The Most Popular Mythology-Inspired Baby Names in the US and UK Come from Greek Mythology: Discover Which Names Are the Biggest Hits in Both Countries

Andrew Kreeger

2 years ago

It turns out that baby name from Greek mythology are the most popular style of mythology baby name in the UK and US. Play Like Mum, an online toy retailer and parenting website, crunched the numbers to come to the conclusion and they looked at thousands of names that are currently trendy in both the UK and US. They were able to rank the most popular mythology-inspired baby names by origin and they pulled the most popular names for each.

If you are curious about mythology baby names and how they stack up in the US and UK, you are going to want to read on. We will share the data that Play Like Mum (PLM) collected as well as our own takeaways. This is going to be a great list for parents who want a name from Greek mythology and who want to also look at other popular sources for some of the English-speaking world’s most beloved appellations.

Mythical Names for Girls in the UK

PLM found the most popular names that come from a variety of mythological sources in the UK. These names for girls are the most popular. Of the top ten, seven are Greek in origin.

1. Maia – Maia is the most popular mythology name for girls in the UK. It is of Greek origin and means “mother.”
2. Athena – Another name of Greek origin, meaning “from Athens.”
3. Freyja – A name of Norse and German origin, meaning “noble woman.”
4. Rhea – A name of Greek origin, meaning “flowing stream.”
5. Juno – A name of Roman origin, meaning “queen of the heavens.”

Mythical Names for Girls in the UK Continued

6. Phoenix – A name that’s also in the top 10 for boys, Phoenix is Greek and means “dark red.”
7. Mara – A name from Slavic myth, meaning “night creature.”
8. Thalia – A name of one of the Three Graces, Thalia is of Greek origin, meaning “flourishing.”
9. Theia – A Titan of sound, Theia is a name of Greek origin, meaning “godly.”
10. Persephone – Queen of the Harvest and goddess of the Underworld, Persephone comes from a Greek root that means “maiden” or “butcher.”

Mythical Names for Boys in the UK

PLM found the most popular names that come from a variety of mythological sources in the UK. These names for boys are the most popular.

1. Tristan – The most popular name in the UK from mythology is Tristan. Tristan is heavily featured in Arthurian Legend as well as Celtic myths. The name’s root means “noise” or “sorrowful.”
2. Phoenix – Next, is the Greek mythology name Phoenix that means “dark red.”
3. Hector – A name belonging to a legendary prince of Troy. Hector is also of Greek origin, meaning “holding fast.”
4. Cian – A name of Celtic origin, meaning “ancient.” Cian names the son of the sun god.
5. Troy – A name of Greek origin, meaning “from Troy.”

Mythical Names for Boys in UK Continued

6. Hari – A name of Hindu origin, meaning “dark.”
7. Loki – A name from Norse and Germanic mythology, meaning “airy.”
8. Orion – Another one of the many names of Greek origin on this list, Orion means “boundary.”
9. Odin – A name of Norse and Germanic origin that means “god of frenzy.”
10. Atlas – A name of Greek origin, meaning “bearer of the heavens.”

Mythical Names for Girls in the US

Of the ten most popular mythology-inspired names for girls in the US, seven out of ten are Greek.

1. Athena – Athena is the most popular mythologyname in the US. It is a name of Greek origin, meaning “from Athens.”
2. Kali – A name of Hindu origin, meaning “black one.”
3. Phoenix – A unisex name of Greek origin, meaning “dark red.”
4. Maia – Maia is a name of Greek origin and means “mother.”
5 Mara – A name of Slavic origin, meaning “night creature.”

Mythical Names for Girls in the US Continued

6. Danica – A name of Slavic origin, meaning “morning star.”
7. Thalia – A name of one of the Three Graces, Thalia is of Greek origin, meaning “flourishing.”
8. Rhea – A name of Greek origin, meaning “flowing stream.”
9. Calliope – A name belonging to the Muse of Epic Poetry, Calliope is of Greek origin and means “beautiful voice.”
10. Selene – Another name of Greek origin, meaning “moon” and “moon goddess.”

Mythical Names for Boys in the US

As with mythical names in the UK, there are plenty of the same ones in the US. Seven out of the ten top names come from Greek.

1. Tristan – As with the UK, the most popular mythology name for boys is Tristan. it is featured heavily in Arthurian Legend and Celtic mythology. The name means “noise” and “sorrowful.”
2. Griffin – A name found in Egyptian and Greek and Welsh mythology, meaning “strong lord.”
3. Phoenix – Popular in the UK as well for both boys and girls, Phoenix is going strong in the US as well. The name of Greek origin, meaning “dark red.”
4. Hector – A name belonging to a legendary prince of Troy. Hector is also of Greek origin, meaning “holding fast.”
5. Atlas – Another name of Greek origin, meaning “bearer of the heavens.”

Mythical Names for Boys in the US Continued

6. Troy – A name of Greek origin, meaning “from Troy.”
7. Orion – Another one of the many names of Greek origin on this list, Orion means “boundary.”
8. Adonis – A name synonymous with masculine beauty, Adonis is of Greek origin and means “lord.”
9. Odin – A name of Germanic and Norse origin, meaning “god of frenzy.”
10. Damon – Thanks to Greek mythology, Damon and Pythias have become symbols of true friendship. The name means “to tame.”

‘Normal’ Names That Are So Commonplace That We Forget They Actually Come from Myths

1. Dylan – Dylan is a popular name for both boys and girls in the US and UK. The name comes from Celtic (Welsh) mythology and means “son of the sea.”
2. Victoria – Victoria names the personification of victory for the Romans.
3. Penelope – Greek mythological Penelope was cared for by a duck as an infant, she was also husband to Odysseus. The name means “weaver.”
4. Luna – A name in both Roman and Celtic mythologies, the personification of the moon.
5. Jason: Jason and the Argonauts were popularized in Greek myth. The name means “healer.”

‘Normal’ Names That Are So Commonplace That We Forget They Actually Come from Myths Continued

6. Aurora – The Roman personification of dawn.
7. Arthur – Puts the Arthur in Arthurian Legend. This Celtic mythology name means “bear.”
8. Morgan – A unisex name from Arthurian Legend, meaning “sea-born.”
9. Phoebe – Phoebe is the by-name of Artemis, goddess of the moon and of hunting. The name means “shining one.”
10. Finn – One of the greatest heroes of Irish mythology, Finn is a unisex option, meaning “fair.”

Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Girls

Theodora – It’s a crying shame that Theodora has not appeared in the top 1000 in the US since the 1950s! New parents, get hip to this very old Greek name! Theodora is the female form of Theodore, and like that name, it comes with some amazing nicknames built in! Teddy, Dora, and Thea are all wonderful! Many royals have borne this name, most recently Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark, the older sister of the present Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Roxane – Roxane is the preferred Greek spelling of a name that comes from Persia but was adopted by the ancient Greeks. Roxanne, Roksana, and Roxanna are all alternative forms of this name that have been popular in one way or another. Roxane means “dawn.” Feminist scholar and activist Roxane Gay boasts this wonderful name!
Demetria – Sure, you could go with the Greek goddess name Demeter, but we favor the fresher sound of Demetria. But, do you! Demeter is an Earth goddess and if you’re after a subtle nature name, this would be a smart choice. Demetria brings us the excellent nickname, Demi! This name was hot through the sixties and nineties but it has since fallen from favor! Let’s bring Demetria back.
Eulalia – The lyrical name Eulalia features a double “L” sound that’s undeniably fun to say. Eulalia has spawned a number of other names and diminutives in a variety of languages. Eula is the traditional short form, but Lalia or Lally would make more appealing and contemporary-sounding nicknames. In French, you’ll hear Eulalie. In Spanish, there’s the charming Olalla. The sky’s the limit.
Niko – Niko is a shortened form of the more traditional name Nicola. Nicola was so beloved that the Romans adopted the name! Niko is closer to its root, Nike, than Nicola. Nike is the goddess of victory and thus, the name means “victorious people.” Unfortunately, this ancient Greek name has not gotten much play in recent years and we think it’s time to reintroduce Niko to the world!

More of Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Girls

Olympia – Name a more iconic Greek name than Olympia, we dare you. Olympia of course is inspired by Mount Olympus, home to the gods and the Olympic games. Olympia has not seen much favor in the US since the twenties and we think it’s about time this name starts being used more widely! With the ubiquity of Olivia at this point, Olympia would make for an excellent alternative.
Paris – Paris, in Greek legend, was the son of King Priam of Troy and his wife, Hecuba. A dream regarding his birth was interpreted as an evil portent, and he was consequently expelled from his family as an infant. We love Paris as a name for girls and a nod to the romantic French city. The ancient Greeks also called Paris Alexandros which means “defender.”
Penelope – According to Nameberry, Penelope is a name from Greek mythology. She was the wife of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. It has two possible origin stories! Penelope was either derived from the Greek pēnē, meaning “thread of a bobbin,” or penelops, a type of duck. Mythological Penelope was cared for by a duck as an infant and later was known for delaying her suiters by pretending to weave a garment while her husband was at sea.
Phoebe – Sorry for all the P-names back-to-back! Phoebe one of the best of them. A mythological, biblical, Shakespearean, and Salinger name, the warm and captivating Phoebe means “radiant, shining one.” And, if you’re like us, that would be true for famous bearer of Fleabag fame, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Rhea – Old-style imaginative name of the Greek mythological earth mother of all the gods. A lot better than the Roman equivalent: Ops! Ops! Rhea reentered the US top 1000 in 2015. Its only previous appearance on the list since 1968 was 2004. Rhea means “a flowing stream.” New parents, help make this excellent name more popular than ever! It is perfect.

Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Girls Continued

Lysistrata – In the Aristophanes comedy, Lysistrata is the Athenian woman who organizes fellow wives to end the war in their country by denying their husbands sex until a peace treaty is signed (Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq was inspired by the tale). Don’t think about that too hard! Lysistrata is an excellent name! It means “she who disbands armies.” Ly, Lys, Lysi, Lyra, and Sissy are all possibilities for nicknames.
Artemisia – Many people believe that Artemisia is the female form of Artemis, but Artemis is also feminine. So, feel free to choose either as you have history on your side! Artemis was the Greek goddess of the moon. The origin of the name in Greek culture remains a mystery but it could possibly mean “holy” or “bear.” Another possibility is “butcher” as Artemis was also the goddess of hunting.
Thalia – In Greek mythology, Thalia was one of the Three Graces and also the Muse of comedy and bucolic poetry, making this a Hellenic choice that you should absolutely use. The name means “to flourish.” Who would not want that for their baby girl? Thalia has been up and down on the top 1000 list since the thirties. The name is still in the top 1000, but not nearly as popular as it once was.
Agatha – Sadly, Agatha has not been popular in the US since the 1940s. We think it’s due for a comeback! This ancient charmer was brought to England by the Norman conquest and belonged to the daughter of William the Conqueror. Although it might make you think of Agatha Christie, the name is not all that mysterious. The venerable name means “good woman.”
Zenobia – Zenobia is a name borne by queens, operas, fictional characters, plays, and films. Septimia Zenobia, a third-century Queen known for her beauty and intelligence, is the inspiration for many literary works. The name is often shortened to Zena. Zenobia means “force of Zeus.” This name was most popular in the US in 1909. It’s not had a great run since then.

Even More of Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Girls

Aretha – Aretha Franklin is reason enough to choose this remarkable name, but it does have Greek origins. Aretha means “virtuous.” You’d be hard pressed to find anyone with the name today as it hasn’t been widely given in the US since the 1970s.
Angelia – This gorgeous take on more common names like Angela or Angelina comes straight from Greek mythology! Angelia is the daimona, or spirit, of messages and communication, and the daughter of Hermes. We love how gentle and loving this name sounds. The Romans gave us the more popular Angela, but Angelia holds its own charms. The name means “angel.”
Chloe – Chloe debuted in Greek mythology as an alternative name for the goddess of farming and fertility, Demeter. She was called Chloe in the spring months, due to the name’s relation to sprouts and growth. The name actually means “young green shoot.” Chloe is one of the most popular Greek names in the US and today, it’s more popular than ever!
Athena – In Greek mythology, Athena is the name of the daughter of Zeus who was the goddess of wisdom, war, crafts, math, and bravery, and more. The name is associated with, and likely comes from, the city of Athens. Thankfully, this gorgeous name is on the rise in the US and it’s more popular today than ever before.
Cora – Cora is one of the very best! This gorgeously simple Greek name means “maiden” and is a diminutive of Persephone (Kore), who was the goddess of fertility and the underworld. Cora was not as popular in the 1970s and 80s but it’s making a comeback! Cora is also an exceptional nickname for Cordelia and Caroline if you want to take that route.

Final Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Girls

Helen – Helen of Troy was a legendary beauty who is cited as the reason for the decade-long Trojan War. The name has spawned many variations including the French Helene and Helena, Eleanor, Elena, Ella, Nell, or Leonora. Helen is one of the US’s favorite names but it was at its peak in the first fifty years of the twentieth century. Helen means “bright.”
Cleo – Cleo is one of our very favorite names on this list. Of course, you could go with the full Cleopatra, but Cleo seems more approachable today. Cleopatra was one of the most powerful women in history and would be an excellent inspiration for this name. Cleo is still in the top 1000 but it’s not nearly as popular as it once was. This Greek name means “shining light.”
Hypatia – Hypatia, an ancient Greek name, has a distinguished namesake. Hypatia of Alexandria was an early philosopher and scholar of mathematics and astronomy. If you’re a fan of the artist Judy Chicago, you probably know that she included a setting for Hypatia at her famous The Dinner Party. Unfortunately, this name has never taken off for baby girls born in the US. That’s a shame because this name means “supreme.”
Corinna – For fans of Cora who want a little more meat on their baby’s name, Corinna is an alternative with the same root. Corinna is a poetic name that sounds soft and sweet. It had a great run in the US until it fell off the charts in the seventies. We’d love to hear more of this charming name these days.
Zoe – Zoe was in use as a name as far back as the Roman classical period, and was popular with the early Christians, who bestowed it with hopes of eternal life, but it didn’t migrate to the English-speaking world until the mid-nineteenth century. Before the Romans fell in love with the name, Alexandrian Jews invented it as a translation for Eve. Thus, the name means “life.”

Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Boys

Atlas – Atlas is a strong name that’s now more popular than ever in the US. It’s climbing up the popularity charts and shows no signs of stopping. In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan condemned to hold up the celestial heavens or sky for eternity. Thus, the name means “bearer of the heavens.”
Paris – Paris is an excellent gender-neutral name that was also known as Alexandros in ancient times. The first famous Paris was a mythological prince of incredible beauty. The name also belongs to the dazzling French city. The name is trending for baby girls in the US, but it’s still completely appropriate to give it to a baby boy.
Atticus – Atticus derives from the Greek Attikos, meaning “from Attica,” the Ancient Greek region that contained Athens. Atticus has seen a wave of popularity in recent years as a literary choice that celebrates the hero of To Kill a Mockingbird. This handsome name isn’t going anywhere!
Basil – Basil was on the US popularity list quite regularly up until 1970, reaching a high of number 328 in 1904. We think this name deserves more love from American parents. Basil was associated with the Greek Orthodox Church before it became synonymous with the British upper crust thanks to Basil Rathbone of Sherlock Holmes fame. Basil means “regal.”
Demetri – Demetri is the more casual form of Demetrius. The name means “follower of Demeter,” the Greek goddess of the harvest, fertility, and the earth. Demetri is in the top 1000 but it has never surpassed Demetrius’s favor, which is partly why we chose it!

More of Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Boys

Cyril – Cyril was a very popular choice for parents in the US until the sixties. We want it back! Cyril is the name of several saints, including the ninth century Greek missionary who invented the Cyrillic alphabet. The name means “lordly.”
Damon – From the classical myth, Damon and Pythias became symbols of true friendship, after Damon risked his life to save his friend from execution. And, Damon of Athens was the fifth century philosopher who educated both Pericles and Socrates. Damon and Damion are related and mean “to tame.”
Apollo – Parents have finally found possibility in the name Apollo as it first appeared in the top 1000 in 2012. Apollo was the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many others, offers plenty of charm and promise. The meaning of this name is debated but it’s possible the name came from apollymi, meaning “to destroy.”
Homer – Homer is a truly excellent name that fell off the charts in the US shortly before the premier of The Simpsons. Now, the name will forever be associated with Bart’s daft dad. The name belonged to the classical Greek scribe who brought us the epics The Odyssey and The Iliad. This stunning name means “security.”
Jason – In Greek myth, Jason is the leader of the Argonauts who went in search of the storied Golden Fleece. While Jason might seem like a newer name because of its huge popularity in the seventies and eighties, the name has been around since antiquity. Jason means “to heal.”

Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Boys Continued

Dorian – Dorian literally means “of Doris,” a Greek district, or “of Doros,” referring to the son of Helen of Sparta. Dorian derives from the Greek doron, meaning “gift,” along with related names such as Dorothy and Dora. Dorian has appeared in the top 1000 only since the 1940s.
Andreas – The same Greek name brings us Andrew and Andreas. We prefer the sound of Andreas! The classic name for boys fell of the charts in 2008, but it’s still going strong in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Austria. This delicate name actually means “strong, manly.”
Jonas – Jonas has a slightly more grandfatherly image than the English version of his name, but that only adds to its retro appeal. And though it may lag behind Jonah in this country, Jonas is riding a huge wave of popularity in Europe. Jonas means “dove.”
Nereus – The name of the father of the sea nymphs that’s much better than Neptune, Nereus is a winner. Nereus has somewhat been lost over the years but thanks to names like Cassius and Atticus being so popular, we feel it has a place on this list. The origin of this name is unknown and some scholars have suggested that the name was adopted by the Greeks from a lost Bronze Age language!
Zeno – Zeno is the shorter form of Zenon and both Greek names mean “guest.” The name is closely tied to Zeus. The name last showed up in the top 1000 in 1905! We think this zippy name would make for an excellent, offbeat moniker.

Even More of Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Boys

Sebastian – Sebastian is derived from the Greek Sebastianos, meaning “from Sebastia.” Sebastia was a city in Asia Minor, modern day Sivas, Turkey. Of all the Greek names that have seen their fates change over the years, Sebastian has outperformed them all. It fell off the charts in the 1940s and 50s before zooming to the top!
Alexander – Alexander is derived from the Greek name Aléxandros, composed of the elements aléxein, meaning “to defend,” and aner, meaning “man.” According to Greek legend, the first Alexander was Paris, who was given the nickname Alexander by the shepherds whose flocks he defended against robbers. Then, came Alexander the Great! Alexander is a perennial favorite but it’s more popular today than ever before.
Ambrose – Ambrose comes from the same Greek root as “ambrosia,” the food of the gods, said to confer immortality. Thus, the name means “immortal.” Ambrose made a triumphant return to the top 1000 last year after being absent for nearly seventy years. We love the name and hopes new parents will continue to choose it.
Cleon – Cleon is a Greek name that has not been popular in the US since 1938. Cleon sounds handsome and mysterious and we think it should appeal to many expecting parents. Cleon means “renowned.”
Orion – The Greek mythological Orion was the legendary hunter who pursued the seven daughters of Atlas, was slain by the goddess Artemis, and then placed as one of the brightest constellations in the night sky by Zeus. The name means “the hunter.” Orion is finding its way into parents hearts more today than at any time before. Go for it!

Final Mamas Uncut’s Favorite Greek Names for Boys

Linus – In Greek myth, Linus is both a musician and poet, the inventor of rhythm and melody who taught music to Hercules. The name means “flax.” While this name definitely sounds vintage, we think there is so much to love about it. Very few babies have been given this name since the 1940s.
Gregor – Gregor is a diminutive of Gregory that’s curiously popular in Scotland. Both forms of the name mean “vigilant watchman.” While Gregory has historically been fairly popular Gregor has never made the top 1000. We think you’d be wise to choose this gregarious name.
Myron – Myron is a subtle Greek nature name that refers to myrrh and means “fragrant.” This name had a strong run before it fell out of favor in the fifties and completely out of the top 1000 in 2000. Myron of Eleutherae was an influential Greek sculptor who lived in the fifth century. Only copies of his works survive today.
Giles – Like Basil, Giles is seen by many Americans as quintessentially British and for some reason they avoid it. Giles is a wonderful name! The name was most popular in 1880 and it declined from there until it fell out of favor completely in the 1950s. The handsome name means “baby goat.”
Cosmo – Without a doubt, Cosmo must be one of our favorite Greek names for boys. Cosmo enjoyed slight popularity in the early twentieth century but it’s been rarely used since then. There’s been a strange trend of the name going to dogs instead of people and we’ll take it however we get it. Cosmo means “order” and refers to the beauty of our universe.

Final Thoughts

There you go! Now you know all about popular names inspired by mythology and all of the wonderful Greek possibilities there are for you. You really can’t go wrong with any of these timeless and classical names. Your kid will love knowing that there name was derived from a myth hundreds of years ago!