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Russian names of Greek origin are male. Greek names

Russian names of Greek origin are male. Greek names

07.04.2019

Agap (Agapion, Agapit)- loving.
Agathon (Agapon)- noble, virtuous.
Adrian- a resident of the city of Adria.
Akaki (Akasha)- do no evil.
Alexander- protective husband
Alexei- protector.
Ambrose (Abrosim)- immortal.
Anatoly- sunrise, east.
Andrey- brave, courageous.
Anisim- execution, completion.
Arius- militant.
Aristarchus (Aristides)- head of the best.
Arkady- happy country
Arseny (Arsen)- courageous
Artem- impeccable health.
Arkhip- Lord of the horses.
Athanasius- immortal.
Basil- king, regal
Vissarion- forest.
Galaction- dairy.
Gennady- noble, well-born
George (Egor, Yuri, Zhora, George)- farmer
Gerasim- respectable.
Gordey (Gordius)- the name of the Phrygian king.
Gordon- awake.
Gregory- awake.
Demid (Deomid) Zeus thought.
Demyan (Damian)- blessed.
Denis- on behalf of Dionysus - the god of nature and wine.
Dmitriy- demetriss - dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of fertility.
Dorotheus- a gift from the gods.
Eugene- noble, descendant of a noble family.
Evgraf- well-written, well-written.
Evdokim- glorious.
Yevsey- pious.
Emelyan- flattering, pleasant in a word.
Yermolai- Herald of the people.
Erofei- sacred.
Efim (Efimy)- pious.
Zinovy- charitably living.
Zosima- alive.
Jerome- sacred.
Ilian- sunny
Hilarion- cheerful, joyful.
Hippolyte- unharnessing horses.
Heraclius- Glory to Hera, the goddess of marriage and conjugal love.
Isidore- gift of Isis, ancient Greek goddess agriculture.
Kirill- Lord.
Kondrat- broad-shouldered.
xanth- fiery, red.
Kuzma- mobile.
Leo (Leon)- from gr. word "leo" meaning "lion".
Leonid- the son of a lion.
Leonty- lion.
Makar- blessed, happy.
Methodius- detective.
Myron- fragrant oil.
Nestor- returned home.
Nicanor- who saw the victory.
Nikita- winner.
Nikifor- winner.
Nicholas- the winner of the peoples, the victory of the people.
Nikon- victorious
Nifont - distinguishing feature, sign.
Oles- protector.
Onesimus- useful.
Orestes Highlander, one who can conquer mountains.
Pamfil (Panfil)- loved by everyone.
Pankrat- all-powerful, all-powerful.
Paramon- solid, reliable.
Peter- rock, stone
Pimen- shepherd.
Plato- broad-shouldered.
Porfiry- crimson.
Prokofy- ahead of the curve, ahead of the curve.
Prokhor- head of the choir, head of the choir, sang.
Radium- Sunbeam.
Rodion- a resident of the island of Rhodes, heroic, pink.
Sevastyan- highly respected.
Socrates (Stacrates)- retaining power.
Spartacus- trampling
Stephen- wreath.
Stoyan- strong, unbending, warlike.
Thais- wise, late.
Taras- restless, exciting.
Tigran- quick-tempered.
tiger- brindle.
Timon- reverent.
Timothy- worshiping God.
Tikhon- successful, bringing happiness.
Tryphon- luxurious.
Trofim- breadwinner, pet.
Theodosius- God-given.
Filimon- Darling.
Philip- loving end.
Khariton- generous.
Christian- Christian.
Christopher- bearer of Christ.
Yuhim (Yakim)- complacent
Jason- doctor.

Greek female names: meaning and origin

Women's names and myths of ancient Greece

Name Galina derived from the ancient Greek word γαλήνη - Tranquility, serenity. One of the Nereids (these are sea deities that look like mermaids) was called Galena.

Another example is the name Irina (Εἰρήνη- peace, tranquility). Irini (Eirena) is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of peace. Irini is the daughter of Zeus and Themis.

But it's beautiful, but already rare name Apollinaria. It is believed that it is of ancient Roman origin (from the Latin Apollinaris - “belonging to Apollo”, “solar”), but it comes from the name of the ancient Greek god Apollo. Polina is an abbreviated form, which has now become an independent name. Other versions of its origin are put forward - for example, French (Pauline).

Name Maya (Μαϊα) translates as "mother". It comes from the name of the Greek goddess (Pleiades) Maya, the mother of Hermes. True, this is only one of the hypotheses of the origin of the name - there is both Latin (from Majus - “May”), and Jewish (from ‏מים‏‎ - Mayim - “water”). By the way, the Greek word μαία (read mea) means “midwife”, “taking birth”.

On behalf of the goddess of victory Nicky (Νίκη) the name Nick comes from. This is an independent name, although it often happens that other names are shortened to Nike, for example, Veronica (from the ancient Greek Φερενίκη - “bringing victory”: φέρω - “bringing” and νίκη - “victory”). An analogue of the name Veronica is Berenice.

Zinaida (Ζηναις)- another name associated with mythology. Presumably, it is associated with the name of Zeus (Ζεύς, genitive form - Ζηνός).

Women's names and place names

Even before our era (in the 7th century) in Asia Minor there was a country called Lydia (Λυδία), from which the female name Lydia originated.

Name Larisa derived from the name of the Greek city of Larisa (Larissa). Λάρῑσ(σ)α is translated from Greek as "seagull". IN Greek mythology Poseidon, the god of the sea, had a granddaughter Larissa, a nymph. There is a hypothesis that the city was named after her. Her image can be found on ancient coins:

Near the city of Argos there is a fortress of Larisa:

"Talking" names

If male names the Greeks sang such qualities as nobility, courage and strength, then women - chastity, beauty, fertility and so on. Now most of them are quite rare.

For example, Agnia(from the ancient Greek ἁγνὴ) means "pure", "immaculate". Agni Parfene (Αγνή Παρθένε) - Pure Virgin - a hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Zoya (Ζωή) translated from ancient Greek as "life". Sofia (Sofya) comes from the Greek σοφία - "wisdom". Name Pelagia (Pelagia) derived from πέλαγος - "sea".

Name Angelina (Αγγελίνα) comes from ἄγγελος - "messenger" (angel).

And here is an example of a name that speaks of beauty - Anfisa (Ἀνθούσα- sounds like "Anthus"). It comes from the word ἄνθος, which means "flower" in translation.

Anastasia - pair name to Anastasius (Ἀναστάσιος). The word ἀνάστασις, from which it is derived, means "resurrection". Καλή Ανάσταση! (Happy Resurrection Day!) - this is how the Greeks congratulate each other on Easter.

Other pair names: Vasilisa (βασίλισσα)- from Vasily, translated as "queen", Eugene, Alexandra, Cyrus (Κύρα). They have the same meanings as the male variants.

Name Paraskeva (Praskovya) comes from the word παρασκευή - “Friday”. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa is the patroness of women in Slavic Orthodox mythology. Many sayings are associated with it, as well as prohibitions: on Friday it was impossible to plow, spin and sew (on Fridays, men do not plow, women do not spin).

There are names, the etymology of which still cannot be precisely established. For example, Catherine (Αικατερίνη). There is no consensus on the origin of this name. The most common version is from the word καθαρή - pure, immaculate. However, some experts (for example, the famous lexicographer M. Vasmer) do not agree with it. There is another hypothesis that it is formed on behalf of Hecate (Ἑκάτη), ancient greek goddess moonlight and witchcraft, but it is also quite controversial.

Everyone has heard of the legendary Helen of Troy. Name Elena (Ἑλένη) There is also no clear etymology. According to one version, it is associated with the name Helios (Ἥλιος), the sun god. The second version claims that the name is consonant with the word Ἕλληνες - Hellenes (that is, Greeks), the third - that it comes from the word ἑλένη (ἑλάνη) - "torch". None of the hypotheses has been fully confirmed.

Name Xenia (Ξένια) two translation options: from the ancient Greek ξενία - "hospitality" and ξένος - "foreign", "foreign". The names Aksinya and Oksana are derivatives, and are now used as independent names. The name Barbara, similar in meaning, from βαρβαρικός - "foreign".

And finally - a rather unexpected name Thekla (Θέκλα) . At first glance - ours, Russian ... but no. Same ancient Greek origin, and it is translated as "God's glory": θεός - "God" and κλέος - "glory".

Now you know about the common (and not so) female names of Greek origin in Russia and their meanings.

Female names popular in Greece itself

Here, by a wide margin (who would doubt it!) Is in the lead Mary - Μαρία, from 9.82%. That is, almost every tenth Greek woman bears this name!

By a wide margin it is followed by the name Ελένη - Elena, from 6.72%.

On the third place Katerina - Κατερίνα from 4.69%, on the fourth - Βασιλική - Vasiliki from 3.45%. Finishes the top five Παναγιώτα - Panayota from 2.69%.

In the next five Sofia (Σοφία) from 2.53%, Angeliki (Αγγελική) from 2.24%, George - (Γεωργία) with 2.153% and almost the same result Gospels - (Ευαγγελία) from 2.15%. And completes the top ten most popular female names Irini - (Ειρήνη) from 1.92%.

Enough popular names Dimitra (Δήμητρα), John (Ιωάννα), Constantina (Κωνσταντίνα), Anastasia (Αναστασία), Paraskevi (Παρασκευή), Christina (Χριστίνα), Stavrula (Σταυρούλα), Despina (Δέσποινα), Kalliopi (Καλλ ιόπη) are in the second ten of the list and each of them has an indicator of less than 2%. Not far from them are the names Fotini (Φωτεινή), Alexandra (Αλεξάνδρα), Chris (Χρύσα), Athens (Αθηνά), Theodora (Θεοδώρα).

Ancient Greek female names

We meet such names in myths and poems, many of them have survived to this day and are not used as often as the names given above.
- Αριάδνη - Ariadne: the most innocent,
- Ακτίς - Aktis: that was the name of the daughter of the astronomer Eudoxus,
- Aλκηστις - Alkistis: the joy of the family, the hearth,
- Ανδρομάχη - Andromache: fighting on the outskirts,
- Αφροδίτη - Aphrodite: born from sea foam,
- Αρσινόη - Arsinoe: sublime,
- Αρετή - Areti: virtue,
- Εριφύλη - Erifili: the most excellent of women,
- Ευδοξία - Eudoxia: glorious,
- Ελπινίκη - Elpinika: hope for victory,
- Ευρυδίκη - Eurydice: very fair,
- Ηλέκτρα - Electra: shining with charm,
- Ηρώ - Ira (Hera): the personification of Hera,
- Ίρις - Iris: messenger of the gods,
- Ιφιγένεια - Iphigenia: very strong,
- Καλλιόπη - Kalliopi (Calliope): beautiful-eyed,
- Καλλιρρόη - Kalliroea: fresh as spring water,
- Κλεοπάτρα - Cleopatra: glory of the Motherland,
- Μελπομένη - Melpomene (Melpo): not stinging with her singing,
- Μυρτώ - MirtO: pleasant, like myrtle,
- Ναυσικά - Nafsika: glorified by sailors,
- Νεφέλη - Nepheli: offering living water,
- Ξανθίππη - Xanthippe: blonde horsewoman,
- Πηνελόπη - Penelope: skillful weaver,
- Πολυξένη - Polyxena: very hospitable,
- Φαίδρα - Phaedra: bright, shining,
- Χλόη - Chloe: grass. One of the names of Demeter, as the protector of the plant world.
Of course, in one article it is impossible to cover the whole variety of female names. But I hope that you have learned something new for yourself. Has any fact been a discovery for you? Share in the comments.

Most modern names have national roots. By origin, they are divided into the following categories:
1. Antique: Adonis, Vangelis, Deidalos.
2. Church: Anastasius, Zeno, Isidore.
Many names are associated with mythology Ancient Greece: Dionysius, Artemy, Hector.
Often there are names that in ancient times denoted the area: Arkady, Anatoly.
Remained common Orthodox names because the Greeks are a religious people. Among them are Hebrew and latin names: Ananias, Lucas, Matthias.

Many nations borrowed names with Greek roots. They spread in Italy, Russia, Ukraine, England, Spain. Not every parent knows what the origin of the chosen option is. This phenomenon has become two-sided. In the last century, the number of foreign names in the Greek nomenclature has increased. Boys are often called Jonas, Myron, Thaddeus, which is associated with exposure European culture to the country.

Every Greek has a colloquial and official name. According to Greek law, both forms are recorded in the passport. Option for Everyday life The man chooses himself. According to the rules of spelling, the names are stressed.

What do they pay attention to when choosing?

Greeks honor family customs, therefore, they are guided by them in the process of naming. According to the rules, a boy cannot be named after his father if he is alive. The first son is named after his paternal grandfather, and the second son is named after his maternal grandfather. The third boy in the family is named in memory of the father's grandfather's brother. If the rest of the children are born boys, the parents name them as they see fit. This tradition has led to the fact that there are many namesakes in Greek families.

Modern parents choose a name based on personality characteristics. Ancient names reflect the dignity of a man, his moral and intellectual qualities. Most of Greek names are distinguished by melody and beauty, which affects the choice.

A complete list of all options for boys and their meanings

The name of the boy reflects the quality of a real man. The Greeks do this so that in the future their children will have such character traits. Therefore, the issue of naming is approached with special care.

Modern

Greek names considered harmonious and beautiful so they have become popular in many countries. Antiquity and myths presented modern Greece unusual names, among which are the following:

IN European countries many names of Greek origin have taken root. Their transformed forms have appeared in almost every language. Among the popular European names that come from Greece, the following are distinguished:

IN last years such names became popular among the population of Russia and Ukraine. Some of them are recorded in church calendar therefore willingly used by believing families.

Greece is a country with ancient culture, with which the beautiful female and male Greek names of gods and mythological creatures are associated.

The history of the origin of Greek names

The origin of most modern Greek male names is closely related to either ancient mythology or with Christianity.

Before the spread of Christianity in the territory of modern Greece, this country was an empire with centuries of history and advanced mythology. Therefore, Greek names carry a special meaning, often associated with ancient legends. This is Aphrodite, Penelope, Odysseus.

Most ancient Greek names had two forms: male and female. Some of these divisions (for example, Anastasia and Anastasia) have been lost for centuries, others have survived to this day: Alexander is adjacent to the name of Alexander, Vasily to Vasilisa.

A large layer of Greek names is associated with settlements. After the fifth century AD, Christianity began to spread in Greece. Dating in Greece christian names both of Greek and Hebrew origin, as well as descended from Latin: George, Constantine, Basil, Anna.

As a rule, the meaning of the name for the ancient Greeks was very important. Therefore, most names of Greek origin mean something positive: Artemy and its derivative Artem mean "healthy", Sebastian - "highly venerated", Elena - "saint", Parthenius - "chaste".

But also in Greek culture there were no borrowings. With the advent of the twentieth century, the fashion for English and American borrowings began in the country. But to foreign names did not stand out too much among the Greeks, they were modified, and as a result, the American Robert became a resident of Athens, Robertos.

List of beautiful names for boys

Unusual by ear, but no less beautiful Greek names are borrowed from all over the world.

Most benefit sonorous names for boys:

Aristarchus - "leader".
Arseniy - "courageous defender."
George is a farmer.
Yevsey - "moral", "resistant to temptations".
Elisha - "reliable", "fair".
Leonid - "brave winner."
Rodion - "liberator".
Felix - "prosperous", "firm in intentions", "purposeful".
Philip - "courageous", "powerful".

The beautiful sound of Greek names led to their gaining popularity in all corners the globe. Even the seemingly primordially Russian Alexei, Luka, Yegor and Kirill have Greek roots.

Ancient and forgotten names

Because of the desire of the Greeks to name their children borrowed European and American names some native Greek are gradually being forgotten.

Eg:

Agap - "beloved" from ancient Greek.
Anastasy - "resurrected", on this moment male form the name Anastasia is forgotten and not used.
Efim - "kind".
Luke - "bright".
Potap - "wanderer".
Pavlos - "small".
Priamos means "redemption".
Titos - "clay".

It is worth noting that ancient Greek names are popular among creative people. They are sonorous, easy to remember and pleasant to the ear.

Names with religious significance

Greek names are often used in Russia as baptismal names.

You can highlight the following:

Stepan. Heavenly patron of a boy with such church name the great martyr Stephen will become, as well as Saint Stephen the blind.
Kirill. This name was mentioned more than once in the Bible, including Cyril of Jerusalem.
Plato. The martyr Plato of Antioch can become a patron.

Most of the Greek names that appeared after the spread of Christianity in Greece have religious significance.

How to choose a name for a boy depending on the date of birth

The name cannot determine the fate of a person, but is able to leave a visible imprint on his character. Every parent wants the character of the child to help him achieve his goals in the future. In order for the baby to have the most advantageous features, some advise choosing a name in accordance with the zodiac sign. So you can reduce the influence of negative character traits and strengthen positive ones.

Aries: Amon, Kondrat, Jerome.
Taurus: Argos, Cyril, Dorotheus.
Gemini: Ariston, Nikon, Nestor.
Cancer: Dorius, Giannis, Hermes.
Leo: Nicholas, Luke, Constantine, Zeus.
Virgo: Andrei, Artemy, Cyrus.
Libra: Egor, Radiy, Oles, Nikita.
Scorpio: Gordey, Ilian, Ionos.
Sagittarius: Bogdan, Jerome, Klaus, Miron.
Capricorn: Sevastyan, Arthur, Demid.
Aquarius: Demyan, Plato, Jason.
Pisces: Demid, Pankrat, Creon.

The name can be selected not only by the sign of the zodiac, but also by the season of birth. The tactics remain the same: the shortcomings of the child's character are neutralized, and the virtues are enhanced.

Winter

Winter-born men and women are very talented. They are wise individuals with whom it is not easy to communicate: they are contradictory, narcissistic and irritable. Therefore, names that will soften their desire to argue with relatives over trifles are suitable for “winter children”.

Suitable: Cyril, Nikita, George, Sebastian.

Spring

Spring people are mentally gifted, but do not always find the courage to show their abilities. Therefore, they should be given warlike and confident names. This will give malleable and cautious children some amount of courage. After that, the grown-up "spring boys" will not be afraid to show their leadership qualities and will definitely achieve their goals.

Names that will give courage: Victor, Alexander, Konstantin, Athanasius, Ariston.

Summer

These are hardworking and mentally gifted, but very impulsive people. They are ready for a lot for the sake of a loved one, but this does not prevent them from breaking down on their beloved over trifles. If a “summer” man is irritated, with his emotionality he can bring the most persistent ladies to tears. Also, some consider the excessive impulsiveness of such people to be feigned, and do not take them seriously.

These names will bring a little peace and stability: Vasily, Gregory, Irenaeus.

Autumn

The two most striking features autumn people"- wisdom and a constant feeling of sadness. Even when everything is stable and good for the "autumn" in life, he sometimes falls into melancholy, from which it is very difficult to get out.

These people are smart and unhurried, therefore they often do not have time to complete tasks for work and study on time. Slowness also causes them to be constantly late. "Autumn" all their lives learn to trust people, and if once they are unlucky with a partner, they will never fully reveal their soul.

To save the child from bouts of depression in the future, parents should give one of the following names to a child born in the fall: Emelyan, Luka, Dmitry, Egor.

The ancient world did not know the saints, and the people of that time knew nothing about guardian angels and intercessors. But this does not mean at all that they did not believe in heavenly patrons. Newborn boys and girls were entrusted to the care of the gods living on Olympus. On the other hand, like our Slavic pagan ancestors, the ancient Greeks endowed their children with nicknames that reflected actual or desired qualities. For example, Aoid - "singing", or Aniketos, which means "invincible".

As in many cultures of antiquity, ancient Greek names glorify the forces of nature or compare a person with a flower, plant, animal. Examples can be given: Astreya (Star), Iolanta (purple flower), Leonidas (son of Leo). Some names smoothly "migrated" in our time, took root in the modern Greek culture and among us, those Slavs who fell under the influence of Christianity of the Eastern rite.

It should be said that the ancient Romans borrowed their Pantheon from the Greeks, giving their gods their names. Therefore, in Western Europe and in Slavic lands where common catholic religion, there are ancient Greek names derived from the same only with Latin name. For example, Marsilius (god of war), Diana (goddess of the moon and hunting).

Old-new names

Do you love culture but don't want to cut ties with Christianity? Then we can advise you on the names that have moved to Orthodox saints. And then your child can be named sonorously and beautifully. His name will be rooted in the distant past. He can celebrate birthdays and will be protected by a heavenly patron.

And there is nothing surprising in this. After all, the first apostles, among whom were the Hellenes, bore ancient Greek male names. Let us recall, for example, Philippos. Beautiful name this apostle means "lover of horses." The girl, named Helen, will grow up, perhaps as beautiful as the ancient Greek wife of King Menelaus, abducted by Paris. What does Ἑλένη (Helene) mean? "Light-bearing", "torch". The male counterpart of this ancient Greek name is Helen. In addition to Elena, Philip and the already mentioned Leonid, from ancient world a dozen more names passed into the modern one: Vasily, Dmitry, Ippolit, Zenon, Eirena (later turned into Irina) and others.

For lovers of the Olympic cult

And why not, in fact, call the child beautiful and original name, giving him as patrons not some saints and apostolic equals, but one of the gods? Moreover, there are so many of them in the Greek Pantheon. Now, in the cultural elite of the world, the fashion for ancient Greek female names, as well as for male ones, has gone. Recall at least Eros Ramazzotti or Penelope Cruz. At famous singer the name of the god of love, the companion of Aphrodite.

The girlfriend of the young wizard Harry Potter from the book by J. Rowling also has Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maya, the patron of artisans, merchants, thieves and wanderers, who clearly patronizes this girl. Hermione is also mentioned in Homer's poem "The Iliad": this is the daughter beautiful Elena and Menelaus.

There are many more names whose bearers are "dedicated" to some Olympic ("art", "sun"), Nika ("victory"), Irida ("rainbow"). However, be careful. The names of the ancient Greek gods are beautiful, but the inhabitants of Olympus themselves have never been famous for their soft and complaisant disposition. In this they differ from christian god love. Together with positive qualities a child can also inherit his patron's negative traits: vindictiveness, deceit, jealousy.

Connoisseurs of the culture of ancient Greece

Anyone who is in love with the tragedies of Aeschylus and Euripides, in the comedies of Aristophanes, who is read by Homer, will easily find beautiful and sonorous names in these works. Of these, you can choose those about which the language of the Russian-speaking environment will not break. For example, Aeneas - "praised", "approved". A good name is Phoenix, which means "purple" - a color that was allowed to be worn only by aristocrats. The boy Odysseus will inherit from his famous namesake, sung by Homer, courage, ingenuity and passion for travel.

In the myths and works of that civilization, you can also find very beautiful ancient Greek names of women. For example, Electra - which means "bright", "shining". Or the muse of astronomy Urania - her name means "heavenly". You can simply call the girl Muse or dedicate her to one of them, for example, Thalia or Calliope. In the myths of Ancient Greece, there are many beautiful nymphs, whose beauty captivated even the gods: Maya, Adrastea, Daphne, etc.

Love saves the world

Ancient Greek names that begin or end with a “phyllo” fragment fit very well on the tongue and caress the ear. This prefix means "Love". It can be applied not only to the passion for horses, like Philip, but also to singing - Philomena. The Greeks really appreciated this quality - to be able to love. They also wanted everyone around to appreciate their son or daughter. Therefore, the names of Philo, Theophilus, Philemon ("gentle") and others like them were common in the same way as we have with the prefix "glory" and "peace".

The Greeks were a very pious people. IN Hellenistic period names appeared that meant the patronage of God, without specifying which one. Timothy is "one who honors God." Theodora - "His gift". There are also names pointing to the king of the gods - Zeus. Zenobia is life from Jupiter the Thunderer, and Zeophania is his manifestation on earth. Zeno means "dedicated", "belonging to Zeus".

Nicknames

These ancient Greek names are the most numerous. After conducting their scientific analysis, one can understand what qualities were valued in this civilization. After all, the parents called the name Atreus ("fearless") or Aella ("fast as a whirlwind") of a baby who had not yet stood on his feet. One thing is clear: as in all the world, they wished their sons to grow up brave (Adrastos), strong (Menander), steadfast (Menelaus), defenders of the weak (Alexei, Alexander), brave (Alkina).

Oddly enough, in women the Greeks valued not so much beauty as the quality of the hostess guarding home. Therefore, the parents called the newborn a protector (Alexa), a spinner (Klaso), a calmer (Amalzeya), a good one (Agatha) and simply a housewife (Despoin). Motherhood was also valued, the ability to give birth to children (Metrofanes).

Warrior State

The ancient Greek names of boys indicate that their parents would like them to become owners of large livestock. Archippos means "having horses" and Archilaos means "slave owner". A rich harvest in life was promised to Athamus and Eustachis.

Male names give reason to believe that the Greeks often fought, and all the young men had to take part in the campaigns. Wanting to save their offspring from death, their mothers called them Amon ("hidden from danger"), Andreas (" good warrior"), Ambrosios ("immortal") and Azarias ("having help from God"). However, the boy could also be called the name Apollonios, which means "destroyer".

names that symbolize the forces of nature

This is the most ancient group, leading origin from the totemic society. Men were hunters, and therefore they needed accuracy, skill and strength in the fight against the beast. To provide their sons with these qualities necessary for life, the parents called them Zopyros ("flaming", "aspiring"), Gregorios ("cautious"), Achilleus ("painful"), Andronikos ("victor of people") and Jerazimos (" living to old age"). And so that the son returned safely home alive and unharmed, he was called the name Nestor.

Ancient people spiritualized the forces of nature. Aeolus was patronized by the winds, Anatolaios by the east and dawn, Alcmene by the moon, Kyros by the sun, and Castor by the beaver. There are many names in which the word "lion" is present: Panteleon, Leonidas, and so on. Another totemic symbol was the horse: so Hippocrates means "power of the horse." Parents gave their sons under the patronage of the mountains (Origen), the ocean (Okinos) and even the night (Orpheus).

The recluses of the gynoecium

Ancient Greek society was deeply sexist. The supremacy of men was never questioned. Women were deprived of all political and civil rights and, having married, they passed from the father's house to the husband's house as the property of the latter. The whole life of the so-called "decent woman" passed in the gynaecium - female half Houses. Only getters appeared freely on the streets of cities.

Naturally, mothers wished their daughters happiness. The way they understood it: to marry an accommodating spouse, give birth to him more children and not die from childbirth. Therefore, the ancient Greek names for girls fully reflected the aspirations of their mothers. Amaranthos means "not disappearing", Altea - "quick healing", Ageip and Agapayos - "impossible to stop loving." And Zozima is just a "survivor". The Arcadians wanted to live among peaceful bucolics. Glyceria is the "sweetest" (of course, it was meant to be a joy for her husband). And Aspasia meant "greeting".

names symbolizing the elements, flowers and animals

At the same time, parents dedicated their newborn daughters to the forces of nature. Arethus - the water element, Anemone - the wind in general, and Zephyr - the western trade wind, Iris - the rainbow. The animals, after which the girls were named, are very graceful and beautiful. For example, Holkyon is a small kingfisher bird, Dorsia is a gazelle, and Dapna is a laurel. There are a lot of names that mean flowers (Anzeya, Anthus): purple (Iolanta), gold (Chryseida), dark (Melanta). But, of course, such a quality as beauty has always been appreciated among the female sex. She corresponds to the name Aglaya.

Choose wisely

If you want to name your child with an ancient name, you need to think carefully and analyze the ancient Greek names and their meanings. After all, it may turn out that beautiful name Apollonia hides the unseemly meaning of "destructive". But the word "kind" in the Greeks does not sound very pleasant - Akakayos. You also need to remember that now Glaucus is not a name at all, but a position. The names of the ancient Greeks were sometimes very tricky - Agazangelos, for example. So don't break your tongue.