45 Greek Baby Names: Mythology & Modern

Q: How do Greek names translate to English?

Greek names often have well-established English equivalents. Ioannis becomes John, Georgios becomes George, Nikolaos becomes Nicholas, and Aikaterini becomes Catherine. The Greek originals tend to be longer and more melodic.

Evidence-based, parent-tested. References guidelines from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.

Informational only, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about your baby's specific needs.

Greek baby names represent one of the oldest and most influential naming traditions in the Western world. From the heroes and gods of ancient mythology to the saints of the Orthodox Church, Greek names have shaped naming conventions across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Names like Alexander, Helen, and Nicholas originated in ancient Greece and remain beloved worldwide thousands of years later. Whether you are drawn to the epic grandeur of mythological names or the warm familiarity of modern Greek favorites, this tradition offers names with unparalleled historical depth and meaning.

📌 Key Takeaway: Greek baby names combine ancient mythology with Orthodox Christian tradition, creating a naming heritage that has influenced cultures worldwide. Many of the most common Western names, including Alexander, Catherine, and Peter, have Greek origins. Greek naming customs center on honoring grandparents and celebrating name days. Sophia, meaning “wisdom,” is one of the most popular Greek-origin names --- read our full guide to the name Sophia.

For more names inspired by ancient cultures, explore Italian baby names and baby names meaning wisdom.

Baby with bright eyes

Boy Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Alexandros	Defender of the people	ah-lex-AHN-drohs
Andreas	Brave; manly	ahn-DREH-ahs
Christos	Anointed one	hrees-TOHS
Constantine	Steadfast; constant	kohn-stahn-DEE-noh
Dimitrios	Follower of Demeter	dee-MEE-tree-ohs
Elias	My God is Yahweh	eh-LEE-ahs
Georgios	Farmer; earth worker	yohr-YEE-ohs
Ioannis	God is gracious	yoh-AH-nees
Konstantinos	Steadfast; constant	kohn-stahn-DEE-nohs
Leonidas	Son of the lion	leh-oh-NEE-dahs
Nikolaos	Victory of the people	nee-KOH-lah-ohs
Odysseus	Wrathful; man of pain	oh-dee-SEH-ahs
Orion	Rising in the sky; hunter	oh-REE-ohn
Petros	Rock; stone	PEH-trohs
Stefanos	Crown; wreath	steh-FAH-nohs
Thanos	Immortal	THAH-nohs
Theodoros	Gift of God	theh-OH-doh-rohs
Yannis	God is gracious	YAH-nees

Girl Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Aikaterini	Pure	eh-kah-teh-REE-nee
Alexandra	Defender of mankind	ah-lex-AHN-drah
Anastasia	Resurrection	ah-nah-stah-SEE-ah
Ariadne	Most holy	ah-ree-AHD-nee
Athena	Goddess of wisdom	ah-THEE-nah
Calliope	Beautiful voice	kah-lee-OH-pee
Cassandra	Shining upon mankind	kah-SAHN-drah
Daphne	Laurel tree	DAHF-nee
Eleni	Bright; shining light	eh-LEH-nee
Evangelia	Bearer of good news	eh-vahn-geh-LEE-ah
Ioanna	God is gracious	yoh-AH-nah
Iris	Rainbow	EE-rees
Katerina	Pure	kah-teh-REE-nah
Melina	Honey; gentle	meh-LEE-nah
Olympia	From Mount Olympus	oh-leem-BEE-ah
Penelope	Weaver	peh-neh-LOH-pee
Phoebe	Bright; radiant	FEE-vee (Greek) / FEE-bee (English)
Sofia	Wisdom	soh-FEE-ah
Thalia	To blossom; joyful	THAH-lee-ah
Zoe	Life	zoh-EE

Unisex Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Alex	Defender	AH-lex
Alexis	Defender; helper	ah-LEX-ees
Nikitas	Victorious	nee-KEE-tahs
Paris	Wallet; pouch (mythological)	pah-REES
Stavros	Cross (traditionally male)	STAHV-rohs
Thanasis	Immortal	thah-NAH-sees
Theodora	Gift of God	theh-oh-DOH-rah

Naming Traditions in Greek Culture

The most important Greek naming tradition is naming children after their grandparents, following a strict order that mirrors Italian and Spanish customs. The first-born son is named after the paternal grandfather, the first-born daughter after the paternal grandmother, the second son after the maternal grandfather, and the second daughter after the maternal grandmother. This tradition is so firmly established in Greek culture that deviating from it can cause family tension, particularly in more traditional communities and on the Greek islands.

The name day, or “giorti,” holds far greater significance than the birthday in traditional Greek culture. Each day of the Greek Orthodox calendar is dedicated to a saint or saints, and anyone bearing that saint’s name celebrates accordingly. On major name days like Yiannis (John) on January 7 or Georgios (George) on April 23, the celebration extends across the entire country. People with these names receive phone calls, visits, and gifts, and many host open houses where anyone can drop by to offer wishes.

Greek Orthodox baptism is the traditional occasion when a child formally receives their name. In Greek culture, it is considered somewhat unlucky to use a baby’s name before their baptism, and many families refer to the infant simply as “baby” until the christening ceremony. During the baptism, the godparent (nonos or nona) whispers the child’s name to the priest, who then announces it publicly for the first time. This moment carries deep spiritual and social significance.

Modern Greek naming has evolved to embrace both tradition and contemporary trends. While the grandparent naming convention remains strong, younger Greek parents increasingly choose names for their sound and meaning rather than strictly following the traditional order. International names like Mia and Noah appear alongside traditional favorites, and some parents find creative compromises, using a traditional name as a formal name while the child goes by a more modern nickname in daily life.

💡 Tip: Popular Greek baby names today include Georgios, Dimitrios, and Konstantinos for boys, and Maria, Eleni, and Aikaterini for girls. For mythology-inspired names that work globally, try Athena, Orion, or Penelope. Explore more with our Name Generator and check Name Trends for the latest popularity data.

FAQ

Are Greek mythology names appropriate for babies?

Many Greek mythology names are widely used and considered perfectly appropriate for babies. Names like Athena, Alexander, Penelope, and Jason have been mainstream for centuries. However, some mythology names carry complex stories, so it is worth researching the mythological background. Names like Cassandra (associated with unheeded prophecy) or Odysseus (linked to long suffering) may prompt questions, while names like Iris (rainbow) or Daphne (laurel) carry purely positive associations.

What is more important in Greece, a birthday or name day?

Traditionally, the name day is far more important in Greek culture. While birthdays are increasingly celebrated, especially for children, the name day remains the primary celebration for adults. On major name days, it is customary for the person celebrating to host an open house and for friends and family to visit with gifts and good wishes, often without a formal invitation.

How do Greek names translate to English?

Greek names often have well-established English equivalents that developed over centuries of cultural exchange. Ioannis becomes John, Georgios becomes George, Nikolaos becomes Nicholas, and Aikaterini becomes Catherine. The Greek originals tend to be longer and more melodic, while the English versions are shortened and adapted to English phonetics. Using the Greek form gives a name a more distinctive and culturally specific character.

References

Behind the Name (2026). “Greek Names.” behindthename.com
Nameberry (2026). “Greek Baby Names.” nameberry.com
Hellenic Statistical Authority (2025). “Most Popular Greek Names.” statistics.gr
Theoi Greek Mythology (2026). “Greek Gods and Heroes.” theoi.com

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health.

Written by

Vega Lin

Founder & Editor — Mother of 2 (Taiwan)

Vega writes Baby Care Guide from the intersection of evidence-based research (AAP, CDC, WHO) and real parenting experience. Completing her Master's in Digital Innovation at Tunghai University. Read more →