Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Ancient Greek names draw from mythology, philosophy, and epic literature, carrying profound symbolic meanings. Names like Achilles (pain of the people) and Penelope (weaver) reflect legendary tales of heroism, wisdom, and endurance. These names remain timeless, serving as reminders of Greece’s monumental contributions to art, thought, and culture.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selena | Selena means "moon" in Greek; derived from the goddess Selene. | Ancient Greek, Spanish | Girl | |
| Selli | Selli: rare name meaning "moon goddess," rooted in Greek mythology. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| Selma | Selma means "peaceful" in Arabic; originated from Old Norse roots. | Ancient Greek, Arabic, Germanic | Girl | |
| Senna | Senna means "brightness" in Arabic; derived from a flowering plant. | Amharic, Ancient Greek, Arabic, Biblical, Latin | Either | |
| Serafima | Serafima means "fiery" in Hebrew; derived from Seraphim angels. | Ancient Greek, Biblical, Russian | Girl | |
| Serapion | Serapion: rare masculine name of Ancient Greek origin, meaning unique. | Ancient Greek | Boy | |
| serina | Serina means "calm" or "serene"; derived from Latin origins. | Ancient Greek, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, Greek | Female | |
| Sextus Empiricus | Sextus Empiricus: historical male name, significant in ancient philosophy. | Ancient Greek | Boy | |
| Sibylina | Sibylina: rare name meaning prophetess, associated with wisdom and elegance. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| sibyll | Sibyll: prophetic woman; originates from Greek "sibylla," meaning prophetess. | Ancient Greek, Greek Mythology | Female | |
| Sibyllah | Sibyllah: Unique name meaning prophetess, associated with wisdom and mystery. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| Signe | Signe means "sign" in Latin; originates from Scandinavian cultures. | Ancient Greek, Scandinavian | Girl | |
| Silvija | Silvija means "forest" in Latin; derived from the name Silvia. | Ancient Greek, Italian, Latin | Girl | |
| Simias | Simias: rare masculine name from Greek meaning "flat-nosed," unique. | Ancient Greek | Boy | |
| Simon | Simon means "he has heard"; derived from Hebrew "Shimon." | Ancient Greek, Aramaic, Biblical, Hebrew | Boy | |
| Sinbad | Sinbad means "one who is fortunate," originating from Arabic folklore. | Ancient Greek, Arabic, Persian | Boy | |
| Sindy | Sindy, a modern variant of Cindy, means "woman from Kynthos." | Ancient Greek, Greek | Girl | |
| Skai | Skai means "sky" in Hawaiian; it symbolizes openness and freedom. | American, Ancient Greek, Arabic, Armenian, Australian, English, Greek | Unisex | |
| Sofia | Sofia means wisdom; derived from Greek "sophia," symbolizing knowledge. | Ancient Greek, Greek | Girl | |
| Sofoklis | Sofoklis: Ancient Greek name meaning "wise glory," associated with males. | Ancient Greek | Boy | |
| Sofronius | Sofronius: rare, masculine name meaning "self-controlled" with Greek origins. | Ancient Greek | Boy | |
| Solon | Solon means "wise" in Greek; an ancient Athenian lawmaker. | Ancient Greek, Greek | Boy | |
| Sophocles | Sophocles means "brilliant" in Greek; he was a famous playwright. | Ancient Greek | Male | |
| Sophronetta | Sophronetta: rare, elegant name meaning self-controlled; rooted in Greek heritage. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| Sophronisia | Sophronisia: rare Greek name meaning self-controlled, prudent, and elegant. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| Sophroniya | Sophroniya: rare, elegant name meaning "self-controlled" from Ancient Greek. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| Soteris | Soteris: Rare feminine name meaning "savior" from Ancient Greek heritage. | Ancient Greek | Girl | |
| Spyros | Spyros means "spirit" in Greek, derived from "spyridion." | Ancient Greek, Greek | Boy | |
| Stamatis | Stamatis means "standing firm"; Greek origin, derived from "Stamatios." | Ancient Greek, Greek | Boy | |
| Stathi | Ancient Greek, Greek |
The term "Ancient Greek" refers to the form of the Greek language used during the antiquity period. It encompasses various dialects spoken from the 9th to the 6th century BC, which include Classical Greek of the 5th and 4th centuries BC. This language is the predecessor of Modern Greek and was used in famous literary works and philosophical texts.
Ancient Greek originated from the Proto-Greek language, which was spoken during the Helladic period. The language evolved from the Indo-European language family, acquiring its unique characteristics and dialects over time. It is documented through inscriptions and literary works dating back to the Mycenaean civilization.
Ancient Greek is historically significant as the language of the classical civilization of Greece. It was the medium for seminal works in philosophy, science, and literature that have influenced Western culture. The language also played a crucial role in the development of the alphabet and the spread of literacy in the ancient world.
Yes, there were several dialects of Ancient Greek, including Attic, Ionic, Doric, Aeolic, and Arcadocypriot. Each dialect was associated with different regions of Greece and had its own unique characteristics. The most well-known dialect, Attic Greek, was used in Athens and became the basis for Classical Greek.
Ancient Greek and Modern Greek differ significantly in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. While Modern Greek has evolved from Ancient Greek, it has undergone simplifications in grammar and changes in phonology over the centuries. Despite these differences, there is still a degree of mutual intelligibility, especially with written texts.
Ancient Greek has had a profound influence on many languages, especially in vocabulary. Many English words have Greek roots, particularly in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy. This influence is also seen in the adoption of Greek words and terms into various languages for new concepts and technologies.
Notable works written in Ancient Greek include Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey," the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, and the philosophical texts of Plato and Aristotle. These works are foundational to Western literature and thought. They have been studied and revered for their literary, historical, and philosophical value for centuries.
Yes, Ancient Greek can be learned today, and it is taught in many universities and educational institutions around the world. Learning Ancient Greek allows individuals to read classical texts in their original language. It is particularly popular among students of classics, history, theology, and philosophy.
The legacy of Ancient Greek in today's world is immense, as it has shaped Western civilization's language, culture, and intellectual heritage. Its influence is evident in modern democratic ideals, philosophical inquiry, and scientific classification. The study of Ancient Greek also continues to provide insights into the history and evolution of human thought.
Ancient Greek writing evolved from the Linear B script of the Mycenaean civilization to the Greek alphabet, which was adapted from the Phoenician alphabet. The Greek alphabet introduced vowels, making it one of the first true alphabets. Over time, the script evolved into different forms, such as uncial and minuscule, which led to the writing system used in Modern Greek.
