40+ Greek Mythology Names with Meanings for Babies
For thousands of years, the names of Greek mythology have carried stories of gods, heroes, and monsters across generations. Parents still reach for them when they want a name with weight and meaning, and writers still borrow them for characters who need instant legend. Unlike trend-driven names that fade within a few years, Apollo, Athena, Perseus, and Artemis have stayed recognizable for millennia. This guide brings together 40 Greek mythology names for babies — ten gods, ten goddesses, ten heroes, and ten heroines — each with its meaning and a short note on the myth behind it. Where scholars still debate an etymology, we mark it honestly as Uncertain instead of guessing. You will also find tips for choosing a mythological name that wears well in everyday life. If you want names from the same world beyond myth, our Greek baby names list covers everyday Greek names too.
Greek God Names from Mythology
The gods of Olympus are the headline acts of Greek myth — thunder, sea, sun, and war. Their names feel strong and timeless, and several have become wearable modern boy names. Etymologies here follow established references such as Behind the Name. For more stand-out choices, browse our unique boy names list alongside these classics.
| Name | Meaning | The Myth |
|---|---|---|
| Zeus | Sky; the shining sky | King of the gods; ruled the sky and hurled lightning |
| Apollo | Uncertain (possibly “destroyer”) | God of music, light, prophecy, and healing |
| Hermes | Uncertain — possibly “of the stone heap” | Messenger of the gods; protector of travelers |
| Ares | Bane; ruin | God of war and courage |
| Poseidon | Uncertain | God of the sea and earthquakes; brother of Zeus |
| Hades | The unseen | Ruler of the underworld; brother of Zeus |
| Dionysus | Uncertain | God of wine, theater, and celebration |
| Hephaestus | Uncertain | Blacksmith of the gods; god of fire and metalworking |
| Eros | Love; desire | God of love; son of Aphrodite |
| Helios | Sun | Personification of the sun; drove the sun chariot across the sky |
Greek Goddess Names from Mythology
The goddesses of Greek myth are among the most beautiful names in the language — wisdom, dawn, moonlight, and the earth itself. Athena and Artemis have become beloved modern girl names, while Selene and Eos stay rare and lyrical. The Theoi Project documents these figures with quotes from the original ancient sources. For more feminine options, see our unique girl names collection.
| Name | Meaning | The Myth |
|---|---|---|
| Athena | Uncertain — possibly “of Athens” | Goddess of wisdom and warfare; patron of Athens |
| Artemis | Uncertain | Goddess of the hunt and the moon; twin sister of Apollo |
| Aphrodite | Uncertain — traditionally “foam-born” | Goddess of love and beauty; born from sea foam |
| Hera | Uncertain — often rendered “lady, mistress” | Queen of the gods; goddess of marriage and family |
| Demeter | Earth mother | Goddess of the harvest and agriculture |
| Hestia | Hearth; fireside | Goddess of the hearth and home |
| Selene | Moon | Goddess of the moon; drove the moon chariot through the night |
| Hecate | Uncertain — possibly “far-reaching” | Goddess of magic, witchcraft, and crossroads |
| Eos | Dawn | Goddess of the dawn; opened the gates of morning each day |
| Persephone | Uncertain | Queen of the underworld; her return brought spring to the earth |
Greek Hero Names from Mythology
Greek heroes were mortals — often half-divine — who earned immortality through their deeds. Their names carry adventure, courage, and romance, making them strong choices for boys. Heracles and Achilles bring epic weight, while Jason and Adonis feel softer and more wearable.
| Name | Meaning | The Myth |
|---|---|---|
| Perseus | Uncertain (possibly “destroyer”) | Slayer of Medusa; rescued Andromeda from the sea monster |
| Achilles | Uncertain — possibly “pain of the people” | Hero of the Iliad; the mightiest Greek warrior at Troy |
| Heracles | Glory of Hera | Completed the Twelve Labors; the strongest hero of myth |
| Odysseus | Uncertain | Hero of the Odyssey; famed for his cunning and endurance |
| Theseus | Uncertain | King of Athens; slew the Minotaur in the labyrinth |
| Ajax | Uncertain — possibly “eagle” | Towering warrior at Troy; second in strength only to Achilles |
| Orpheus | Uncertain | Legendary musician who journeyed to the underworld for his wife |
| Jason | Healer | Led the Argonauts across the sea to win the Golden Fleece |
| Adonis | Lord | Beautiful youth beloved by Aphrodite |
| Endymion | Uncertain | Shepherd loved by Selene; granted eternal sleep in her arms |
Greek Heroine Names from Mythology
The heroines of Greek myth are queens, huntresses, sorceresses, and seers — and their names are some of the most graceful options on this list. Penelope, Daphne, and Ariadne are already used as baby names, while Atalanta and Cassandra feel fresh and dramatic.
| Name | Meaning | The Myth |
|---|---|---|
| Andromeda | Mindful of a man | Princess chained to a rock; rescued by Perseus and made his queen |
| Ariadne | Most holy | Helped Theseus escape the labyrinth with her thread; later bride of Dionysus |
| Atalanta | Balanced; equal | Swift-footed huntress raised by bears; outran every suitor |
| Cassandra | Shining upon man | Trojan princess cursed to prophesy truths no one would believe |
| Electra | Amber | Daughter of Agamemnon; avenged her father’s murder |
| Helen | Uncertain — possibly “torch, shining light” | Her beauty was said to launch a thousand ships to Troy |
| Medea | To ponder; to contrive | Sorceress who helped Jason win the Golden Fleece |
| Penelope | Weaver | Faithful wife of Odysseus; waited twenty years for his return |
| Antigone | In place of a parent | Defied a king to give her brother a proper burial |
| Daphne | Laurel | Nymph turned into a laurel tree to escape Apollo |
Greek Mythology Baby Names: Best Picks
Not every mythological name suits a baby. Here are the standouts that balance legend with everyday wearability.
For boys: Apollo leads the pack — musical, radiant, and easy to say. Jason and Hermes are short and friendly, while Perseus (Percy for short) brings heroic adventure. Adonis carries romance, and Helios is a luminous rarity. Explore more baby boy names to pair ideas.
For girls: Athena and Artemis are powerful yet feminine, and both are easy to pronounce. Selene (moon) and Eos (dawn) are lyrical alternatives, while Daphne and Ariadne feel soft and romantic. See more baby girl names for inspiration.
Tips for Choosing a Mythology Name
1. Say it out loud. Names like Hephaestus and Mnemosyne are beautiful on paper but tricky to pronounce. Test the name with your last name before committing.
2. Check the story. Some figures met tragic ends — Narcissus, Icarus, and Medea are cautionary tales. Choose deities and heroes whose stories you admire. A full roster of figures appears in Wikipedia’s List of Greek deities.
3. Consider nicknames. Perseus becomes Percy, Demeter becomes Demi, and Andromeda becomes Andy. A good nickname makes a grand name wearable.
4. Match the meaning to the child. Eos for a morning baby, Helios for a sunny one, Athena for a thoughtful one. The meaning is built into the name.
5. Balance boldness and usability. Athena and Apollo are familiar enough to wear easily; Hecate and Endymion are rare and poetic. Pick the level of boldness that fits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Greek mythology names for babies?
The most familiar choices are Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Perseus, Jason, Selene, Daphne, and Penelope — all recognizable, pronounceable, and rich with story. Rarer options like Eos, Hecate, Orpheus, and Endymion appeal to parents who want something truly distinctive.
What does the name Apollo mean?
The meaning of Apollo is uncertain; scholars have suggested “destroyer,” but no etymology is confirmed. In myth, Apollo was the god of music, light, prophecy, and healing, and one of the twelve Olympians.
Are Greek mythology names good baby names?
Yes. Names like Athena, Artemis, and Apollo carry deep meanings and three-thousand-year-old stories, giving a child a name with real substance. Just check the pronunciation, the meaning, and the myth behind the name before you commit.
What is the difference between gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines in Greek myth?
Gods and goddesses are immortal beings who ruled the world — the Olympians lived on Mount Olympus. Heroes and heroines are mortals, often half-divine, famous for legendary deeds, such as Perseus, Achilles, Atalanta, and Medea.
What are some rare Greek mythology names?
Eos (dawn), Hecate (goddess of magic), Endymion (beloved of the moon goddess), Orpheus (the legendary musician), and Cassandra (the prophetess of Troy) are all rare, evocative, and rooted in real myth.
Conclusion
Greek mythology names give you more than a label — they give a story. Whether you choose the light of Apollo, the wisdom of Athena, the courage of Perseus, or the grace of Daphne, you are borrowing from myths that have lasted three thousand years. Pick a name whose story you love, say it out loud with your last name, and make it your own.
For more inspiration, browse our boy names and names for girls lists beyond mythology.
