Ancient Greek Names

This name of an ancient Greek historian sounds too long-ago and faraway to consider for a modern child.

The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered here as the nickname of the memorable character played by Sal Mineo in the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause."

The name of a 5th century Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War, fittingly derived from Greek nike "victory". He was largely responsible for the negotiations which led to the Peace of Nicias in 421 BC.

A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.

Feminine form of Theophilus

See DORCAS.

An ancient name with a beautiful meaning, but the sound may be a bit too grand for a modern child to wear. Pausanias was a 2nd-century writer famous for his Description of Greece, a work recounting his observations while travelling in classical Greece. Another historical namesake, Pausanias the Regent, was a significant Spartan regent and a general.

This bold, poetic name appears in Greek mythology as the hero who tamed Pegasus and slayed the Chimera, but displeased the gods by trying to fly to Olympus. The subject of a play by Euripides and an opera Jean-Baptiste Lully, Bellerophon is also the name of an antidote in the film Mission: Impossible 2 and the nickname of a planet outside of our solar system.

In Greek mythology, Lykidas was the name of a centaur, however, in its Latin form, it is associated with the 17th century pastoral poem by John Milton who wrote, written in memory of his friend, Edward King. The name combines the name Lykos meaning "wolf" with a patronymic suffix, so it translates to "son of Lykos" or "son of the wolf". It could appeal to those who like a literary or animal reference in a name.

A rare Ancient Greek name, derived from timao and andros meaning "to honor, respect" and "of man". It may be more familiar in its feminine form Timandra.