Why pick a Greek baby name?
So you’re looking for inspiration for unique, whimsical, magical Greek baby girl names. If you’re reading this article maybe you are a Greek mythology fan or a scholar of the classics. Maybe you’re one of 5 million Greeks living abroad. Or you are one of the 20 thousand Greek parents living in the UK. Maybe your other half is Greek and you would like to honour your daughter’s heritage (but you don’t want to name the baby Archondoula after his mum). In any case, this article is for you.
Greek population in the UK is estimated to be over 80.000 as of 2021 (Dianeosis Research and Policy Institute), a quarter of which are parents. With the number of bicultural families growing fast, a new generation of mixed-heritage babies emerges.
For whimsical Greek girl names with a touch of magic, let’s look into the classics
Firstly, it’s worth noting most Greek couples still use traditional naming patterns instead of picking a name out of a book. For those steering away from tradition and those looking for a name that works in both Greek and English, here is my top list of whimsical, lyrical, magical Greek baby girl names, compiled when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter.
But wait a second.
Do these names sound the same in Greek?
This is a list of anglicised names, meaning that even though they derive from the original Greek version, they would actually sound a little different in Greek, depending on the stress pattern or intonation. Even though they won’t sound the same, the following list contains Greek baby girl names that translate well and sound beautiful in both languages, perfect for mixed-cultural girls. (When researching Greek baby girl names for my first born I actually put together a list of names that sound the same in both languages and transcribe well between them. Check my list of Greek baby girl names that sound the same in Greek and English. )
Read on for name inspiration from my hand picked list of whimsical Greek baby girl names taken from myths, literature, drama and fairytales.
29 whimsical Greek baby girl names
Anastasia
The name Anastasia derives from the Greek word “anastasis,” meaning “resurrection” or “to rise again.” It is a name with a regal and classic feel. Due to its meaning, it is associated with Easter and celebrated on Easter Sunday (more on Greek name days here). A good one if you’re going for grace and sophistication.
Evangeline
The name Evangeline is also of Greek origin and means “bearer of good news” or “messenger of good news.” It is a beautiful and elegant name with a positive and uplifting meaning. The name is often associated with a sense of hope and joy.
Athena
The name of the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, strength, strategy. Athena was a VIP in the Olympian pantheon and is often depicted with an owl, which is a symbol of wisdom.
Athena has a strong and regal quality and is the ultimate classical Greek girl name. A popular choice for parents who appreciate Greek mythology and seek a name with a strong and graceful presence.
Semele
One of the hundreds of Zeus’ romantic interests, in Greek mythology Semele was the mother of the god Dionysus. The name Semele is beautiful, melodic and so old that was already ancient in ancient Greece.
Alcyone
The name Alcyone derives from the Greek word “alkyone,” which means “kingfisher.” According to the myth, Alcyone was transformed into a bird following the shipwreck that took her husband. According to the legend, the couple nests on the sea for a few days around the winter solstice. This led to the term “halcyon days,” which refers to a period of calm and tranquility.
Overall, Alcyone is a poetic and nature-inspired name. Its association with a legendary bird and the concept of calm and peaceful days adds to its charm.
Ava
Ava was a mythological nymph and lover of the god Poseidon. It is a playful and natural name that brings to mind forests and streams. Perfect if you’re looking for a pagan touch or are indeed fairy-mad.
Cressida
Derived from Chryseis, a character in Homer’s Iliad, it later developed into the character Cressida in medieval literature. It became particularly widespread through William Shakespeare’s play “Troilus and Cressida.” A culturally rich name with literary associations. In addition, it sounds like ‘golden’ in Greek.
Calliope
Calliope was the Muse of epic poetry. The name is made of the Greek words for ‘beauty’ and ‘voice’, meaning a woman with beautiful voice, or of beautiful words.
Persephone
In Greek mythology Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Persephone spent half the year in the underworld and half on Earth with her mother. Essentially, it is an allegory of the cycle of seasons, which makes this name so mystical.
Barbara
The name Barbara has ancient Greek origins. It comes from the ancient Greek word for “foreign” or “strange.” Originally, ancient Greeks used this term to describe non-Greek-speaking people, and it later evolved into a name.
Barbara has been a popular name across various cultures especially English-speaking countries for centuries. Nowadays, it may be considered a more traditional or vintage name but it’s definitely enduring.
Rhea
A beautiful feminine name, Rhea comes from the Greek verb meaning “to flow” or “to ease.” Rhea is a symbol of fertility and motherhood in Greek mythology. She played a significantly important role in the complex family dynamics among the Titans and Olympian gods.
Hermione
A quite obvious choice for Harry Potter fans, this beautiful name is also Greek. The name Hermione was mentioned in Homer’s epic poems in the 9th or 8th century BC, so it was around for a really long time before its new literary comeback in the 1990s.
Aphrodite
A name and a half, as my husband would say 😂 but actually not too ‘out there’ in Greece. According to mythology, Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam near the island of Cyprus. And indeed, the name Aphrodite comes from the Greek word “aphros,” which means “foam.” The mythological story of her birth emphasizes her connection to the sea and the foam from which she arose. A famously stunning goddess and a classical Greek name associated with love, beauty and fertility.
Melissa
The name Melissa derives from the Greek word “mēlissa,” meaning “bee.” When looking for whimsical Greek baby girl names, what’s more fitting than drawing inspiration from the fairies? In Greek mythology, Melissa was the nymph in charge of feeding baby Zeus sweet honey.
Lydia
The name Lydia has ancient Greek origins and has been used as a given name for girls for centuries. Lydia was the name of an ancient oriental kingdom and it sounds undeniably regal, not to mention exotic.
Iris
The Greek name Iris combines mythology and nature. In Greek mythology, Iris is the name of the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods. The word “iris” in Greek also means “rainbow”. Iris was the link between the mortal world and the gods – essentially a divine rainbow bridge. What a colourful and magical name for a baby girl!
Phaedra
From the Greek word “phaidros,” meaning “bright” or “radiant.” Phaedra certainly has a classical and elegant sound and an uplifting meaning.
Penelope
Penelope was the name of the faithful and clever wife of Odysseus, the hero of the Trojan War. Its literal meaning is ‘weaver’, reflecting the character’s story in the Odyssey. Nowadays, Penelope is a name with a rich historical and mythological background, carrying associations of loyalty, intelligence and resilience. It’s a choice that appeals to many parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and stylish.
Irene
The name Irene is the Greek word for “peace.” It was particularly popular in the Byzantine Empire and has been embraced in various cultures and languages. In addition to its classical Greek roots, early Christians embraced Irene too, with several saints bearing the name. A beautiful name and with such a great significance: Peace, the biggest wish, especially for this devastating decade we live in.
Thalia
In Greek mythology, Thalia is one of the Nine Muses, goddesses of the arts and sciences. Thalia specifically is the Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry, often depicted with a comic mask, a shepherd’s crook, or a wreath of ivy.
The name Thalia itself (“thaleia” in Greek) means “blooming” or “flourishing.” As a result, the name carries connotations of joy and well being.
Niki
The name Niki comes from the Greek word “nikē,” which means “victory.” In Greek mythology, Niki was the winged goddess of victory, hence its positive and triumphant connotation.
Cleopatra
A bold and beautiful choice. The name Cleopatra is of Greek origin, meaning “glory of the father”. Cleopatra’s reign marked a particularly critical period in the history of Egypt and the interactions between Egypt and Rome. The name Cleopatra has been widely recognised and celebrated in literature, art, and popular culture. Understandably, people associate it with beauty, charisma and power.
Jocasta
Let’s be serious, noone is naming their baby Jocasta in Greece any time soon. But I’ve heard it twice already in the UK, once in Brighton and once in Scotland (plus the Outlander character) which got me thinking: maybe people would be willing to use a pretty sounding classical name and ignore the tragical back stories? And to be fair, if you go looking into the mythical characters’ backgrounds hoping for a happy ending, no Greek name would be left. So, Jocasta, for your consideration.
Melissanthi
Melissanthi can be interpreted to mean “bee flower” or “flower of the bee.” Both components of the name carry positive and nature-inspired meanings. Melissanthi is a unique and distinctive name combining the sweetness and industriousness of bees and the beauty of blooming flowers. Melisanthi was another one of the nymphs and popular culture of the time associated her with the nurturing and industrious nature of bees. Pretty sweet! It is more popular in Europe from the medieval French ‘Melisende’.
Clio
Another one of the nine Muses, Clio is the Muse of history and lyre playing. The name Clio has an intellectual significance paired with a fun sound – classical but light-hearted. (Also for me it will always be the name of my 3rd form teacher Miss Clio. She had a soft voice and dangly earrings.)
Stephanie
From the Greek name “Stephanos,” meaning “crown”, the name Stephanie also has Greek origins. Stephanie is a popular and timeless name, enduring in English-speaking countries and beyond. It has a classic and feminine sound and is often associated with qualities like strength, nobility, and victory, reflecting its Greek roots.
Olympia
The name Olympia is associated with the ancient Greek city of Olympia, famous for hosting the Olympic Games in ancient times. The name originates from the Greek word “Olympios,” meaning “of Olympus,” “Olympian”. This relates to Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods in Greek mythology. Olympia is a divine and ethereal baby name choice that may appeal to parents who admire Greek myths and are looking for a name with mythological ties.
Atalanta
Atalanta was a Greek mythology heroine, known for her exceptional speed and hunting skills. She was the only female member of the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. What a kick-ass strong name for an adventurous and brave girl!
Margarita
Margarita is a feminine name in Latin and Eastern European languages. It comes from the Greek work margaritari, which in its turn was in fact a linguistic loan from the Persian word for ‘pearl’. In modern Greek, ‘margarita’ is also the word for ‘daisy’.
Final thoughts on whimsical Greek girl names
Well, I enjoyed putting together this list of whimsical Greek baby girl names. Especially as the internet is littered with lists of “Greek” baby names so obscure that Greek people have never heard of them before (Cassia? Amara? Phoenix?). I hope it can be of help, whether you’re expecting a half-Greek baby, or love Greek culture and mythology, or you just adopted a kitten.
PS. Have you heard these names before? What do you think, nice or too much? Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comments!
Check my list of Greek girl names that sound the same in English.
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