Greek Girl Names

This adorable name of the young daughter on "Big Love" might be thought of as a variation of Tansy, an obscure flower name whose star may rise on the heels of such current favorites as Lily and Daisy.

Diandra is one of many variations on Diana, but lacks its classic class. Associated with Michael Douglas's first wife, who is of Austrian heritage.

Ear-catching alternative to Lydia.

Too close to violent.

Your zany neighbor, the one who's a potter and has five cats.

Soft and gentle, but feels like a less meaningful contraction of Theodora.

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.

Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.

The name of a famous valley in ancient Greece, with ties to the historic Nemean Games.

Intriguing and unusual.

Philomela, the name of a mythological Athenian princess who was transformed into a nightingale, is rarely heard outside the Greek community. The mellifluous Philomela might make a more distinctive and prettier update for Pamela or Phyllis. Philomela may also be a good choice for a music-lover's daughter. Try Pippa or Millie for short.

Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.

Streamlined version of outdated Nicki.

If you can't have an Alpha male, how about a Beta girl.

This spelling of Electra makes this vibrant name less electric and more kinetic.

Arete is a minor goddess in Greek mythology who personifies the idea of excellence or perfect virtue. There is also a mythological queen Arete, with her sister an "exacter of justice".