Ancient Greek Names
- Hagne
Description:
Hagne is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, pronounced approximately as 'HAG-nee.' In classical Greek, it means 'pure' or 'holy' and was an epithet associated with several Greek goddesses, particularly Persephone. The name shares linguistic roots with the Greek word 'hagnos,' relating to sacred purity and chasteness. Despite its beautiful meaning and classical heritage, Hagne remains extremely rare in modern usage, likely due to potential pronunciation confusion in English and unfortunate visual similarity to the English word 'hag.' However, for those knowledgeable about Greek mythology and language, the name represents a direct connection to ancient traditions celebrating feminine purity and divine qualities. Its rarity makes it a truly distinctive choice.
- Menelaos
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the power of the people"Description:
The Greek form of Menelaus, and the name of a central character in Homer's Iliad. Menelaos was a king of Sparta and the husband of Helen, and he started the Trojan War when she was taken from him by Paris. While both Menelaus and Menelaos remain obscure outside of Greece, Menelaos is a well-used name in its native country.
- Hilarion
Description:
Hilarion is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the word 'hilaros,' meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful.' This historical name was popularized primarily through St. Hilarion, a 4th-century hermit and saint who was a disciple of St. Anthony the Great and founded monasticism in Palestine. Despite its distinguished history, Hilarion has remained relatively uncommon in the Western world. The name carries a scholarly, classical quality that appeals to parents interested in distinctive historical names. While more frequently found in Eastern Orthodox communities and Greek-speaking regions, Hilarion occasionally appears elsewhere, offering a unique alternative to more common classical names. Its connection to 'hilarious' gives it a subtle association with joy and laughter.
- Photine
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"light up"Description:
Deriving from the Greek word phos meaning "light", Photine is a rare choice with a Biblical link. The name of the Samaritan woman in "Jesus and the Woman at the Well" (John 4), Photine is associated with Jesus's mercy and love, and with spreading the word of God.
- Minyas
Origin:
Greek, meaning unknownDescription:
An obscure name from Greek mythology, where Mynias was the ancestor of the Mynians, a group of legendary people from Ochromenus, Beoetia, considered an important centre of civilisation in Mycenaean Greece. In modern times, Ochromenus is a rich archaeological site. Although the name is relatively unheard of, it has an approachable sound and could be a great choice for parents who love unconventional and unique ancient names, or names ending in -s.
- Kirke
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bird"Description:
The original Greek form of Circe, also used in various other languages. Less soft than the English Circe, Kirke nonetheless has a distinct sound with modern appeal. In Greek mythology, she is a sorceress with a significant role in Homer's Odyssey.
- Arsinoos
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"elevated mind"Description:
The masculine form of Arsinoe. In Greek mythology, Arsinoos of Mysia & Arsinoos of Tenedos are both minor characters associated with the Trojan War. The name derives from the Greek arsis "rise, lift" and nous "mind, intellect".
- Theophila
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"friend of god"Description:
Feminine form of Theophilus
- Aristotelia
Origin:
Feminine form of Aristotle or Aristoteles, GreekMeaning:
"the best purpose"Description:
Aristotelia is a bold feminine form of the Aristotle, made up of the Greek elements aristos and telos meaning "best" and "purpose" respectively. Associated with philosophy and ethics, this name is also given to a tree in South America, better known as Chilean wineberry or maqui, and to a genus of moth.
- Melitta
Description:
Melitta is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the word "melissa" meaning "honey bee" or "honey." The name carries connotations of sweetness, industriousness, and natural beauty. Historically, Melitta gained recognition through the Greek mythology nymph Melissa, who was said to have discovered honey. The name has moderate usage in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe. Notably, it gained some recognition through the Melitta coffee filter company, founded by German entrepreneur Melitta Bentz in the early 20th century. Despite its pleasing sound and positive associations, Melitta remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, offering a distinctive choice with classical roots and a melodic quality.
- Timander
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"one who honors man"Description:
A rare Greek name, reminiscent of Leander, Timothy, and Alexander. Derived from timao and andros meaning "to honor, respect" and "of man", it could be an interesting honor name for a Tim and an Andrew.
- Timandra
Origin:
Feminine form of Timandros, Ancient GreekMeaning:
"one who honors man"Description:
A rare name from Ancient Greece, Timandra appears in Greek mythology and the works of Shakespeare. Reminiscent of Amanda, Tiana, and Alexandra, Timandra could be an unexpected way to honor a Tim or an Andrew.
- Thespia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"divine inspiration"Description:
The name of a Naiad-nymph in Greek mythology, named after the Ancient Greek city of Thespiae. Thespia is an undiscovered gem of a name: unique but familiar, with easy access to trendy nicknames like Thea, Tess and Pia.
- Arsenios
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"masculine, virile"Description:
St. Arsenius (or Arsenios) the Great was a 5th-century Roman saint remembered for his influence on asceticism.
- Photina
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"light up"Description:
Deriving from the Greek word phos meaning "light", Photina is a variation of Photine, a rare choice with a Biblical link. The name of the Samaritan woman in "Jesus and the Woman at the Well" (John 4), Photine is associated with Jesus's mercy and love, and with spreading the word of God.
- Homeros
Description:
Homeros is the original Greek form of Homer, the name belonging to the legendary ancient Greek poet credited with authoring the Iliad and Odyssey. The name carries profound literary and historical significance, evoking images of classical civilization and epic storytelling. Meaning possibly 'hostage' or 'pledge' in ancient Greek, Homeros has a sophisticated, scholarly air while maintaining melodic quality. While the anglicized Homer has maintained modest usage in English-speaking countries, Homeros remains rarer and provides a direct connection to its Hellenic origins. The name might especially appeal to families with Greek heritage or parents drawn to names with strong cultural and intellectual associations. Its distinctive sound sets it apart from more common classical revivals.
- Pindar
Origin:
Greek, Anglicised, meaning uncertainDescription:
Pindar is the English name for the Ancient Greek lyrical poet Pindaros. It's uncertain where his name comes from, although it may be related to the Pindus (Pindos) mountains in Northern Greece and Southern Albania, or the ancient city of Pindos.
- Hippolytos
Description:
Hippolytos is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the elements 'hippos' meaning 'horse' and 'lyo' meaning 'to loosen' or 'to release,' roughly translating to 'freer of horses.' In Greek mythology, Hippolytos was the son of Theseus who was tragically killed after rejecting the advances of his stepmother Phaedra. The name carries associations with purity, dedication, and tragic nobility. Extremely rare in modern usage, Hippolytos remains primarily of historical and classical interest. Those familiar with Greek literature or mythology might appreciate its rich cultural significance. Some modern bearers might use shortened forms like Hippo or Polys in casual settings. The name evokes qualities of strength, integrity, and a connection to classical tradition.
- Demosthenes
Description:
Demosthenes is a masculine name of ancient Greek origin, commemorating the renowned Athenian statesman and orator who lived in the 4th century BCE. The name combines 'demos' (people) and 'sthenos' (strength), literally meaning 'strength of the people.' This powerful historical name carries strong associations with eloquence, persuasive speech, and democratic principles. Demosthenes has never been common in English-speaking countries but maintains recognition among those with an appreciation for classical history and literature. Despite its length and complexity, the name has an impressive, scholarly quality that sets its bearer apart. Parents choosing this distinctive name often have an affinity for Greek culture or wish to inspire oratorical skills and political engagement in their child.
- Timandros
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"one who honors man"Description:
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.