100+ Greek Mythology Baby Names — 50 Names From The Ancient Gods & Meanings (2026)

Greek mythology gave the world some of its most enduring stories — and its most powerful names. These names carry entire epic narratives with them, making them unlike any other names in history.

Why Greek Mythology Names Are Compelling

A name from Greek mythology doesn’t just identify your child — it connects them to a story that has shaped Western civilization for 3,000 years. When you name a child Athena, you invoke the goddess of wisdom and civilization. When you name a boy Orion, you invoke the greatest hunter in the heavens.

These names have been in continuous use since antiquity. They appeared in ancient Athens, in Rome (in Latin translation), in the Renaissance, and in every generation since. They never go out of style because they’re woven into the fabric of Western culture.

Gods and Goddesses: The Olympians

For Girls

Name	Meaning	Mythology
Athena	Goddess of wisdom, war strategy	Daughter of Zeus; patron of Athens
Artemis	Goddess of the hunt, moon	Twin of Apollo; protector of women
Aphrodite	Goddess of love, beauty	Born from sea foam; most beautiful of gods
Persephone	Queen of the Underworld	Daughter of Demeter; story explains seasons
Hera	Queen of the gods	Wife of Zeus; patron of marriage
Demeter	Goddess of harvest	Mother of Persephone; foundation of civilization
Hestia	Goddess of the hearth	First and last of Olympians; keeper of home
Hecate	Goddess of magic, crossroads	Guide between worlds; powerful sorceress

For Boys

Name	Meaning	Mythology
Apollo	God of sun, music, prophecy	Most beautiful of gods; healer and artist
Hermes	God of messages, travel	Messenger of gods; guide of souls
Ares	God of war	Fierce and controversial
Hephaestus	God of the forge	Divine craftsman; made weapons for gods
Dionysus	God of wine, ecstasy	God of theater and transformation
Poseidon	God of the sea	Shaker of the earth, lord of oceans

Heroes and Heroines

Name	Story	Gender
Achilles	Greatest warrior of the Trojan War	Boy
Odysseus	Clever hero of the 10-year journey home	Boy
Heracles/Hercules	Greatest hero; 12 labors	Boy
Theseus	Slayer of the Minotaur	Boy
Perseus	Slayer of Medusa; rescuer of Andromeda	Boy
Andromeda	Princess rescued by Perseus; became a constellation	Girl
Penelope	Faithful wife who waited 20 years for Odysseus	Girl
Cassandra	Prophet who was never believed	Girl
Antigone	Tragic heroine who defied the king	Girl
Iphigenia	Sacrificed daughter who was saved	Girl

The Muses: Names for Creative Souls

The nine Muses presided over arts and sciences — making their names perfect for creative families:

Muse	Domain
Calliope	Epic poetry — “beautiful voice”
Clio	History
Erato	Love poetry
Euterpe	Music
Melpomene	Tragedy
Polyhymnia	Sacred hymns
Terpsichore	Dance
Thalia	Comedy and pastoral poetry
Urania	Astronomy

Constellations: Names in the Stars

Greek mythology gave us the star maps. Many constellation names make beautiful baby names:

• Orion — The great hunter
• Lyra — The lyre of Orpheus
• Cassiopeia — The vain queen
• Andromeda — The princess
• Aquila — The eagle of Zeus

Practical Greek Mythology Names

Some mythological names are easier to use in everyday life:

For girls: Lyra, Thalia, Cleo, Phoebe, Iris, Daphne, Chloe (all used by real Greek people today)

For boys: Jason, Hector, Leon, Leander, Orion, Caspian (wearable and recognized)

Explore: Greek names | Names meaning wisdom | Names meaning strength