the word ether, is a primeval Greek god who is light itself. He embodies the brightness between the dome of heaven and the air surrounding the earth.

Various characters name Deucalion exist in Greek Mythology, including Deucalion, the son of Prometheus; Deucalion of Crete; Deucalion, son of Zeus; and Deucalion the solider, who is killed by Achilles.

An unusual but very accessible name from Greek mythology, with the same strong ending sound as stylish picks like Alexander and Evander. Isandro is the equally attractive Spanish version.

Prometheus of Greek Mythology was a Titan known for creating humankind out of clay. He stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, which triggered the rise of civilizations.

Prometheus might be better known as Ridley Scott's 2012 film of the same name.

One of the most severely punished characters in Greek mythology, and the first two syllables don't help.

In Greek mythology, Ganymede was Trojan youth who was so beautiful that he was carried off to be Zeus' cup-bearer, and made immortal. His name may derive from Greek ganymai "to be glad" plus medomai "to think, to plan".

In ancient Greek mythology, a Trojan king with fifty children; in the modern world it sounds more like a computer language or environmentally correct car.

In Greek mythology, Typhon was a giant serpent, and one of the deadliest mythological creatures.

The Greek god of the east wind was associated with the season of autumn and dwelt near the palace of the sun-god Helios in the far east.

An Ancient Greek name with a huge dose of literary credibility. Laertes was the father of Odysseus in Greek mythology, who therefore pops up in Homer's The Odyssey.

In Greek mythology, Sao was one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the sea god Nereus. A moon of Neptune is named in her honor. In modern times, it works equally well for a son.

The father of Oedipus in Greek mythology, a king of Thebes and husband of Jocasta. After hearing a prophecy that he would be killed by his son, Laius left the infant Oedipus for dead. The boy survived and years later he killed Laius in a quarrel on the road.

Boreas was the Greek god of the north wind, deriving from the same root as the Latin name of the Northern Lights, aurora borealis.