You might think that the names of Greek children are not different from those in many other places in the world, but you would be mistaken. The naming practices of Greece, since ancient times, have been distinctive and influenced by a variety of factors. More traditional families will often give their children two names: one being their birth name and one that is given to them when they are baptized. A child will also have one or more middle names in some cases. Here we explore the most common Greek boy names and what they mean.
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1. Achilles
Achilles is a name that is used in many different places around the world, including Denmark and Greece. In Greek mythology, Achilles was one of the greatest warriors in the entire ancient world though not quite immortal. Son of a mortal mother and a sea deity, he was fatally wounded by an arrow to the heel.
2. Aegeus
The name of this character in Greek mythology is derived from the word aigos which means “goat.” This boy was the king of Athens and was named Aegeus after his grandfather and father, who were considered incredibly wise.
3. Aikat
When the word ἄᾱ (“Aia” in Greek) is combined with the word τόπος (“topos” in Greek), it means “land.” Aikat is a name that is used in Macedonia, Greece, and the Republic of Macedonia. It came from the hero Aias of Greek mythology, who was born when Heracles accidentally dropped his lyre on his head.
4. Aigeus
The name Aigeus is derived from Aegis, which means “shield,” a powerful weapon used by Athena. According to mythology, this name was given to the boy born out of wedlock, resulting in the King Aegeus’ illegitimate son, Theseus.
5. Ajax
The name Ajax is derived from the word αἰώ (“aìō” in Greek), which means “rope.” This child was born out of wedlock to King Telamon of Salamis. His parents were both originally from Phoenicia, but after some time passed, he grew up in Salamis.
6. Akakios
This name Akakios is derived from the word ἄκακος, which means “beardless.” This boy was a brave hero of ancient Greece who arose during the Trojan War. He earned his amazon warriors as followers and died on their account.
7. Akamas
Akamas is another name that comes from Greek mythology, and it means ‘unconquerable’. Akamas was the son of Antenor, who (along with his brother, Anchises) founded the city of Tarsus.
8. Alcaeus
Alcaeus is one of the most famous poets of ancient Greece, and he was also the name of a Greek god. Alcaeus was the son of Apollo and the Pleiad, Erigone, and he was also known as ‘Alcaeus, born of Zeus’.
9. Alexandros
It is the Greek version of the name Alexander. Alexandros was a Macedonian general who was given the title ‘the Great’. His story is told in The Illiad, where he is known as the King of Macedonia, and Olympias is his mother.
10. Alec
Alec is a male name that is derived from the word αλέκτος, which means “upside down.” The meaning of this name comes from the fact that it has certain similarities with the word for ‘sunrise’ in Greek.
11. Anargyros
Anargyros is a Greek name that means ‘invincible’. Anargyros was an Athenian statesman and general who betrayed his home city to support Sparta during the Peloponnesian War. He also established a military base in the Chersonese.
12. Anastasios
The boy name Anastasios means ‘resurrection’, and it is derived from the word σταυρός (“stauros” in Greek), which means ‘cross’. The boy was born during the mid-third century A.D., while at this time, Christianity was becoming widespread in the Byzantine Empire.
13. Andreas
Andreas is the diminutive of Andrew, which comes from the Greek word, ‘andros’, meaning man. The apostle of Christ, Andrew, was the brother of Peter, and he was one of Jesus’ first disciples.
14. Angelos
Angelos comes from the name of the Archangel, and it means ‘angel’. This Greek boy was born sometime during the fourth century A.D. He was the son of St. Nicholas and his wife, who had him and his brothers baptized in Nicomedia, present-day Izmit in Turkey.
15. Antiphon
Antiphon comes from the word ἄντιφωνος, which means ‘counter-singer’ or singer’s reply, and this boy was a musician in ancient Greece. He was also a Greek writer who dealt with political and social issues of his time.
16. Antonios
This boy’s name is derived from the words αντ᾿, “antí” meaning ‘against’ and νόσος, which means ‘illness’. This name was given to a Greek boy who died in childhood. He was the son of Diogenes of Sinope, one of the most famous Cynics in history.
17. Apostolos
Apostolos is a Greek boy name that means ‘apostle’. The name was given to an essential general of ancient Greece who was also the nephew and adopted son of Alexander the Great. This boy’s Christian name is Paul, which came from his maternal grandfather.
18. Aristeas
Aristeas is derived from the word Αριστής (“Aristes” in Greek), which means “best.” This boy was a gifted young man who financially supported his teachers and co-workers. He also wrote many of ancient Greece’s most important works.
19. Athan
Athan is derived from the Greek word (Ατθαν), which means ‘marvellous.’ This name was given to a boy who was the son of Ares and Aphrodite. His mother was also known as Úrgis, which comes from the word ἀργύς (“argýs” in Greek), which means “slight.”
20. Atimius
Atimius is derived from the word ατιμών, meaning ‘incomprehensible’. This boy was a philosopher who was born during the fourth century B.C. He wrote many essays, and his name gives the modern word, aether, which is used to describe a gaseous substance and also describes space.
21. Charalampos
Charalampos is derived from the word Χαράλαμπος which means ‘famed for joy’. This boy was a healing and magical god in ancient Greece.
22. Charmion
The name Charmion originates in Greek mythology and means ‘wreath’. It was the name of an Egyptian who was a handmaiden to Cleopatra, who also aided her in her suicide.
23. Charilaos
Charilaos is a name that is derived from the words χαρὰ, “chará” meaning ‘fate’ and λίθος (“líthos” in Greek), which means “a ring of fire.” Charilaos was a slave of Priam and a friend of Hector who was able to lift the gates at Troy.
24. Chrysanthos
Chrysanthos is a name of Greek origin that means ‘golden flower.’ This was the name given to the son of Althepus and Philodice, whom Heracles murdered. The boy’s mother was also killed after he died.
25. Chryssipos
The boy was given this name as he was born at night during a time when there was a full moon. He was also known as Agios Ioannis Chrysippos, which meant Saint John Chrysippus, and he lived during the second century A.D.
26. Cleonymos
Cleonymos is one of the most famous names in Greek mythology, and it can be traced back to Crete. Cleonymus was a king who became so rich following the conquest of Thebes that he became arrogant and neglected his kingdom.
27. Cotys
Cotys is derived from the name Κοτύς (“Kotys” in Greek), and it means ‘a great man’. This boy was one of the most important kings of ancient Lydia, who defeated Persia and conquered Babylon.
28. Cyrus
Cyrus is derived from the word Κῦρος (“Kýros” in Greek), which means ‘sun’. This boy lived in ancient Greece, and he was the son of Darius. He was a Persian who was responsible for invading Babylon, plus overthrowing King Bardiya, and him becoming the Persian king.
29. Damas
Damas is a Greek boy name that means ‘dark red.’ This was the name of a son of King Phineas, son of Ba’al. He was also known as Malmström, which means ‘the Lord’s friend’.
30. Dimitrios
The boy’s name Dimitrios is derived from the words dimítrion, meaning ‘tribute.’ This name was given to a boy who lived during the sixth century A.D. He was a famous Saint of the church of St. John, which is located in Meteora, Greece.
31. Dionysios
Dionysios is a Greek name that means ‘follower of Dionysus.’ This name came from the God Dionysus, and the boy was responsible for founding the school for philosophy and literature in ancient Greece. He also composed works on other topics, including ethics, music, politics, and history.
32. Dorotheos
Dorotheos is the diminutive of Dorothias, and it means ‘gift of God’. This was the given name of a male born in ancient Greece. His family was very rich, and he became well-known for his generosity.
33. Dracon
Dracon is one of the most famous names in Greek mythology, and it means ‘dragon.’ This name was given to a hero who was famous for his wisdom and bravery. Later, this man became King Minos’ servant while being very loyal to him.
34. Drosos
Drosos is derived from the word δρόσων, meaning ‘oak’, and this name was given to a boy who was the son of Creon, King of Thebes. He helped Hercules kill King Eurystheus and became a famous person in Greek mythology.
35. Eleutherios
This name is derived from the word ελευθεριος, meaning ‘free’, and it was given to a boy who lived during the fourth century B.C. He became known for writing an essential book, “On Justice,” and he later became known as ‘The Just.’
36. Elias
Elias is a Greek name that means ‘the god is my judge.’ This boy was the son of Minos and Pasiphae, who was known as the Son of Semele. His mother was also known as Phaedra, which means ‘bringer of light.’ The parents had an affair when he was still a child.
37. Epaminondas
Epaminondas is derived from the words epímaineúdás, which means ‘without rival.’ This boy lived in ancient Greece, and he became one of the greatest generals because he was brave, bold, and also brilliant. He helped his fellow men defeat Sparta.
38. Euprepios
Euprepios is a Greek name that means ‘good reputation.’ This name was given to a man who lived during the fourth century B.C. He became known for being kind, considerate, and very formal towards his friends and family.
39. Eureus
Eureus is derived from the word Εὐρεῖος which means ‘benefactor.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He was a shepherd who protected the nine Muses during their journey. Eureus later became known as a hero.
40. Evangelos
Evangelos is one of the most common names in Greek mythology, and it means ‘good news.’ This boy was also known as John Chrysostom, meaning Saint John the Golden-Mouthed, who lived during the fourth century A.D.
41. Fotis
The name Fotis is a Greek boy name that means ‘happiness.’ This name was given to a young man who lived during the fourth century A.D. He became known for being a Christian Saint who would stay up late at night and pray to God. This young man translated many of the Greek books into Arabic during ancient Greece, and he also did this during the Middle Ages.
42. Georgios
Georgios is a Greek name that means ‘earth.’ This name was given to a man who lived during the 3rd century B.C. This boy became known for his intelligence, and he translated many books from Greek to Latin.
43. Gerasimos
Gerasimos is a Greek name that means ‘later of old age.’ This boy was the son of King Sesostris and his wife, who was also known as Isis. He later married a woman named Satyraea, and they had a daughter named Arsinoe, who later became the wife of King Ptolemy.
44. Gorgias
Gorgias is derived from the word górgias, meaning ‘borrow.’ This boy was also called Gorgias. He was a Sicilian boy who came to Athens in ancient Greece, and he founded a school of philosophy there, which made him famous.
45. Giannis
Giannis is a Greek name that means ‘warrior.’ This name was given to a boy who lived during the fifth century B.C. He helped King Theopompus overthrow the tyrant Polycrates when he overthrew him in Athens after he had stolen some of the gold from Delos. He also became known as Panakiotis, which means ‘one who has a white mule.
46. Grigorios
Grigorios is derived from the word Γρίγυρος which means ‘warrior.’ This name was given to a boy who lived during the fourth century B.C. He trained soldiers for King Philip II and his family, and he later became known for being a general for the Spartan army.
47. Hagias
Hagias is a Greek name that means ‘truly good.’ This was the given name of a male who lived in ancient Greece. He became famous when he helped King Teutamus of Arcadia overthrow the tyrant Kleisthenes.
48. Hagnon
Hagnon is a Greek name that means ‘lance-man.’ This name was given to a boy who was famous for his courage and bravery. He became a lieutenant for the Spartan army and later became known as a hero.
49. Hermanides
Hermanides is derived from the word ηρμανος, which means ‘lamb.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Thebes. He had seven brothers, and all of them were known for being brave warriors.
50. Hermippos
Hermippos is derived from the word ηρμιππος, which means ‘calf.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became known for being very rich and powerful while also being educated.
51. Hieronymus
Hieronymus is derived from the word είρωνος, which means ‘resolute.’ This name was given to a young man who lived during the fourth century B.C. He was known for being very brave, and he became known as a hero and warrior while excelling in language, music, science, and theology.
52. Iason
Iason is a Greek name that means ‘healer.’ This boy was the son of Iambe and Iaso, who was also called Achilleus, which means ‘the powerful one.’ He later was a famous doctor in ancient Greece. In the end, he became very famous for being a brave man.
53. Ikarios
Ikarios is derived from the word ἴκαρος, which means ‘month.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. Ikarios was known for defending people, and he also defended his city, Thebes. He became known as a great leader and warrior.
54. Ioas
Ioas is derived from the word ιωας, which means ‘vist.’ This boy was very well known for being a brave warrior and a great leader. This name was given to a Greek king who lived during the tenth century B.C.
55. Konstantin
Konstantin is a Greek name that means ‘steadfast.’ This name was given to a boy who lived during the fourth century A.D. This young man later became known for being an emperor who helped his people immensely.
56. Kostas
Kostas is derived from the word κώστας, which means ‘brave.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He fought for Sparta against Persia and helped Alexander the Great become king.
57. Krister
Krister is derived from the word κρίστος, which means ‘judicial.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He fought for Sparta against Persia while also becoming well-known for being courageous and brave.
58. Kratos
Kratos is derived from the word κράτος, which means ‘power.’ This Greek name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He was known for being very powerful, and he became known as a hero and warrior.
59. Kyriakos
Kyriakos is derived from the word κυρίακος, which means ‘lord.’ This name was given to a boy who lived during the tenth century A.D. He became known for being a hero when he defended his town against an army of pirates.
60. Lampros
Lampros is derived from the word λαμπρος, which means ‘bright.’ This name was given to a boy who lived during the fourth century A.D. He became famous for being a great philosopher who wrote many books about philosophy.
61. Lazaros
Lazaros is derived from the word λαζαρος, which means ‘knight.’ This name was given to a Greek boy who lived during ancient Greece. This boy fought for Sparta while also becoming known for being brave and living in a city called Thebes.
62. Leonidas
Leonidas is derived from the word liones, which means ‘lion.’ This Greek name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became famous for being a brave warrior, and he also became known for being a great leader and king.
63. Linus
Linus is derived from the word λίνος, which means ‘flax.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. This boy later became known for being a great philosopher. Many of his ideas were later used by Plato, while Aristotle used still others.
64. Loukas
Loukas is a Greek name that means ‘white hill.’ This boy lived in ancient Greece and later became very famous for being a great physician. In fact, he was known for becoming famous for many other medical accomplishments.
65. Lucian
Lucian is derived from the word λευκάδεις, which means ‘fair.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became known for being a great warrior who fought in many battles. In fact, he later became known as a great leader and king.
66. Marios
Marios is derived from the word μάριος, which means ‘black.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became well known for being a great general while also becoming a great warrior.
67. Matthaios
Matthaios is derived from the word μάταιος, which means ‘mighty.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became famous for being a great general while also being a brave warrior and fighting against the Persian army.
67. Michalis
Michalis is derived from the word μηδεις, which means ‘none.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became well known for being a great general and for being very brave.
68. Miltiadis
Miltiadis is derived from the word μιλτιάδος, which means ‘agricultural work.’ This was the given name of a male who lived in ancient Greece. Many people believed he was very wise and intelligent while also becoming very famous for being a great general.
69. Nektarios
Nektarios is derived from the word νεκταριος, which means ‘savior.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great warrior and king who defended his city against an army of pirates.
70. Nikolaos
Nikolaos is derived from the word νικόλαος, which means ‘victory.’ This name was given to a Greek boy who lived during ancient Greece. He became known as a great warrior and ruler while also being very brave.
71. Nikephoros
Nikephoros is derived from the word νικήφως, which means ‘happy.’ This name was given to a Greek boy who lived during ancient Greece. He became known for being a great general while also becoming very famous for protecting his people.
72. Nikolaos
Nikolaos is derived from the word νικόλαος, which means ‘victory.’ This name was given to a Greek boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became famous for being a great general while also becoming known for being a brave warrior and fighting against the Persian army of pirates.
74. Orpheus
Orpheus is derived from the word όρφος, which means ‘forest.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became very famous for being a great musician who was also known for being a great writer as well. Some of his poems were later used by other people as well.
75. Panag
Panag is derived from the word Παναγία which means ‘all-holy.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became known for being a great scholar who wrote many books.
76. Pantelis
Pantelis is derived from the word παντελής, which means ‘complete.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great physician who became well-known for curing many illnesses.
77. Pavlos
Pavlos is derived from the word παύλος, which means ‘noble.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became famous for being a great king who was also known for being very brave and for defending his city against an army of pirates.
78. Peleus
Peleus is derived from the word παλειος, which means ‘old.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great warrior while also becoming known for having the strength of ten men.
79. Periklis
Periklis is derived from the word περικλής, which means ‘far-famed.’ This name was given to a Greek boy who lived during ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great general while also becoming very famous for winning lots of battles.
80. Petros
Petros is derived from the word πετρός, which means ‘stone.’ This name was given to a Greek boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for giving a lot of money to build churches while also becoming very famous for being a great merchant.
81. Phineus
Phineus is derived from the word φινεύς, which means ‘diviner.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for being a great physician who wrote many books about his many medical discoveries.
82. Proteus
Proteus is derived from the word πρωτεύς, which means ‘first.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became well known for being a great general and for being very brave and strong.
83. Savvas
Savvas is derived from the word σαββάτος, which means ‘Sabbath.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great warrior and king, while also becoming famous for defending his people against an army of pirates.
84. Serafeim
Serafeim is derived from the word σερφῖμος, which means ‘lucky.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became famous for being a great general and ruler.
85. Silas
Silas is derived from the word σίλος, which means ‘rod.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great general and king, who defended his people against an army of pirates.
86. Simon
Simon is derived from the word Σίμων which means ‘mighty.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great general, while also becoming very famous for fighting against the Persian army.
87. Sokratis
Sokratis is derived from the word σωκράτης, which means ‘wise.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great scholar and king, who wrote many books and poems.
88. Spyridon
Spyridon is derived from the word σπυρίδων, which means ‘seer.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great ruler, while also becoming very famous for winning battles against an army of pirates.
89. Takis
Takis is derived from the word ταχύς, which means ‘fast.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for being a great soldier while also becoming well-known for breaking many things.
90. Tharsis
Tharsis is derived from the word θάρσις, which means ‘pace.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great scholar and ruler, while also becoming famous for building a lot of buildings.
91. Theodoros
Theodoros is derived from the word Θεόδωρος which means ‘God-given.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He became famous for being a great general and ruler, while also becoming famous for fighting against an army of pirates.
92. Theophilos
Theophilos is derived from the word θεόφιλος, which means ‘lover.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became known for being a great soldier and ruler, while also becoming famous for having solid legs.
93. Vangelis
Vangelis is derived from the word Βαγγέλης which means ‘messenger.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for being a great ruler and scholar while also becoming famous for having many books that told the story of his people.
94. Vardis
Vardis is derived from the word Βαρδις which means ‘ready.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became well known for being a great soldier, while also becoming very famous for never being afraid of anything that he saw.
95. Viktor
Viktor is derived from the word Βικτώριος which means ‘lucky.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became well-known for being a great physician and becoming famous for being very famous for masterminding the Trojan War.
96. Vladimiros
Vladimiros is derived from the word Βλαδιμήρος which means ‘glory-giving.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for being a great physician, who helped many people.
97. Zaharias
Zaharias is derived from the word ζαχαρίας, which means ‘grasshopper.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became famous for being a great soldier, while also becoming very famous for fighting against many enemies.
98. Zeus
Zeus is derived from the word Διός which means ‘God.’ In Greek mythology, Zeus is the king of the gods who live on Mount Olympus. He is the guardian and king of the whole planet and all its living beings. This name was first given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became famous for being a great general and becoming very famous for creating thunder and lightning.
99. Zinon
Zinon is derived from the word ζήνων, which means ‘mule.’ This name was given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for being a great soldier, while also becoming famous for helping defend his people against an army of pirates.
100. Zissis
Zissis is derived from the word ζήσις, which means ‘life.’ This name was first given to a boy who lived in ancient Greece. He later became very famous for being a great soldier and ruler, while also becoming really famous because of having many soldiers under his arms.