Greek Mythology Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Celestial and strong, Alcmena is a Latinized form of Alcmene a figure from Greek mythology, best known as the mother of Heracles after Zeus tricked her into thinking he was her absent husband. The name has the evocative meaning "strength and power of the moon", from the Greek elements, alke and mene.

The name of one of the Nereids (sea nymphs), an Egyptian princess, and a daughter of King Priam of Troy in Greek mythology, Lysianassa is a bold, lyrical feeling name of Greek origin. Derived from lysis meaning "releasing, freeing" and anassa meaning "queen", it has a regal and uplifting air — though some English speaking parents may pause over the fourth syllable.

Theano was a 6th century Greek philosopher, who has been called both the wife and student of Pythagoras, though not enough is known about her life to say which was true. Her surviving writings focus on how to deal with children, physicians, philosophers, servants, and unfaithful husbands.

In Greek mythology, Nyctimene was pursued by her own father, and therefore fled to find safety in the shadows of the woods. She was later transformed into an owl by the goddess Athena, out of punishment or pity, depending on which variation of the myth you read.

In Greek mythology, Hylas was a companion, servant, and/or lover to Heracles, who was kidnapped by water nymphs. There are multiple versions of the myth, some in which Hylas falls in love with the nymphs and others in which he is silenced underwater or turned into an echo.