Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Greek names are steeped in ancient history and mythology, often symbolizing virtues, wisdom, or heroism. Names like Alexander and Sophia trace back to classical Greece, drawing inspiration from gods, philosophers, and epic tales. These names continue to carry cultural weight and are celebrated for their timeless significance in Greek heritage.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyeidus | Polyeidus means "many forms," linked to Greek mythology and seers. | Greek | Boy | |
| Polyhymnia | Polyhymnia means "many hymns," representing the Muse of sacred poetry. | Greek | Girl | |
| Polymestor | Polymestor means "many times ruler," linked to Greek mythology's betrayal. | Greek | Boy | |
| Polynices | Polynices means "many strife," linked to Greek mythology and tragedy. | Greek | Boy | |
| Polyphemus | Polyphemus: famous cyclops from Greek mythology, known for brutality. | Greek | Boy | |
| Polyxena | Polyxena means "very hospitable," linked to Greek mythology and kindness. | Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish | Girl | |
| Popi | Popi is a diminutive of popular names, meaning "beloved." | Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Greek | Girl | |
| Porfirio | Porfirio: Greek origin name meaning "purple," symbolizing nobility and heritage. | Greek | Boy | |
| Porfiro | Porfiro: Unique Greek name meaning "purple," symbolizing strength and history. | Greek | Boy | |
| Porfryio | Porfryio: Greek name meaning "purple," symbolizing royalty and nobility. | Greek | Boy | |
| Porfryo | Porfryo: Unique Greek name meaning "purple," symbolizing royalty and nobility. | Greek | Boy | |
| Porsha | Porsha: a feminine name with Greek roots meaning "a passage." | Greek | Girl | |
| Posee | Posee is a unique, gender-neutral name with unclear origins and meaning. | Greek | Unisex | |
| Posia | Posia: a unique, feminine name rooted in Greek poetry and creativity. | Greek | Girl | |
| Praxedes | Praxedes: Greek name meaning "accomplished," associated with compassion and action. | Greek | Girl | |
| Praxedis | Praxedis: Unique Greek name meaning "accomplished," elegant and uncommon choice. | Greek | Girl | |
| Praxiteles | Praxiteles means "he who practices," symbolizing creativity and excellence. | Greek | Boy | |
| Predentia | Predentia: Unique, gender-neutral name with uncertain origins and meaning. | Greek, Latin | Unisex | |
| Priam | Priam: Greek name meaning "redeemed," associated with bravery and tragedy. | Greek | Boy | |
| Priapus | Priapus: Greek fertility god symbolizing virility, gardens, and protection. | Greek | Boy | |
| Prisma | Prisma: a modern, unisex name symbolizing light and color. | Greek | Unisex | |
| Procne | Procne: Greek name meaning "swallow," linked to tragic mythological tale. | Greek | Girl | |
| Procris | Procris: Greek name meaning achievement, associated with tragic mythological story. | Greek | Girl | |
| Procrustes | Procrustes symbolizes forcing conformity, rooted in Greek mythology's cautionary tale. | Greek | Boy | |
| Prokopios | Prokopios means "progress," associated with ambition and leadership qualities. | Greek | Boy | |
| Prokopy | Prokopy: rare Greek name meaning "progress," associated with males. | Greek | Boy | |
| Prologue | Prologue: Unique unisex name meaning "before word," rooted in literature. | Greek | Unisex | |
| Prometheus | Prometheus symbolizes rebellion; a Titan who gifted fire to humanity. | Greek | Boy | |
| Prophyr | Prophyr: Rare Greek name meaning purple, symbolizing strength and nobility. | Greek | Boy | |
| Protesilaus | Protesilaus means "first to leap forth"; a heroic Greek name. | Greek | Boy |
The term 'Greek' originates from the Latin word 'Graecus,' which was used by the Romans. The Greeks called themselves 'Hellenes,' but the Romans referred to them as 'Graeci.' Over time, the Latin term became the root for the nation and language's name in many languages.
The Romans called the Greeks 'Graeci' after the Graeci tribe, whom they first encountered. The Graeci were one of the Hellenic tribes living in the region of Epirus in northwestern Greece. As the Romans expanded their territory, they generalized the term to refer to all Hellenic people.
The name 'Hellenes' refers to the ancient inhabitants of Greece, who were descendants of the mythological figure Hellen. Hellen was considered the patriarch of the Hellenes, and his sons and their descendants were the progenitors of the main Greek tribes. The term 'Hellenes' became synonymous with the people of Greece and their culture.
The word 'Greek' is not directly related to the ancient Greek language as the Greeks referred to their language as 'Hellenika.' However, 'Greek' is the English term for the language, derived from the Latin 'Graecus.' The term has been adopted internationally to refer to the language and culture of Greece.
The term 'Greek' became common in English through the use of Latin as a scholarly language in medieval Europe. Latin was the language of education and communication among scholars, and 'Graecus' was the term used for the people of Greece. As English evolved, it borrowed many words from Latin, including 'Greek.'
The word 'Hellas' is derived from Ancient Greek and is the native term for Greece. It is believed to have roots in the name of the mythological figure Hellen, the supposed ancestor of the Hellenes. 'Hellas' and 'Hellenes' are terms still used by Greeks today to refer to their country and themselves, respectively.
Yes, there are variations of the name 'Greek' in other languages, often tracing back to the Latin 'Graecus.' For example, in French, it is 'Grec,' in German, it is 'Grieche,' and in Italian, it is 'Greco.' These variations reflect the influence of Latin on European languages.
The historical significance of the name 'Greek' lies in its association with the rich cultural and philosophical heritage of Greece. The Greeks have made significant contributions to Western civilization in areas such as philosophy, science, and art. The name 'Greek' has become synonymous with this legacy and the ancient civilization that produced it.
The terms 'Greek' and 'Hellenic' differ in their origin and usage; 'Greek' is derived from Latin and is used internationally, while 'Hellenic' is of Greek origin and used to refer to things specifically related to Greek culture and heritage. 'Hellenic' is often used to emphasize a direct connection to ancient Greek traditions. In modern usage, 'Hellenic' can also be seen in academic and cultural contexts, whereas 'Greek' is more commonly used in everyday language.
The name 'Greek' had a significant impact on the naming of the Greek language in many foreign languages. Due to the influence of Latin and the spread of Roman culture, the term 'Greek' became the standard reference for the language of Greece. Consequently, the language is known as 'Greek' in English and many other languages, despite the native term being 'Hellenika.'
