The Hellenes (Greeks!) have a truly limitless array of mesmerizing female baby names. Many are rooted in ancient myths and figures, like the Nine Muses. Others, fittingly, spring from the generous bounty of Mother Nature.
Hopefully you’ll find an option that steals your heart in this list of bright and bold Greek baby girl names. (And if you're not sure whether you're having a boy or a girl, check out our favorite Greek baby boy names, too.)
Amaryllis. This irresistibly beautiful name literally rolls off the tongue (pronounced a-m-ri-LIS) and means "to sparkle or twinkle" like an eye. She sounds like the creative type who is always looking for ways to express herself. You might shorten it to Mary.
Ariadne. The daughter of Crete’s King Minos, Ariadne (eh-rih-AD-nih) is best known for her role in the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. With a name meaning “very pure,” Ariadne helped Theseus escape the labyrinth in which the fearsome half-bull, half-man resided. She became immortal when she married Dionysus, the god of wine and good times. Ari would be a cute gender-neutral nickname.
Artemis. The daughter of Zeus and Leto, Artemis was the widely-revered, indomitable Greek goddess of hunting, wild nature and fertility. She was also considered the protectress of women during childbirth. If you choose this name, send your daughter to ancient Ephesus to see the world’s most significant temple dedicated to her namesake. Her nickname could be Artie.
Athena. A name that commands attention and respect, Athena was the bravest, most intelligent and, perhaps, most enterprising of all the gods on Mount Olympus. Athens was named and the Parthenon built in honor of the goddess of wisdom, war and the crafts.
Avgi. She is the light of your life, so why not grace her with a name that translates literally as “dawn”? Pronounced av-YI, she may well turn out to be the early bird who catches the worm.
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Avra. You already know she’s going to be a deep thinker and warm individual brimming with positive energy, so why not give your baby girl a name that means “aura”? It originates from the Greek word for a breeze that’s soft, fresh and almost imperceptible.
Dioni. Linked to Zeus, this name (di-O-ni) means “divine” and, therefore, carries significant clout. According to some historians, Dioni was his first wife and the mother of Aphrodite, goddess of love. Dionne, as in living music legend Ms. Warwick, is the Americanized version. To you, she could simply be Di.
Eleftheria. Linked to the Homeric era word “eleftherotis,” which means “liberator,” this uplifting name signifies a condition or power that is prized above all else: freedom. Ellie or Elle would make for a lovely nickname.
Iakinthi. In Greek, Iakinthi refers to the hyacinth flower, whose fabulous blooms vary in color from ruby red to lilac. The name also means “precious gemstone.” You may recognize it as Jacinth, or the Spanish version Jacinta.
Iliana. Popular with Greek parents, this sophisticated name means “daughter of the sun.” Some believe it derives from the ancient city of Troy, which the Greeks renamed Ilios. In the Hebrew tradition, it is linked to Elijah, which means “Jehovah is my God.” You might want to call her Illy.
Ioli. She was the daughter of Eurytus, the king of Oechalia. Hercules’ love for Ioli (i-OL-i) led to his demise, but don’t let that deter you: This baby girl name is short but sweet and will set your little girl apart.
Ismini. This playful name, pronounced is-MI-ni, means “knowledge.” In Greek mythology, she’s known as the youngest daughter of King Oedipus and Jocasta and sister to Antigone. Minnie would be an adorable alias.
Melina. This angelic baby girl name is associated with the Greek word meli, which means “honey.” For the little girl who’s simultaneously sweet and tough!
Niovi. This is a name for a self-assured woman. It’s likely derived from two Greek words, "nea" and "vios," meaning “young” and “life.” A perfect moniker for a little lady who will stay young forever — at least at heart.
Phaedra. One of the most exquisite ancient Greek names, it means “radiant” and “happy.” What else could you wish for your young queen? Pronounced fei-druh, you might choose to call her Fay for short.
Thalassini. If you feel most alive when you’re near the ocean, how about this rhythmical, spirited name? Thalassini means “she of the sea.” Take her to the beach while she’s still a toddler so that she finds her natural affinity for the water.
Thalia. Yet another captivating ancient Greek name, it means “to flourish.” Thalia was one of the Nine Muses — the extensively-worshipped goddesses of the arts. The patron of comedy, Roman poets described Thalia as elegant and gentle.
Zinovia. A composite of words, Zinovia hails from Zeus and means “she who lives and enjoys life.” This moniker is a close cousin of the name Zenobia — a queen who ruled over the affluent Arabian city of Palmyra in the third century and was famed for her ingenuity and heroism. Novi would be a neat nickname.
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