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Baby names

28th Mar 2024

Top 20 baby names inspired by mythology

Anna Martin

mythology

From Tristan to Persephone, there are plenty to choose from.

Greek, Roman and Celtic mythology has long been a source of fascination and research for classical scholars, but mythology has also inspired parents to name their children.

Many ancient deities were associated with positive traits you may want to encourage in your children, such as Astraia, the Greek goddess of justice, or Krishna, the Hindu god of love.

So doesn’t it make sense that people, would look to them for inspiration for their own kids?

If you were planning on choosing a strong, classics-inspired moniker for your little one, here are just a few to give you some inspiration.

clogged milk duct
Credit: Canva

Boys Mythical Names

1. Tristan

Origin: Arthurian, Celtic

Meaning:  It owes its popularity to the character of Tristan, one of the Knights of the Round Table and the tragic hero of Tristan and Iseult.

2. Phoenix

Origin: Greek

Meaning: The name has long been associated with the mighty mythological bird who rises from the ashes in splendor.

Emerging from the Greek phoinix, the name means “dark red” or “crimson”.

3. Hector

Origin: Arthurian, Greek

Meaning: From the original spelling “Hektor,” the title means “steadfast” or “to hold”. In Greek mythology, Hector was a hero of the Trojan War revered for his bravery. 

4. Cian

Origin: Celtic

Meaning: Gaelic title meaning “ancient”.

5. Troy

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Troy directly translates to “foot soldier”. If you’re well-traveled, you may also recognise Troy as the city located in the heart of Turkey.

6. Hari

Origin: Hindu

Meaning: Lion, one who forgives all sins.

7. Loki

Origin: Norse, Germanic

Meaning: Loki is a boy’s name of Norse origin that means “lock”. You might know it from the Thor movies as Loki with the Norse god of mischief.

8. Orion

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Heaven’s light. Orion was a mighty hunter and the son of Poseidon before Zeus placed him among the stars as the constellation of Orion.

9. Odin

Origin: Norse, Germanic

Meaning: Odin derives from the old Norse Óðinn, meaning “lord of frenzy”. 

10. Atlas

Origin: Greek

Meaning: “Enduring” or “to endure,” this was the name of the mythical Titan who bore the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Girls Mythical Names

1. Maia

Origin: Greek

Meaning: This name translates to “great,” “mother,” and “nurse,” and refers to the Greek mythology figure Maia, the mother of the Greek god Hermes.

2. Athena

Origin: Greek

Meaning: It comes from the Greek goddess Athena, who personifies wisdom, warfare, and craftwork.

3. Freyja

Origin: Norse, Germanic

Meaning: Lady. In Norse paganism, Freyja is a goddess of love, beauty, sexuality, and fertility

4. Rhea

Origin: Greek

Meaning: “Flowing” and represents the everlasting flow of time and generations.

5. Juno

Origin: Roman

Meaning: Juno is a girl’s name is of Latin origin meaning “youthful” and “queen of the gods.”

Baby names
Credit: Getty

6. Phoenix 

Origin: Greek

Meaning: This name has long been associated with the mighty mythological bird.

7. Mara

Origin: Slavic

Meaning: “Bitter,” which carries the implication “strength”.

8. Thalia

Origin: Greek

Meaning:  “To blossom,” “blooming,” “flourishing,” and “festivity.” In mythology, Thalia was the muse of comedy and one of the Three Graces. 

9. Thiea

Origin: Greek

Meaning: “Goddess, godly”. Theia is the Titan of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky. 

10. Persephone

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Bringer of death and Goddess of the underworld. Known from Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter.

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