Greek names are rich in history and mythology, often reflecting the stories of gods, heroes, and ancient traditions. These names carry deep meaning and cultural significance of the identity and heritage.
Greece is not only a beautiful place but it is also the birthplace of many amazing things such as medicine, the Olympics, democracy, and philosophy. With these amazing achievements come some that are not so beautiful or amazing, and they have names associated with them that some may want to steer away from when naming their little ones.
For example, Desdemona may pique your interest as a name choice for your little girl, but this name means misery or ill-fated, not really the best choice. Ares is a well-known name for a little boy, but it is also the name given to the god of war.
So, consider the cultural context of names rooted in Greek history. Make sure the name has personal resonance when choosing a Greek name for your child.
Most Popular Greek Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Alexandra | Defender or protector of man |
| Chloe | Blooming or fertility |
| Katherine | Pure |
| Sophia | Wisdom |
| Andrew | Manly, brave, strong, courageous, and warrior |
| Elias | My God is Yahweh |
| Lucas | Bringer of light |
Greek Names for Girls
Alexandra
Meaning: Defender or protector of man
Alternative Spellings: Alexandria or Alexandera
Nicknames: Allie, Lexi, Alexa
Famous People: Alexandra Burke (British Musician) and Alexandra Paul (TV Actress)
Popularity: In the top 100 names for girls from 1984 until 2014
Berenice
Meaning: Bringer of Victory
Alternative spellings: Berenise, Bernyce, Bernie, Burnice
Famous People: Bernice Gera (the first umpire in professional baseball to be a woman)
Popularity: Not as popular as other names, fallen out of the top 1000 baby names in 2003
Cassandra
Meaning: The one who excels over men and shines
Alternative spellings: Kassandra
Nicknames: Cassie, Sandra, Sandi
Famous People: Cassandra Peterson (actress) and Cassandra Austen (artist)
Popularity: has been in the top 1000 baby names since 1942
Daphne
Meaning: Laurel
Alternative Spellings: Daphney, Dafny, Dafney, Daffney
Famous People: Daphne (from Scooby Doo) and Daphne Reid (actress)
Popularity: Most popular in 1962 in number 266 of the most popular girls’ names
Ella
Meaning: Fancy, light, and beautiful
Alternative Spellings: Elle, Ela, Ellah, Ellie
Famous People: Ella Fitzgerald (singer) and Ella Purnell (actress)
Hermione
Meaning: The gods’ messenger
Alternative spellings: Hermia, Herma, Hermine
Famous People: Hermione Granger (fictional character) and Hermione Way (entrepreneur)
Popularity: Not in the top 1000 baby names
Iris
Meaning: Messenger of the gods and from the rainbow
Alternative Spellings: Iryss, Irisse, Irys
Famous People: Iris Rainer Dart (author) and Iris Apatow (Actress)
Popularity: Continually increasing in the name ranks and came 127th in baby names in 2020
Katherine
Meaning: Purity
Alternative spellings: Kathryn, Katheryn, Katharine, Catherine
Famous People: Catherine Zeta-Jones (Welsh Actress) and Kathryn Grayson (American actress)
Popularity: Has been in the top 100 names for over a century
Melanie
Meaning: Dark and beautiful
Alternative spellings: Melaney, Melania, Melany
Nicknames: Mel and Lanie
Famous People: Mel B (singer) and Melanie Griffith (Actress)
Popularity: Has been in the top 1000 since 1938
Sophia
Meaning: Wisdom
Alternative Spellings: Sofia, Sophie, Safiyya, Sophy, Sofie
Famous People: Sofia Vergara (an actress) and Sofia Coppola (American Screenwriter)
Popularity: Popular in the top 50 since 2000
Greek Boy Names
Andrew
Meaning: Brave and manly
Alternative Spellings: Andrewe, Andruw, Andru
Nicknames: Drew and Andy
Famous People: Andrew Johnson (US President) and Andy Warhol (Artist)
Popularity: Has been in the top 100 names for over a century
Christopher
Meaning: A follower of Christ who carries him in his heart
Alternative Spellings: Christofer, Kristof, Kristopher
Nicknames: Chris and Topher
Famous people: Christopher Lloyd (actor) and Christopher Walken (actor)
Popularity: Top 10 boys’ names between 1967 and 2009. In 2018, it became number 47 – still in the top 50
Damian
Meaning: Tamer and conqueror
Alternative Spellings: Damien, Daymian, Damianos, Daymon.
Famous People: Damian Marley (singer) and Damian Lewis (actor)
Popularity: Top 1000 boy names in 1952 and number 98 in 2013
Elias
Meaning: My God is Yahweh.
Alternative Spellings: Elia, Elijas, Elijah, Elyas, Elis
Famous People: Elias Ashmole (English politician) and Elias Figueroa (Soccer player).
Popularity: Been in the top 1000 since 1880 and is becoming increasingly popular ever since the year 2000
George
Meaning: Watchful and vigilant
Alternative Spellings: Georges, Giorgio, Jorge
Famous People: George Clooney (actor) and George R.R. Martin (American Author and television producer)
Popularity: Top 100 between 1945 and 1997 and 21 between 1962 and 1963
Homer
Meaning: A pledge or solemn promise
Alternative Spellings: Homar, Homhar, Homer
Famous People: Homer Simpson (TV character) and Homer Hickman (author)
Popularity: Common in the early 20th century and became number 74 in 1901. In the past century, however, it’s started to become less popular with its highest ranking of 949 in 1983
Lucas
Meaning: Light and bright.
Alternative spellings: Laucus, Lucus, Lukas
Nicknames: Luke and Luca
Famous People: Lucas Grabeel (actor) and Lucas Maurice Jagger (Mick Jagger’s son)
Popularity: Has been in the top ten names in the United States since 2018
Myron
Meaning: Like Myrrh
Alternative Spellings: Miren, Myreon, Myren, Miron
Famous People: Myron Waldman (animator) and Myron Mixon (chef)
Popularity: Most popular in the year 1932 when it was in the position of 192 in the top baby names but it fell out of the top 1000 in the year 2000
Orion
Meaning: Great hunter
Alternative Spellings: Orien, Oryen, Oryon, Oryan, Orian
Famous People: Orion Weiss (musician) and Orion Martin (football player)
Popularity: Has been increasing in popularity ever since 1994 and was at rank 300 in 2018
Peter
Meaning: Strong and solid like a rock.
Alternative Spellings: Petr, Piotr, Pieter
Nicknames: Pete and Petey
Famous People: Peter Parker (Fictional character) and Peter Dinklage (American actor)
Popularity: This name has been in the top 100 boys’ names for around a century but in 2018, it only ranked 211 meaning it’s starting to decrease in popularity