Greek Baby Name Meanings and Origins

Greek names are full of history, culture, and meaning from a place that is known for its beauty, architecture, food, and traditions. Greek mythology inspires many baby names, and so does Ancient Greece, the birthplace of modern democracy, philosophy, medicine, the Olympics, and so much more.

Well-known Greek names such as Peter, Socrates, and Zeus are strong and powerful, while Aphrodite, Angelina, and Olympia are beautiful and heavenly. There are so many terrific names to choose for your baby, whether you want to honor your ancestry or you just like the sound and meaning.

Of course, you do need to be a little cautious with Greek baby names. Some of the meanings, myths, and stories behind a name are not always as beautiful and positive as you might imagine.

For example, Keres has a nice sound to it, but it’s also a vengeful spirit of death and doom. Or, Pandora means a gifted and talented woman, but in mythology, she is the first mortal woman who unleashed evil upon the world. That's why it’s always wise to do a little research behind the names on your list before you make a final decision.

Most Popular Greek Names
Name	Meaning	Origin
Alexandra	Defender and helper of humankind	Greek
Anastasia	Will rise again or resurrect	Greek
Andrew	Manly and brave	Greek
Christopher	One who carries Christ in his heart, a follower of Christ	Greek
Ella	Beautiful, fancy, and light	Greek
Iris	From the rainbow and a messenger of the gods	Greek
Luke	Light and bright or from the ancient area of Lucania which is now part of Southern Italy	Greek
Nicholas	Winner and a victory for the people	Greek
Sebastian	Revered, respected, and adored	Greek
Theodore	Gift and blessing from God	Greek

These are 10 of the most popular Greek Names for boys and girls.

Popular Greek Baby Names for Girls

Here are some of the most popular and unique Greek baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Alexandra

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender and helper of humankind
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alexandera, Alexsandra, Alexandria, Alessandra, Alexa, Aly, Allie, Alexis, Lexi
Famous Namesakes: Actress Alexandra Breckenridge, singer Alexandra Burke
Peak Popularity: Alexandra has been fairly popular for the last century. It was a top 100 name for girls from 1984 through 2014 reaching a rank of 26 in 1995 and 1996.

Fun Fact: In the world of royalty, Princess Alexandra of Greece is the daughter of Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark.

Anastasia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Will rise again or resurrect
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Annastasia, Anastascia, Anastasha, Ansestasia, Anastaysha, Anastasya
Famous Namesakes: Businesswoman and CEO Anastasia Soare, singer Annastasia Baker
Peak Popularity: Anastasia is a classic name that has been around for a very long time. It has recently seen a boost in popularity and reached number 158 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Anastasia Tremaine is one of Cinderella’s stepsisters in the 1950 Disney classic film Cinderella.

Andromeda

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Ruler of man
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Andromyda, Andromedah
Famous Namesakes: Actress and TV host Andromeda Dunker
Peak Popularity: Andromeda is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000.

Fun Fact: Andromeda is a constellation in the night sky, and within it lies the Andromeda Galaxy.

Angelina

Origin: Greek
Meaning: An angel or a messenger of God
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Angelena, Angelyna, Anjelina, Angeline, Angel, Angela, Angie, Angelica,
Famous Namesakes: Actress Angelina Jolie, reality TV star Angelina Pivarnick
Peak Popularity: Angelina is a well-established girl name. It has maintained consistent popularity for well over a century. It had its best year in 2005 when it reached number 43.

Fun Fact: Angelina is a famous tearoom and pastry shop in Paris, France.

Aphrodite

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Love and beauty
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Afrodite, Aphrodyte, Aphroditee, Aphroditie
Famous Namesakes: Writer and producer Aphrodite Jones
Peak Popularity: Aphrodite is not that common. It does not appear on the top 1,000 list of girls names.

Fun Fact: Aphrodite is the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty.

Aretha

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Moral and virtuous, or excellent
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Areetha, Arytha, Areta, Aretta, Arethra
Famous Namesakes: Singer Aretha Franklin, Olympic athlete Aretha Thurmond
Peak Popularity: Aretha was in the top 1,000 from 1964 to 1974. It was most popular in 1968 with a rank of 397.

Fun Fact: “Aretha” is the name of a song by British singer, Rumer.

Ariana

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Holy one
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Arianna, Aryana, Arianah, Aeriana, Arianne, Aryanna, Ari, Aria
Famous Namesakes: Singer Ariana Grande, journalist and businesswoman Arianna Huffington
Peak Popularity: Ariana has been a top 1,000 name since 1978. It reached number 37 in 2014.

Fun Fact: Ariana is a brand of Bulgarian beer that Heineken owns.

Athena

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Goddess of war and wisdom
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Atheena, Athina, Athenna, Athenea
Famous Namesakes: Singer Athena Ripka, musician Athena Bass
Peak Popularity: Athena has been a top 1,000 name of girls since 1955. It is recently gaining more popularity and reached its highest rank of 106 in 2019.

Fun Fact: Athena is the patron goddess of the capital city of Athens, Greece.

Berenice

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victorious
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bernice, Berenise, Bereneice, Burnice, Bernyce, Burnyce, Bernie
Famous Namesakes: Actress Berenice Marlohe, Reverend Bernice King
Peak Popularity: Berenice was a bit more popular before 1925 then became less common. It reappeared in the top 1,000 between 1991 and 2003 before falling out of favor once again.

Fun Fact: “Berenice” is the title of a short story by the American writer Edgar Allan Poe.

Calista

Origin: Greek
Meaning: The most beautiful
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Callista, Kalista, Kallista, Colista, Calysta, Calissa, Callisto, Callie
Famous Namesakes: Actress Calista Flockhart, ambassador Callista Gingrich
Peak Popularity: Calista is not too common, although it had a brief stay on the top 1,000 list between 1998 and 2004.

Fun Fact: Calista is the name of a salon and spa with its own brand of hair care products and tools.

Cassandra

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Having insight, a seer, or one who shines among mankind
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kassandra, Cassie, Cassey, Sandra, Sandy, Sandi
Famous Namesakes: Artist Cassandra Austen, actress Cassandra Peterson
Peak Popularity: Cassandra had been a top 1,000 name since 1942. It was most popular in 1990 when it reached number 49.

Fun Fact: The Cassandra complex is an expression that describes a warning that is not heeded and disregarded. It’s a reference to Cassandra in Greek Mythology who was a prophet that no one believed.

Cynthia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: From Mount Kynthos or Cynthos, and the goddess of the moon
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cynthea, Cinthia, Cynthya, Sinthia, Cyntia, Cindy
Famous Namesakes: Actress Cynthia Nixon, Olympic athlete Cynthia Woodhead
Peak Popularity: Cynthia is a time-honored name. It reached its highest rank of 7 in 1957 and remains a common choice for girls.

Fun Fact: Cynthia is a type of butterfly that includes a well-known species called the painted lady.

Danae

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bright or a judge
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dannae, Danee, Danea, Danay, Danai, Denae, Denay, Dinae, Dinay
Famous Namesakes: Musician Danae Kara, Paralympic athlete Danae Sweetapple
Peak Popularity: Danae is not very common. However, it did spend four years as a top 1,000 name in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1992.

Fun Fact: The asteroid 61 Danae was discovered in 1860. It is part of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Daphne

Origin: Greek
Meaning: From the laurel tree
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Daphyne, Daphney, Daphni, Daphnie, Dafny, Dafnee, Dafney, Daffney
Famous Namesakes: Actress Daphne Reid, TV host Daphne Oz
Peak Popularity: Daphne has been a popular name for girls for over 100 years. It was most popular in 1962 when it reached number 266.

Fun Fact: The fashionable Daphne Blake is one of the members of the mystery-solving gang in the animated series Scooby-Doo.

Demi

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Follower of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and the harvest
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Demmi, Demie, Demy, Demye, Demeter, Demetria
Famous Namesakes: Actress Demi Moore, singer Demi Lovato
Peak Popularity: Demi made the top 1,000 list of girl names in 1991. It reached a high of 338 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Demi can also mean “half” in the French language.

Dorothy

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift of God
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dorothea, Dorathy, Dorthie, Daurathy, Dora, Dorothee, Dorothia, Dolly, Dory, Dori, Dottie,
Famous Namesakes: Figure Skater Dorothy Hamill, singer Dorothy Martin
Peak Popularity: Dorothy is a vintage name. It spent many years in the top 10 reaching number 2 in the 1920s. It was much more popular in the early part of the 20th century and in recent years has dropped in rank.

Fun Fact: Dorothy Gale is the main character in the classic and widely popular 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

Eleanor

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Light-hearted or a shining light
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eleanora, Elynore, Elanore, Eleonor, Ellinore, Lenore, Nora
Famous Namesakes: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, actress Eleanor Tomlinson
Peak Popularity: Eleanor is a traditional name. It was a top 100 name for many years especially in the early to mid-1900s. After a few decades of declining use, it is making a huge comeback. It ranked number 22 in 2020.

Fun Fact: “Eleanor Rigby” is a famous song by the English rock band The Beatles.

Ella

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beautiful, fancy, and light
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ela, Ellah, Elle, Ellie, Elly
Famous Namesakes: Actress Ella Purnell, singer Ella Fitzgerald
Peak Popularity: Ella is a trendy name. It has been traditionally popular for a very long time but has seen a recent jump in the rankings. It has been in the top 50 since 2003 and ranked number 12 in 2011 and 2012.

Fun Fact: Lake Ella is a twelve-acre lake located in Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee.

Evangeline

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bringing good news
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Evangelina, Evangelica, Evangelyne, Eva, Lina
Famous Namesakes: Author Evangeline Walton, actress Evangelina Sosa
Peak Popularity: Evangeline is a popular baby name that starts with 'e' and is new once again. It was a top 1,000 name until 1966 when it fell off the list. Then, 40 years later in 2006, it reemerged as a top 1,000 name. In 2016, it had its most popular year in over 100 years when it reached number 241.

Fun Fact: Evangeline is the name of the bright Evening Star in Disney’s animated film The Princess and the Frog.

Georgia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: One who works the land and loves the land, a farmer
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Giorgia, Georgina, Georganna, Georgene, Georgie, Georgette
Famous Namesakes: Artist Georgia O’Keefe, actress Georgia Ellis
Peak Popularity: Georgia is a location name that has been a common name for girls for many years. In 1900 it was number 87 and in 2020 it was number 176.

Fun Fact: “Georgia on My Mind” is the state song of (you guessed it!) the U.S. state of Georgia.

Helena

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beautiful shining bright light
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Helen, Helene, Helana, Helayna, Helenore, Hellena,
Famous Namesakes: Actress Helena Bonham Carter, Princess Helena of the United Kingdom
Peak Popularity: Helena has a long history of use for girls. Its most popular year in the last 120 years was in 1902 when it ranked at number 270. Over 100 years later in 2020, it was number 509.

Fun Fact: Helena is a principal character in Shakespeare's play A Midsummer’s Night Dream.

Hermione

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Messenger of the gods
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hermine, Herma, Hermia, Hermina
Famous Namesakes: Actress Hermione Norris, entrepreneur Hermione Way
Peak Popularity: Hermione is a unique name and not in the top 1,000.

Fun Fact: Hermione Granger is a good friend of the famous wizard Harry Potter and the female heroine in the extremely successful Harry Potter book series written by J.K. Rowling.

Hera

Origin: Greek
Meaning: A hero or heroine
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Herra, Herah, Herrah
Famous Namesakes: Singer Hera Hjartardottir, singer Hera Bjork
Peak Popularity: Hera is also a unique girl name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.

Fun Fact: In Greek mythology, Hera is the Queen of the Gods. She is the goddess and protector of women, marriage, and birth.

Ida

Origin: Greek
Meaning: From Mount Ida, the Mountain of the Goddess, or diligent and hardworking
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Idaea, Idaa, Iida, Ieda, Idalie, Idette, Idetta, Idella
Famous Namesakes: Civil Rights leader Ida Wells, First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley
Peak Popularity: Ida is a vintage name for girls. It ranked at number 30 in 1900 and was a top 100 name until 1931. It fell off the top 1,000 list in 1986 and is now less common.

Fun Fact: An Ida is a type of sword from West Africa that could be used as a weapon or to hunt.

Iris

Origin: Greek
Meaning: From the rainbow and a messenger of the gods
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Irys, Iryss, Iriss, Irisse
Famous Namesakes: Actress Iris Apatow, author Iris Rainer Dart
Peak Popularity: The name Iris has maintained consistent popularity for well over 100 years. It is currently seeing an increase in favorability and reached its highest rank in over a century in 2020 when it hit 127.

Fun Fact: You have an iris in each eye. It is the circle of color that surrounds the pupil (the smaller black circle). The iris and pupil control how much light gets into your eye.

Jacinta

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beautiful
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jacinda, Jacintha, Jacynta, Jacyntha, Jacie, Jacey, Hyacinth, Hyacinthe, Hyacinthia, Hiacynthia, Giacinta, Gacinta, Gacinda, Gacintha
Famous Namesakes: Singer Jacinta Gulisano, actress Jacinda Barrett
Peak Popularity: Jacinta is a less common name and not on the top 1,000 list.

Fun Fact: Jacinta is a form of the name Hyacinth. Hyacinth is a beautiful blue or purple flower and a hero in Greek mythology.

Katherine

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Pure
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Catherine, Katharine, Kathrine, Kathryn, Katerina, Katrina, Kathy, Cathy, Kathie, Cathie, Kate, Cate, Katelyn, Kaitlyn Caitlyn, Katie, Kat, Cat
Famous Namesakes: Actress Katherine Heigl, journalist Katie (Katherine) Couric
Peak Popularity: Katherine is a classic and common name. It has been a top 100 name for much of the last century and beyond.

Fun Fact: Kate Middleton is married to Prince William. Her title is Catherine, Her Royal Highness the Dutchess of Cambridge.

Khloe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Flourishing like a young, blooming plant
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Chloe, Kloe, Khloey, Kloey, Chloey
Famous Namesakes: TV personality Khloe Kardashian, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim
Peak Popularity: Khloe hit the top 1,000 list in 2006 and reached number 42 in 2010. The more traditional spelling of Chloe is even trendier and reached number 9 in 2009.

Fun Fact: The name Khloe comes from Demeter, the Greek God of agriculture and the harvest.

Lois

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Great, the best, and superior
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Loes, Loise, Louise, Louis
Famous Namesakes: Actress Lois Chiles, writer Lois Lowry
Peak Popularity: Lois is an age-old name for girls. It was a top 100 name from 1902 to 1953, then it declined in popularity. It is now much less common.

Fun Fact: Lois Lane is a well-known comic book character. She is a reporter for the Daily Planet and Superman’s romantic partner.

Margaret

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Pearl
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Margret, Marguerite, Margarita, Maggie, Meg, Peggy, Margo, Margaux, Marge, Margie, Megan, Meghan, Marjorie
Famous Namesakes: World leader Margaret Thatcher, comedian Margaret Cho
Peak Popularity: Margaret is a traditional name. A hundred years ago it was a top 5 name and spent many years at number 3, 4, and 5. It remains extremely common and ranked 126 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Margaret Hamilton is the actress behind one of the scariest villains of all time: The Wicked Witch of the West.

Melanie

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Having dark skin, dark and beautiful
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Melany, Melaney, Melani, Melenie, Melania, Melanya, Meilani, Mel
Famous Namesakes: Actress Melanie Griffith, singer Melanie "Mel B" Brown, Actress Melanie Lynskey
Peak Popularity: Melanie has been a top 1,000 name since 1938. It was most popular in 1972 when it reached number 42.

Fun Fact: “Melanie” is the name of a Celine Dion song. It is on her sixth album, also Melanie, which is in French.

Nicole

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victorious and triumphant
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nichole, Nikole, Nicolle, Nicholle, Nicolette, Nicola, Colette, Nikki, Nickie, Nicky, Nicki, Nika
Famous Namesakes: Actress Nicole Kidman, reality TV star Nicole Richie
Peak Popularity: Nicole made the top 1,000 in 1942. By 1969 it was in the top 100 and by 1978 it hit the top 10. It reached its highest rank of 6 in 1982. It remains common and was number 266 in 2018.

Fun Fact: Nicole is the name of a commune or township located in an area of southwestern France.

Olympia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Heavenly or a goddess from Mount Olympus
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Olympiah, Olimpia, Olympie
Famous Namesakes: Actress Olympia Dukakis, actress Olympia Valance
Peak Popularity: Olympia is unique. It was a top 1,000 name five times between 1913 and 1925 but is not very common today.

Fun Fact: Olympia is a small town in Greece where the Ancient Olympic Games were played.

Ophelia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Helpful and wise
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ofelia, Ophela, Ophelya, Opheliah, Ofeliah
Famous Namesakes: Actress Ophelia Lovibond, writer Ophelia Benson
Peak Popularity: Ophelia is an old name that is new again. It ranked 268 in 1900, and it was a top 1,000 name until 1959 when it disappeared. It popped back up in 2015 at 978 and jumped to a rank of 391 in 2018.

Fun Fact: Ophelia is a character in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet and the name of one of smaller moons belonging to the planet Uranus.

Penelope

Origin: Greek
Meaning: A weaver of thread or a type a bird like a duck
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Peneloppe, Pennelope, Penelopie, Penelopy, Penny, Penney, Pennie, Penni
Famous Namesakes: Actress Penelope Cruz, actress Penelope Ann Miller
Peak Popularity: Penelope is a very trendy name. It was a top 1,000 name from 1922 until 1975 when it dropped off the list. It made a comeback in 2001 and has seen a steady rise. It reached a rank of 25 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Penelope is the scientific name (genus) of a type of bird from South and Central America. It is large and similar to a turkey or duck.

Phoebe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: One who shines bright and pure
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Pheebe, Phoebee, Phoeby, Phoebie, Pheobe,
Famous Namesakes: Actress Phoebe Cates, illustrator Phoebe Wahl
Peak Popularity: Phoebe is a long-established name for well over 100 years. It was a little less common from the 1960s through the 1980s, but in 2020 it was number 256.

Fun Fact: Phoebe Buffay is one of the main characters on popular TV sitcom Friends.

Phoenix

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Dark red
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Phoenyx, Phenix, Pheenix, Phenyx, Pheenyx, Phoenicks, Feenix, Feenyx
Peak Popularity: Phoenix is becoming a very popular name for girls. It hit the top 1,000 list of in 2003 and reached number 353 in 2020.

Fun Fact: A phoenix is a legendary immortal bird. After living a long life, it burns up in flames. It then rises from the ashes and is born again.

Rhea

Origin: Greek
Meaning: A flowing stream of water or mother of gods and goddesses
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rhia, Ria, Rea, Riah, Rhya, Reeah, Rhiah, Rhiya, Rheia, Rhianna, Rheanna, Rheana
Famous Namesakes: Actress Rhea Perlman, comedian Rhea Butcher
Peak Popularity: Rhea is a vintage name. It was a top 1,000 name before 1900 and up through the 1960s. It became less common after 1968 but may be on its way back. It returned to the top 1,000 list in 2015 and was number 628 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Rhea is one of Saturn’s moons named for Rhea, the mother of the gods, in Greek mythology.

Selena

Origin: Greek
Meaning: The moon
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Selina, Salina, Selene, Salene, Celine, Celena, Celina, Saleen, Saleena, Sela, Celia
Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Selena Gomez, singer Selena Quintanilla
Peak Popularity: Selena has been a consistent top 1,000 name since 1958. It was most popular in 1995 when it reached number 91.

Fun Fact: The name Selena comes from the Ancient Greece goddess Selene. She is the goddess of the moon.

Sophia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Having great wisdom
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sofia, Sophie, Sofie, Sofea, Sofiya
Famous Namesakes: Actress Sophia Loren, actress Sofia Vergara
Peak Popularity: Sophia is classic and extremely popular. It is a top 10 name since 2006 and was the number 1 name for girls in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Fun Fact: Sophia Petrillo is Dorothy Zbornak’s wisecracking, story-telling mother and one of the main characters on the hit TV comedy The Golden Girls.

Stephanie

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victorious, wearer of the crown
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Stefanie, Stephany, Stefany, Steffanie, Stephenny, Stephannie, Stephani, Stefani, Stephania, Stefania, Steph, Steff, Stefi, Steffi, Stephie
Famous Namesakes: The Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams, tennis player Steffi (Stefanie) Graf
Peak Popularity: Stephanie is a traditional name. It has been a top 1,000 name for over a century. It was in the top 100 from 1960 until 2008. It held its highest rank of 6 for four years in the mid-1980s.

Fun Fact: Stephanie Nicks goes by the name “Stevie.” She is a very successful singer and songwriter of Fleetwood Mac.

Thalia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Blooming and joyous
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Thalya, Talia, Thalyia, Thaleia
Famous Namesakes: Singer and actress Thalia, journalist Thalia Assuras
Peak Popularity: Thalia was a top 1,000 name in 1932, then not again until 1992. It held the rank of 803 in 2020.

Fun Fact: In Greek mythology, Thalia is the name of a goddess. She is the muse, or inspiration, of comedy.

Thelma

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Ambitious and willful
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Telma, Thelmah
Famous Namesakes: Singer Thelma Houston, actress Telma Hopkins
Peak Popularity: Thelma is not as common today as it was in the past. It was a top 100 name in 1900 and remained there until 1940. After a steady decline in use, it dropped off the top 1,000 list in 1983.

Fun Fact: Thelma and Louise is a movie about two friends who find unexpected adventure on a weekend getaway.

Theodora

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift from God
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Theadora, Theodorah, Teadora, Teodora, Theo, Theora, Thea, Teddi, Teddie, Tia, Dora
Famous Namesakes: Model Theodora Richards, writer Theodora Goss
Peak Popularity: Theodora is a unique, vintage name. It ranked 759 in 1900 and stayed on the top 1,000 list until 1955. It has remained uncommon since.

Fun Fact: Empress Theodora lived in the sixth century and was the wife of Emporer Justinian the Great of Byzantine.

Theresa

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Harvester and hunter
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Teresa, Theresah, Therese, Theres, Thera, Tessa, Terri, Terry, Teri
Famous Namesakes: Prime Minister Theresa May, Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo
Peak Popularity: Theresa is a traditional name that begins with 'T' that has been popular for the last 100 years and more. It was a top 100 name for much of the last century reaching number 32 in 1956. It began to lose popularity in the 1990s and fell off the top 1,000 list in 2011.

Fun Fact: Mother Theresa is well-known for the care and compassion she had for the poor during her lifetime. She became Saint Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta) in 2016.

Tiffany

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Seeing God appear
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tiffani, Tifany, Tiphany, Tiffanie, Tiphanie, Tyffany, Tyffanie
Famous Namesakes: Singer Tiffany, actress Tiffani Amber Theissen
Peak Popularity: Tiffany became a top 1,000 name in 1962. It was in the top 100 from 1970 until 2000. It is now falling in the ranks.

Fun Fact: Tiffany & Co. is known for its luxury gifts, jewelry and, of course, its iconic blue box.

Ursula

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Little bear
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ursulla, Ursela, Ursella, Ursilla, Urzula, Ursa, Ursi
Famous Namesakes: Actress Ursula Andress, writer Ursula K. Le Guin
Peak Popularity: Ursula was a top 1,000 name for most of the years between 1900 and 1983. In the last 120 years, it was most popular in 1901 with a rank of 447.

Fun Fact: Ursula is a villain with great powers in Disney’s animated film The Little Mermaid.

Xenia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Welcoming and hospitable
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Xena, Xeniah, Xenya, Zenya, Zenia, Zena, Zenaida,
Famous Namesakes: Actress Xenia Gratsos, actress Xenia Goodwin
Peak Popularity: Xenia is a unique name that is not in the top 1,000.

Fun Fact: Xenia is the ancient Greek belief that one should extend friendship and generosity to travelers and those who are far from home.

Yolanda

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Like the violet flower or modest
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Yolandah, Yolana, Yolande, Yalanda, Yolannda, Yolonda, Yolada, Yolanta, Yolanthe, Ianthe, Iolanthe, Violet, Yolie, Yoli, Yolee
Famous Namesakes: Professional basketball player Yolanda Griffith, singer Yolanda Adams
Peak Popularity: Yolanda is a traditional name that has been fairly common since 1905. Its most popular year was 1972 when it reached a rank of 89. It has declined in popularity over the last 20 years.

Fun Fact: Yolanda comes from the Greek name Ianthe or Iolanthe which means purple flower.

Zoe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Life
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Zoey, Zooey
Famous Namesakes: Actress Zoe Saldana, actress Zoe Kravitz
Peak Popularity: Zoe is very popular. It is a classic name but really began to boom in the 1990s. It has been in the top 100 since 2000 and reached number 30 in 2012.

Fun Fact: Zoe is the name of the young orange Muppet on the long-running children’s TV program Sesame Street.

Popular Greek Baby Names for Boys

Here are some popular and unique Greek baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Adonis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Handsome and Lord
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Adonnis, Adonys, Addonis, Adohnis, Donnie, Don
Famous Namesakes: Football player Adonis Alexander, boxer Adonis Stevenson
Peak Popularity: Adonis popped up as a top 1,000 name in 1993 and has risen in the ranks ever since. It had a big jump in popularity in 2016 and reached number 222 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Adonis is the main character and the son of Apollo Creed in the boxing movie Creed.

Alexander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender and protector of humankind
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alexandros, Alisander, Alecsander, Aleksander, Alexzander, Alexandre, Alesander, Alexis, Alex, Alec
Famous Namesakes: Inventor Alexander Graham Bell, U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton
Peak Popularity: Alexander is a traditionally popular and very common name. It is currently trendy and reached number 4 in 2009.

Fun Fact: Alexander the Great was the King of Macedonia in Ancient Greece and one of the most well-known leaders of all time. He conquered and ruled one of the largest empires in history.

Andrew

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Manly and brave
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Andruw, Andru, Andrue, Andrews Andreas, Andre, Andros, Andy, Andie, Drew
Famous Namesakes: U.S. Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson, artist Andy (Andrew) Warhol
Peak Popularity: Andrew is another classic boy name. It has been a top 100 name for well over a hundred years. Andrew was number 52 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Hurricane Andrew hit the Bahamas and the southeastern United States in 1992. It was a deadly and destructive category 5 hurricane.

Apollo

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Manly and handsome
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Apolo, Appollo, Apolloh,
Famous Namesakes: Magician Apollo Robbins, Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno
Peak Popularity: Apollo is an up and coming name. It made it into the top 1,000 names for boys in 2012 and was number 448 in 2020.

Fun Fact: NASA’s Apollo Space Program carried out missions from 1961 through 1972. In 1969, the astronauts on Apollo 11 made history by landing on the moon, walking on the moon, and returning safely to earth.

Arsenio

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Strong and manly
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Arsenios, Arsenius, Arsenyo, Arsinio, Arseneo, Arsenie, Senio
Famous Namesakes: Actor Arsenio Hall, Olympic swimmer Arsenio Lopez
Peak Popularity: Arsenio is not very common. It made a brief appearance as a top 1,000 name in 1988, 1989, and 1990 but has not been on the list since.

Fun Fact: Sant’Arsenio is an old town and a great place to visit in the Campania region of south-western Italy.

Atticus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: From Attica, an area in Greece that includes Athens
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aticus, Addicus, Attikus, Attickus, Atti
Famous Namesakes: Actor Atticus Shaffer, musician Atticus Ross
Peak Popularity: Atticus is gaining in popularity. It hit the top 1,000 list in 2004 and is rising in the ranks. It was number 300 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Atticus Finch is a fictional attorney and main character in Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Basil

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Royal and brave like a king
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Basel, Basile, Bazil, Bacil, Basilo
Famous Namesakes: Emperors Basil I and Basil II, illustrator Basil Wolverton
Peak Popularity: Basil was a top 1,000 name before the 1970s. It was number 328 ion 1904. However, it much less common today and has not been a top 1,000 name since 1971.

Fun Fact: Basil is the heroic mystery-solving mouse in Disney’s animated film The Great Mouse Detective.

Christopher

Origin: Greek
Meaning: One who carries Christ in his heart, a follower of Christ
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Christofer, Christoffer, Cristopher, Christian, Christoph, Christophe, Christos, Christoff, Kristopher, Kristofer, Kristian, Chris, Kris, Topher
Famous Namesakes: Actor Christopher Walken, actor Christopher Lloyd
Peak Popularity: Christopher is a traditional name that has been popular for ages. It was a top 10 boy name from 1967 to 2009 and spent many years at number 2. In 2018, it was number 47.

Fun Fact: Christopher Robin is a fictional little boy and one of Winnie-the-Pooh’s best friends.

Cletus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Called forth or summoned
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cleatus, Cleitus, Cletis, Cleetus, Cledus, Clete, Clet
Famous Namesakes: Pope Cletus (Anacletus), professional baseball player Cletis (Clete) Boyer
Peak Popularity: Cletus was most popular in 1922 and was a top 1,000 name until 1966.

Fun Fact: Cletus Hogg is a character and relative of Boss Hogg on the action-packed TV series The Dukes of Hazzard.

Cole

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kole, Coal, Cohl, Kohl, Coll, Koll
Famous Namesakes: Singer Cole Swindell, songwriter Cole Porter
Peak Popularity: Cole is a trendy name for boys that begins with the letter 'C'. It was in the top 100 from 1997 through 2011. It reached number 69 in 2002 and 2003.

Fun Fact: Cole crops are plants from the mustard family (Brassicaceae). They include some vegetables and healthy foods such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.

Constantine

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Steady and consistent
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Konstantine, Constantin, Konstantinos, Kostis, Kostas
Famous Namesakes: Singer Constantine Maroulis, Greek scholar Constantine Lascaris
Peak Popularity: Constantine enjoyed a period of popularity as a top 1,000 name between 1910 and 1935. Then, it briefly popped up again in the late 1960s.

Fun Fact: Constantine the Great, or Constantine I, was a ruler of the Roman Empire and founder of the ancient city of Constantinople.

Cyril

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Masterful and from the Lord
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cyryl, Cyrill, Ciril, Cyral, Cyrell, Kyril, Kyrill, Kyrillos, Cyrillus, Cirillo, Cy
Famous Namesakes: Magician Cyril Takayama, professional skateboarder Cyril Jackson
Peak Popularity: Cyril is an old name. It was number 263 in 1902. It hung on as a top 1,000 name until 1967 when it dropped off the list.

Fun Fact: Cyrillus is one of a trio of craters located in the southeastern area of the moon. It is named after Saint Cyril of Alexandria.

Damian

Origin: Greek
Meaning: One who tames and conquers
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Damien, Damion Daymon, Daymion, Daymian, Damianos, Damiano
Famous Namesakes: Actor Damian Lewis, singer Damian Marley
Peak Popularity: Damian showed up as a top 1,000 boy name in 1952. It had its best year in 2013 when it was number 98.

Fun Fact: Damian Wayne is a fictional comic book character. His father is Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman.

Darius

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Wealthy, affluent, rich
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dario, Darion, Darien, Darian, Darrin, Darren, Dareios
Famous Namesakes: Singer Darius Rucker, professional basketball player Darius Miles
Peak Popularity: Darius began gaining popularity in the 1950s. It rose through the ranks quickly to make it to 152 in 1990 and 1991. It is still a top 1,000 name, although it’s losing a little ground.

Fun Fact: Darius the Great was the King of Persia and ruled the Persian Empire from 522 BC until 486 BC.

Deacon

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Servant and helper
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Deakon, Deecon, Deakin, Diakonos, Deacan, Deakun, Deaken, Deak, Deek
Famous Namesakes: Musician Deacon John Moore, baseball player Deacon White
Peak Popularity: Deacon hit the top 1,000 list for boys in 2004 and was number 420 in 2014.

Fun Fact: A deacon is a type of minister. Deacons have different duties in the church depending on the religion which they serve.

Demetrius

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Loves the earth, follower of the goddess Demeter
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Demetrio, Demetrios, Dimitrios, Dimitri, Demetri, Demeter, Dmitri, Dmitry, Demmy
Famous Namesakes: Actor Demetrius Shipp Jr., professional basketball player Demetrius Jackson
Peak Popularity: Demetrius has been a top 1,000 name since 1954. Its most popular year was 1991 when it reached number 259.

Fun Fact: Demetrius is a character in the Shakespearian plays A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titus Andronicus, and Antony and Cleopatra.

Dennis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Festive, fun, and merrymaker
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Denis, Dennes, Denes, Denny, Dennie, Denzel, Dennison, Denys, Den
Famous Namesakes: Comedian Dennis Miller, actor Dennis Quaid
Peak Popularity: Dennis is an established name with lasting popularity for well over 100 years. It was most popular in 1949 when it reached number 16. It has seen a slight decline in the last 20 years.

Fun Fact: Dennis Mitchell is the adorable, mischief-making little boy better known as Dennis the Menace in comic strips, television, and movies.

Dion

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Joyful follower of Dionysus and Zeus
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Deion, Deon, Deone, Dionne, Dieone, Dio, Deo
Famous Namesakes: Singer Dion DiMucci, professional athlete Deion Sanders
Peak Popularity: Dion was most popular in 1969 when it reached a rank of 338. It has seen a decline in use and has not been a top 1,000 name since 2006.

Fun Fact: Dion is from the name Dionysus, the god of wine, winemaking, and fertility.

Eros

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Love and affection
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ero, Erose, Eroce, Earos, Arros, Airos, Airose, Aeros, Aerose, Arose, Eurus
Famous Namesakes: Musician Eros Ramazzotti, actor Eros Vlahos
Peak Popularity: Eros is uncommon and not a top 1,000 name.

Fun Fact: Eros is the Greek god of love and desire whose Roman counterpart is Cupid.

Esteban

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Wearing a victory crown
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Estevan, Esteban, Estabon, Estebon, Estebann, Estebahn, Esteven, Estephan, Estephen, Estefan, Estafen
Famous Namesakes: Professional baseball player Esteban Loaiza, soccer player Esteban Cambiasso
Peak Popularity: Esteban has seen consistent popularity since the 1960s. It was most popular in 2005 when it reached number 320.

Fun Fact: Esteban is the name of the bellman at the Tipton Hotel on Disney Channel’s TV series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

Eugene

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Born well into nobility or high society
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eugenios, Eugenio, Eugenes, Eugenie, Eugenius, Ugene, Genio, Gene
Famous Namesakes: Actor Eugene Levy, astronaut Eugene Cernan
Peak Popularity: Eugene is a time-honored boy name. In 1900, it ranked at number 45. It was a top 100 name until 1958. It is still on the top 1,000 list but has decreased in popularity over the past 50 years.

Fun Fact: Eugene Krabs is the greedy, penny-pinching owner of the Krusty Krab and SpongeBob’s boss in the long-running animated TV series SpongeBob SquarePants.

Eustace

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Fruitful and stable
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eustis, Eustiss, Eustyss, Eustacius, Eustachius, Eustathius, Ustace, Ustyss
Famous Namesakes: Christian Saint Eustace, naturalist Eustace Conway
Peak Popularity: Eustace is a unique name that is not listed in the top 1,000 names for boys.

Fun Fact: Eustace Scrubb is a character in the classic children’s book series The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

Evander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Good and benevolent man
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Evandir, Evandur, Evandar, Evandor, Evandyr, Ivander, Eveander, Evannder
Famous Namesakes: Boxer Evander Holyfield, hockey player Evander Kane
Peak Popularity: Evander is less common, and it is not a top 1,000 boy name.

Fun Fact: In mythology, Evander was a hero from Greece who went to Italy and brought with him the alphabet, writing, and laws. He is the founder of the city of Pallantium which later became Rome.

George

Origin: Greek
Meaning: A farmer one or someone who loves and works with the land
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Georg, Jorge, Georges, Georgios, Georgio, Giorgio, Gheorge, Georghe, Giorge, Georgy, Georgie,
Famous Namesakes: Actor George Clooney, U.S. Presidents George Washington, George H.W., and George W. Bush
Peak Popularity: George is a traditionally popular name for boys. It was number 4 in 1900 and a top 10 boy name through 1937. It stayed in the top 100 until 1983 and was number 133 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Lake George is a resort area in New York State. It is a tourist and vacation hot spot, especially during the summer.

Gregory

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Vigilant and watchful
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Greggory, Gregorey, Gregorie, Gregorio, Gregorios, Gregorius, Gregor, Greger, Greg, Graig
Famous Namesakes: Entertainer Gregory Hines, actor Gregory Peck
Peak Popularity: Gregory is another traditionally popular name for boys. It was in the top 100 from 1945 to 1997 and reached number 21 in 1962 and 1963.

Fun Fact: There were many religious leaders with the name of Gregory including 16 popes.

Hector

Origin: Greek
Meaning: To hold onto and restrain
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hectar, Hecter, Hectyr, Heckter, Hecktor, Hectur, Hectir
Famous Namesakes: Actor Hector Elizondo, writer Hector Munro (Saki)
Peak Popularity: Hector is fairly popular baby name that starts with 'H'. It reached its highest rank in 1992 at 156.

Fun Fact: Hector is one of the main characters in the 2017 award-winning Pixar Studios animated film Coco.

Hermes

Origin: Greek
Meaning: A pile of stones or a marker to show the border of the land
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hermies, Hermez, Hermeze, Hermese, Hermees
Famous Namesakes: MMA fighter Hermes Franca, dancer Hermes Pan
Peak Popularity: Hermes is not currently a common or top 1,000 name.

Fun Fact: In Greek mythology, Hermes is the son of Zeus and the messenger of the Gods.

Homer

Origin: Greek
Meaning: A security or solemn promise, a pledge
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Homher, Homar, Homhar
Famous Namesakes: Author Homer Hickman, baseball player Homer Bailey
Peak Popularity: Homer was very common in the early part of the 20^th century. In 1901, it was number 74. Over the last 100 years, it has slowly fallen out of favor. It was number 949 in 1983 and has not ranked on the top 1,000 list since.

Fun Fact: Homer Simpson is one of most well-known television cartoon characters from the long-running animated television series The Simpsons.

Ion

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Going or from the group of Ionians in Ancient Greece
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ionn, Ionne, Ionnes, Ione, Ionas
Famous Namesakes: Greek writer and philosopher Ion of Chios, former Romanian President Ion Iliescu
Peak Popularity: Ion is a bit unique. It does not appear as a top 1,000 name for boys.

Fun Fact: In chemistry, an ion is a molecule or atom that has an electrical charge.

Jason

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Healer
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jayson, Jaison, Jaceson, Jaysen, Jaisen, Jasson, Jayceson, Jace, Jayce, Jasyn
Famous Namesakes: Actor Jason Momoa, singer Jason Aldean
Peak Popularity: The name Jason has been and continues to be a very popular name. It was the number 2 name for 5 years in a row from 1974 to 1978. It was number 119 in 2020.

Fun Fact: Jason is the name of a remote-control robot that can examine and take pictures of the ocean floor. Jason Jr. was an earlier model that was sent down to explore the Titanic in 1986.

Jerome

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Holy and sacred name
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jarome, Jerrome, Jerohm, Jerohme, Jeromy, Jairome, Jerry
Famous Namesakes: Professional football player Jerome Bettis, comedian Jerome (Jerry) Seinfeld
Peak Popularity: Jerome was a top 200 name from 1903 to 1985 and reached number 93 in 1939. Since 1985 it has become less popular. Jerome was number 870 in 2017.

Fun Fact: Jerome State Historic Park is in Jerome, Arizona. It is the home of The Douglas Mansion which is now a museum.

Leander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Like a lion
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Leannder, Liander, Lionder, Leandre, Leand, Leande, Leandro, Leandros, Lee
Famous Namesakes: Saint Leander of Seville, tennis player Leander Paes,
Peak Popularity: Leander was a top 1,000 name for boys in the early and mid-1900s. It is now a much less common name.

Fun Fact: The story of Leander of Hero from Greek mythology has been an inspiration for many pieces of literature and art.

Luke

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Light and bright or from the ancient area of Lucania which is now part of Southern Italy
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Luc, Luk, Lukas, Lucas, Lucus, Loukas, Loucas, Luca, Luka, Lukah,
Famous Namesakes: Singer Luke Bryan, actor Luke Perry
Peak Popularity: Luke is an incredibly common name for boys. It is a top 100 name since 1992 and reached number 28 in 2014.

Fun Fact: Luke Skywalker is the lead character and a powerful Jedi in the extremely popular and successful Star Wars films.

Myron

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Like Myrrh and the aroma of a fragrant oil or spice
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Miron, Myren, Miren, Myreon,
Famous Namesakes: Chef Myron Mixon, animator Myron Waldman
Peak Popularity: Myron had its most popular year in 1931 when it reached 192. It has slowly gone out of fashion and fell off the top 1,000 list in 2000.

Fun Fact: Myron of Eleutherae was a Greek sculptor during the classical period. One of his most famous pieces is the Discus Thrower called The Discobolus.

Nicholas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Winner and a victory for the people
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nicolas, Nicholaus, Nichols, Nicholus, Nickolas, Nikolas, Nicholai, Nico, Niko, Nick, Nicky
Famous Namesakes: Entertainer Nicholas (Nick) Cannon, actor Nicolas Cage
Peak Popularity: Nicholas is tremendously popular and has been for quite some time. It was a top 10 boy name from 1993 until 2003. In 2020, it was number 87.

Fun Fact: Saint Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra and is known throughout the world as the generous Christmastime gift-giver Santa Claus.

Orion

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Great hunter
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Oryan, Orian, Oryon, Orien, Oryen,
Famous Namesakes: Professional football player Orion Martin, musician Orion Weiss
Peak Popularity: Orion teetered on the edge of becoming a top 1,000 name in the 1970s and 80s. By 1994 it made it on the list to stay and has been increasing in popularity since. It reached number 300 in 2018.

Fun Fact: Orion is a constellation baby name. The constellation has three bright stars within it that that make up a very recognizable pattern called Orion’s Belt.

Peter

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Solid and strong as a rock
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Pieter, Peater, Petyr, Petey, Pete
Famous Namesakes: Actor Peter Boyle, singer Peter Gabriel
Peak Popularity: Peter has been a top 100 boy name for more than 100 years. It dropped to a top 200 name in 1997, and a top 300 name in 2012. In 2018 it was number 211.

Fun Fact: Peter Pan is a boy who goes on adventures in Neverland and refuses to grow up in the classic children’s story written by J.M. Barrie.

Phillip

Origin: Greek
Meaning: One who loves horses
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Philip, Philippe, Philo, Phyllip, Phil
Famous Namesakes: Singer Phillip Phillips, psychologist Phillip (Dr. Phil) McGraw
Peak Popularity: Phillip was a top 100 name from 1937 to 1991. Its popularity is decreasing slightly, and in 2018 it was number 439.

Fun Fact: Prince Phillip is the prince who kisses the sleeping princess Aurora and wakes her from Maleficent’s spell in Disney’s animated film Sleeping Beauty.

Pierce

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Stone or rock
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Pearce, Peerce, Piers, Peers, Pyrse, Pyrce, Pierson
Famous Namesakes: Actor Pierce Brosnan, writer Pierce Brown
Peak Popularity: Pierce is a well-known boys name. It was a top 1,000 name until 1939 when it dropped off the list only to reappear again in 1984. Pierce was number 522 in 2017.

Fun Fact: Pierce is a manufacturing company in Wisconsin that makes fire trucks and other fire apparatus for many fire departments in the United States and around the world.

Phoenix

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Dark red
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Phoenyx, Phenix, Pheenix, Phenyx, Pheenyx, Phoenicks, Feenix, Feenyx
Peak Popularity: Phoenix made the top 1,000 list for boys in 1995 and reached number 252 in 2019.

Fun Fact: A phoenix is a legendary bird. After living a long life, it burns up in flames. However, it is immortal, so it rises from the ashes as is born again.

Sebastian

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Revered, respected, and adored
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sabastian, Sebastien, Sebastion, Sebastyn, Sebastyen, Seb, Bashtian, Bashie
Famous Namesakes: Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, actor Sebastian Stan
Peak Popularity: Sebastian has been a top 1,000 name for a very long time. Its popularity has been growing since the 1960s and it became a top 100 name in 2000. It reached number 18 in 2018.

Fun Fact: Sebastian is the lovable, musically talented crab with a very recognizable accent in Disney’s animated feature The Little Mermaid.

Socrates

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Full and complete power
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sokrates, Sokratis, Socratees, Sokratees, Sakrates, Sacrates
Famous Namesakes: Professional baseball player Socrates Brito, professional soccer player Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Peak Popularity: Socrates is a unique boy name and not on the top 1,000 list.

Fun Fact: Socrates was a philosopher during the classical period in Ancient Greece. He is considered the father of modern Western thought or philosophy.

Stavros

Origin: Greek
Meaning: The cross of the Christian crucifixion
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Stavrus, Stavrohs, Stavrose, Stavrows
Famous Namesakes: Olympic athlete Stavros Michaelides, composer Stavros Kouyioumtzis
Peak Popularity: Stavros is not a common name in the United States and does not rank in the top 1,000 names.

Fun Fact: Stavros Reservation is a nature preserve in Massachusetts where you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and scenic views of the salt marsh, Crane Beach, and the Crane Wildlife Refuge.

Stephen

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victorious, wearer of the crown
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Steven, Stephan, Stephanos, Stevyn, Stefan, Stefano, Steph, Steve
Famous Namesakes: Physicist Stephen Hawking, writer Stephen King, athlete Stephen Curry
Peak Popularity: Stephen has been a top 100 name for most of the last century. It has seen a slight decline since 2000 and ranked 284 in 2018.

Fun Fact: King Stephen Opus 117 is a musical composition by Ludwig van Beethoven that pays tribute to King Stephen I of Hungary.

Thanos

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Noble and immortal
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Thanas, Thanus, Thanasis, Athanasios
Famous Namesakes: Soccer player Thanos Petsos, Greek Singer Thanos Kalliris
Peak Popularity: Thanos is a unique name for boys and does not rank on the top 1,000 list.

Fun Fact: Thanos is a powerful Marvel Comics villain and an enemy of the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Avengers, and other Marvel superheroes.

Theodore

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift and blessing from God
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Theodor, Theodore, Teodore, Theodoor, Theodoros, Theo, Ted, Teddy
Famous Namesakes: U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Pope Theodore I and II
Peak Popularity: Theodore is an extremely popular boy name. It has been in the top 300 names for more than 100 years. It ranked at number 62 in 2017.

Fun Fact: The adorable, iconic stuffed animal the “Teddy Bear,” is named after a story and political cartoon about President Theodore Roosevelt and his encounter with a bear.

Timothy

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Honors God
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Timmothy, Timothey, Timothee, Timathy, Timotheos, Timmy, Tim
Famous Namesakes: Actor Timothy (Tim) Allen, Athlete Timothy (Tim) Tebow
Peak Popularity: Timothy is a very common name for boys from the '40s and has been for well over a century. It was a top 100 name from 1943 through 2007 reaching number 11 in 1960, 1966, and 1967. It remains popular to this day.

Fun Fact: Timothy is a type of cat-tail grass and hay that is used to feed cattle, horses, and sheep.

Ulysses

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Angry
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ulesses, Ulisses, Ulissus, Ulyses
Famous Namesakes: General and President Ulysses S. Grant, musician Ulysses Owens
Peak Popularity: Ulysses has been a top 1,000 name for over 100 years. It was most popular in 1907 when it hit number 365. It has had a slow but steady decline and fell off the top 1,000 list in 2006.

Fun Fact: “Ulysses” is one of the classic and most famous poems written by the great British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Xander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender and protector of humankind
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Xandar, Xandor, Xandur, Zander, Zandar, Zandor, Zandur
Famous Namesakes: Professional baseball player Xander Bogaerts, actor Xander Berkeley
Peak Popularity: Xander is increasing in popularity. It reached the top 1,000 list for boys in 1999 and rose quickly reaching number 163 in 2017.

Fun Fact: Xander Harris is one of the main characters, a best friend, and a sidekick to Buffy in the supernatural television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Zeus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: God, shining in the sky and heavens
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Zuese, Zoos, Zues, Soos, Seus, Zeuce
Famous Namesakes: Music producer Zeus B. Held, musician Zeuss
Peak Popularity: Zeus is not a top 1,000 name for boys. It is still unique.

Fun Fact: Zeus is the king of the Gods in Greek Mythology who rules from the top of Mount Olympus.

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