Mythological names from Greece and Beyond
- Cerelia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"relating to springtime"Description:
Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.
- Clelia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"famous"Description:
The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.
- Clem
Origin:
, English, diminutive of ClementDescription:
Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.
- Clio
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic o-ending.
- Cosima
Origin:
Italian feminine variation of Cosmo, GreekMeaning:
"order, beauty, universe"Description:
Cosima, the kind of elegant and unusual name the British upper classes love to use for their daughters, is given to a handful of baby girls in the US after being chosen by two high-profile celebs in the same month; cool couple Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars as well as supermodel Claudia Schiffer. It was used earlier by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, while the male form, Cosimo, was given to the son of Marissa Ribisi and Beck.
- Cressida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
- Crisanta
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"golden flower, chrysanthemum"Description:
Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.
- Damia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"spirit"Description:
Greek nature goddess name that has a pleasing femininity. Damia is one of the more unusual goddess names newly fashionable for contemporary baby girls.
- Dana
Origin:
English, Slavic, Persian, ArabicMeaning:
"from Denmark, gift, or wise"Description:
This name found in both Celtic and Scandinavian mythology has gone from all-boy to almost all-girl, retaining a strong, unisex quality. However, it has dropped following its three-decade heyday from the 1960s to the 1990s.
- Decima
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"tenth"Description:
In the days of huge families, this name of the Roman goddess of prophecy and childbirth, and one of the Fates, would be saved for bambina number ten. Now it might be used for a girl born in October, the tenth month.
- Eirini
Description:
Eirini is the traditional Greek form of Irene, deriving from the Greek word 'eirēnē' meaning 'peace.' This beautiful feminine name has profound historical roots in ancient Greek culture, where Eirene was the goddess of peace and spring. The name has remained consistently popular in Greece throughout history and is still widely used today. In Greek Orthodox tradition, Saint Irene of Thessaloniki is venerated as a martyr. Eirini retains its authentic Greek pronunciation with its flowing vowels and gentle consonants. As international parents increasingly seek names with both cultural significance and positive meanings, Eirini offers a meaningful alternative to the more commonly used Irene in Western countries while preserving its rich Hellenic heritage.
- Elio
Origin:
Italian, SpanishMeaning:
"sun"Description:
Elio is a sunny and spirited Italian and Spanish name that makes a great crossover prospect, which could catch on as Enzo has. Elio is also currently popular in France, ranking in the Top 250.
- Eroica
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heroic"Description:
The name of Beethoven's third symphony, and too close to the word erotica.
- Eustacia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fruitful"Description:
Eustacia, the ancestor of mid-century fave Stacy, is just the kind of fusty old relic that might be polished up for modern use. Eustacia Vye is the central character of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.
- Evander
Origin:
Scottish; GreekMeaning:
"bow warrior; strong man"Description:
Evander is a name that could build on the popularity of shorter form Evan, and could work and play well with schoolmates like Zander and Xander.
- Evanthe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fair flower"Description:
Evanthe is a pretty Greek name not often heard outside its native culture. With its stylish Ev-begining, Evanthe could make an interesting choice if you're looking for a generic flower name.
- Fauna
Origin:
RomanMeaning:
"young deer"Description:
Fauna is the Roman goddess of the earth as well as one of the fairies who protected Disney's "Sleeping Beauty".
- Faustia
Description:
Faustia is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Faustus, meaning 'lucky' or 'fortunate.' It represents the feminine form of the Roman family name Faustius. With classical Roman roots, Faustia carries an elegant, scholarly quality while remaining accessible. This rare name has historical connections to ancient Rome but has never been common in modern times. The name has a rhythmic flow with its three syllables and soft ending. Faustia combines strength and femininity, with its meaning relating to good fortune giving it a positive, auspicious quality. For those seeking a name with classical roots and distinctive character, Faustia offers historical substance with an uncommon appeal.
- Florian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flowering"Description:
If Flora and Florence have returned full force, Florian, with its trendy Latinate ending, could also have a chance. Popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and France, St Florian was the venerated patron saint of those in danger from water and the patron saint of firefighters.
- Fortuna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"luck"Description:
The Roman goddess Fortuna personified luck and ruled over fortune and fate. She is often depicted as blindfolded, and remains an important figure in Italian culture today, where a common saying translates to "Luck is blind."