Greek baby names are always very interesting. Why? Not only are they an interesting challenge for most of us to pronounce, but they always symbolize something. Baby names from Greek culture have very clear meanings, and often those names are chosen specifically for the meanings, not the way the name sounds. When you choose names from the Greek tradition, the important thing is the heritage!
Greek baby names often follow the gods of mythology. They also pay homage to the heroes of the Iliad, one of the earliest works of ancient Greek literature, or are derived from the basic meanings of certain words, such as “Adonia,” which means “beautiful.” Greek culture has a long history, and all of that past has been reflected in the present with baby names that are beautiful and carefully chosen to reflect a father’s hopes for her child.
Names like Adonis, Aeolus and Calypso come from Greek mythology. Some names, like Calliope or Callista, focus on the beauty of the person. Some reflect the person parents hope their child will become, such as Elexa, known as humanity’s helper. Others, like Electra, which means the shining light of the sun, are meant to convey the beauty of the world around them.
Some names, on the other hand, may not be a good idea unless you have a very good reason, like family history. These names convey things that most people would never want to associate with their child! One that comes to mind is “Acheron”, which means “River of sadness or affliction”. Another is “Aglauros”, a woman who was turned to stone by Hermes.
There are names that have become very popular not only because of their Greek meanings, but because the names were associated with famous people. Take, for example, Agatha. The name Agatha means “good” and was derived from the name of the 3rd century Christian martyr. The name became very popular over time and joined the list of popular names thanks to mystery writer Agatha Christie.
A very popular Greek name is any version of Nicholas. Baby girls could be named Nichola, a derivative of the masculine form. Why Nicholas? Not only does it mean “victory of the people”, Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of children. Jolly Old St. Nick, or Santa Claus, was based on the life and work of Saint Nicholas. What baby wouldn’t want to grow up with the name of a kind and generous person who is loved all over the world?
So, let’s go over the eleven baby name possibilities we’ve discussed here: Adonia, Adonis, Aeolis, Calypso, Calliope, Callista, Elexa, Electra, Agatha, Nicholas, and Nichola.
Greek names are almost never simple names, either in spelling or in meaning. They always have a story behind them, and that’s one of the things that makes Greek baby names so valuable to those who bear them. At the very least, someone with a Greek name will always have an interesting story to tell at dinner parties when asked how she came to have such an unusual nickname.
Greek baby names are perfect for those who want to bring an ancient heritage into the modern world. Which Greek baby name do you like best for your little one?