The name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel, Achilles is more popular in its international form, Achille, which is popular in France, Italy, and Belgium. This variation did however appear briefly on the US Top 1000 list in 2015, perhaps owing to its similarity to the likes of Atticus, Adonis, and Apollo. It has declined in use since then, but is nevertheless chosen for around 160 babies each year.
 
In Greek Mythology, Achilles was the name of a warrior, who fought against the Trojans, making it a strong feeling choice. Borne by several early saints, its exact meaning is unknown, though it might derive from the Greek achos, giving it the meaning "he whose people have distress and pain". Other theories suggest that it's a name with a double meaning - combining kleos "glory" with the idea of pain and distress. 
 
Madeline Miller's popular novel, The Song of Achilles, which focuses on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, has likely shone the name in a new light and may account for some of its increased popularity.
 
The 'KIL' syllable might put people off, but that hasn't been a problem for Killian in recent years.

Achilles

The name of the Greek goddess of love has rarely descended to mortal use, though the Roman equivalent Venus, thanks to tennis star Williams, now seems completely possible. But with the new fashion for <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/433/goddess-baby-names">goddess names</a>, we may see more little Aphrodites in the playground with Jupiter and Juno. Nineteen baby girls received the name in the US last year.
 Aphrodite was celebrated by Sappho, the greatest female poet of ancient Greece, in her Ode to Aphrodite.

Aphrodite

With mythological names rising, the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many other things might offer an interesting, if high-pressure, option. 
 
But if Romeo and Venus are now deemed baby-appropriate, why not Apollo? Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno might inspire some parents. And now that it's been chosen by Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, it could take off as their first son's name—Kingston—has.
 Other cool associations include NASA's Apollo program, from 1961-72, that succeeded in putting the first humans on the moon when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed their lunar module and walked on the moon's surface. There's also the historic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, on whose stage the careers of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Artetha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, the Jackson 5, and countless others were launched.

Apollo

Rooted in Greek mythology, Ares entered the US Top 1000 in 2013, when it was one of the year's fastest rising names. Similar in style to Atticus, Atlas, and Ari, it has continued to climb up the charts, and now ranks in the Top 500, given to around 770 babies each year .
 In Greek mythology, Ares was the blood-thirsty god of war and son to Zeus and Hera. Now, it is used as a unisex name in Spain and the US, and is currently on the rise in the UK and France.

Ares

Artemis, one of the key figures of the female Greek pantheon, is the ancient virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, animals, childbirth, and a protector of young girls, later associated with the moon. Artemis is the equivalent to the Roman Diana, but a fresher and more distinctive, if offbeat, choice. 
 Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo, one of the twelve deities who lived on Mount Olympus. She features in three of the fifth century plays of Euripides. The meaning of the name is largely unknown, but it's related to two Greek words meaning safe or butcher, not nearly as lyrical as her mythological story.
 Artemas, on the other hand, is a male name, though some gender confusion could arise from the Artemis Fowl novels.

Artemis

Magical and distinctive but grounded and familiar too, it's no surprise that Athena has become one of the most widely used ancient <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/433/goddess-baby-names">goddess names</a> in the contemporary Western world. Derived from the city name Athens, it is current a Top 100 choice in the US. 
 
In Greek mythology, Athena is a daughter of Zeus and the goddess of wisdom, warfare, handicrafts, mathematics, and courage. She was the great patron-goddess of the city of Athens and in Homer's Odyssey, she is described as 'sparkling-eyed Athena.' Her Roman counterpart is Minerva. 
 
Associated with owls and olive trees, Athena is a name which might appeal to parents who value wisdom and intelligence — or those who like the sounds of Amelia, Thea, and Anabella. Alternative forms of the name include the Greek Athene and Athenais, along with the Spanish Atenea.
 
One of those names that is probably more popular than you might think, Athena has been in the US Top 1000 since the 1960s but in the Top 100 since 2021. It also ranks highly in England and Wales, Iceland, Canada, Italy, and France.
 
Appearing in Disney's The Little Mermaid as the name of Ariel's mother, Athena was also chosen in 2011 by actress and comedian Tina Fey for her second daughter's middle name, Penelope Athena. This prompted more interest in the name which rose rapidly during the 2010s.
 
More recently in 2024, singer and internet personality Sophia Grace (as in Sophia Grace and Rosie) chose Athena Rose for her daughter, while in 2025, Princes Beatrice selected Athena Elizabeth Rose for her second baby. 

ina Fey turned to her Greek heritage for both of her second daughter's names: Penelope Athena—and this has spurred interest in Athena, even though it's in middle place.

Athena

Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.

 Atlas was one of the fast-rising names on the list in recent years in the USA, jumping from oblivion in 2012 into the Top 500 in 2015, and climbing several hundred places higher since then. Anne Heche was one of the first to make this audacious choice, but several celebrity parents have followed suit.

 As well as the mythological connection, Atlas is a cool geographical word name – perfect for the child of parents who love traveling or who hail from different parts of the globe.

Atlas

Damon is a name with a strong, pleasing aura (much like the persona of Matt D.) and extremely positive ancient associations. From the classical myth, Damon and Pythias have become symbols of true friendship, as Damon risked his life to save his friend from execution. And Damon of Athens was the fifth century philosopher who taught both Pericles and Socrates.
 Other interesting associations: Damon Runyon wrote Guys and Dolls, Damon is one of the funny Wayans brothers, Damon Dash is a high-profile music exec, and Damon Salvatore is a key figure in The Vampire Diaries.

Damon

Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain, agriculture, and the harvest, growth and nourishment, was Zeus's sister and Persephone's mother. Variation Demetria is the full name of actress Demi Moore. Though familiar, Demeter is not one of the <a href-="https://nameberry.com/list/624/gorgeous-greek-goddess-names-for-babies">Greek goddess names</a>that's finding widespread modern favor.

Demeter

The name of the Greek winged god of sexual love may seem a lot to live up to, but like other deity names, it's on the rise. He appears in DC comics as an ally of Wonder Woman, and is the alias of Marvel's Starfox character. Eros is also the name of an asteroid in our solar system. The name is more popular in Italy, where it's been in the Top 200 in recent years, 

Eros

Gaea

Previously used primarily by Latino families, this name of the great hero of the Trojan War as related in Homer's Iliad is beginning to be considered more seriously by others seeking noble ancient hero names as well--it was also the name of the knight who raised King Arthur as his own son.
 In addition to being used for many contemporary Hispanic movie and TV characters,
other Hectors appeared in such films as Mystic Pizza and Lars and the Real Girl. In literature, you can find Hectors in Thackeray's Vanity Fair and Balzac's Cousin Bette.
 Some notable real-life Hectors: composer Berlioz and actor Elizando.

Hector

She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today too, as so many ancient goddess names rise to prominence.

More than 50 baby girls were given the name last year, about the same number as were named Eugenia. About twice that many were named Juno. Another similar mythological choice, Hero -- yes, it's a female name -- was given to only 13 baby girls.

Hera

Heracles

These days, some may think of Hermes as an upscale brand name like Chanel and Porsche, or a strange choice thanks to the parcel delivery company. However, with names from Greek mythology very much in style, it is possible there will be plenty who link it to the Green messenger god. 
 
Actress Kelly Rutherford took on the challenge when she bestowed the name on her son. Hermes is the god of travel, writing, athletics, and thievery, among many other things.

Hermes

Icarus, the mythological figure famous for flying too close to the sun, has a couple of negatives: his rash reputation, and those "icky" nicknames. 

Icarus

The name of the brave, resourceful hero of Homer's epic saga has almost always been considered too weighty for a child to bear, but at this point, some brave, resourceful parents out there might be willing to take it on.

Odysseus

Persephone is the esoteric name of the Greek mythological daughter of Zeus by Demeter, the queen of the harvest. After she was kidnapped by Hades to be Queen of the Underworld, it was decreed by Zeus that she would spend six months of the year with her mother, allowing crops to grow, and six in mourning, thus accounting for the seasons.
 Despite the mixed message of her mythological past, Persephone has a light and lyrical aura, and pleasant associations with springtime and the harvest; she was also goddess of spring growth. Persephone was seen in the Matrix movies, played by Monica Bellucci, and could make an interesting replacement for the overused Stephanie.
 Persephone's meaning is in dispute: While some sources give it as the worrisome "bringing death," others indicate that's it's associated with dark blue and with speaking. Persephone was called Kore in childhood; in Roman mythology, she is Proserpina.
 Persephone is popular on Nameberry, ranking in the Top 100.

Persephone

Perseus is a godly Greek hero (he was a son of Zeus) whose ancient name just might have modern possibilities along with other so-old-they're-new-again names such as Atticus and Orion. 

Perseus

This version of the sea god's name may be more ready for prime time than the Roman version, Neptune -- slightly. 

Poseidon

The name of the Greek mythological hero famous for slaying the Minotaur is also heard in Chaucer and Shakespeare. While Theseus might have sounded pretentious for an American baby a decade ago, today with so many babies getting ancient mythogical names, it just might work. 

Theseus

The supreme Olympian god represents a mighty image for a little fella to live up to, but more and more parents are beginning to consider it seriously.  The Roman equivalent Jupiter has also come down to earth.  And Zeus wasn't just the supreme god, he was also the god of the sky, thunder, lightning, and fate, among other weighty responsibilities.

Zeus

sofiaishere's list "Greek Mythology Names for Boys and Girls" of 22 great name ideas: Achilles - Zeus!

Greek Mythology Names for Boys and Girls

Awesome names from Greek mythology, both for boys and for girls. These can create great nicknames and grow up with the child.