What Are Rare Greek Names?

A lot of parents want to choose a unique name for their baby. Some examples are Leda, Moira, and Selene. But you might be surprised to find that many common names used in modern times actually come from Greek words. In finding a name for your baby girl, you can pick Greek spelling for a unique but still popular name. Would you like a baby girl’s name after the goddess of wisdom or the goddess of love? Continue reading to find their names, plus other beautiful names you can choose for your beautiful baby.

Do you already know your baby’s gender? If it’s a baby boy, you can name him after a noble Persian king such as Darius, a Hebrew prophet such as Elijah, a Greek god such as Apollo, or other Greek baby boy names. If you’re having a baby girl, you can choose from our top 100 Greek baby girl names below:

Acacia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Thorny flower or tree Variations/Synonyms: Akasha, Akazie, Akacia, Akasia, or Akasya Description: Acacia is the name of the tree. It’s the wood used to build the tabernacle (the portable dwelling place of the God of Israel, Yahweh).

Adelpha

Origin: Greek Meaning: A dear or beloved sister Variations/Synonyms: Adele, Adelfa, Adelpa, or Addelpha Description: Adelpha is a sweet name for a baby girl that’s also used as a name for a pink flower and a genus of butterflies.

Adriani

Origin: Greek Meaning: A rich or wealthy woman Variations/Synonyms: Adriene, Adrien, or Adriana Description: Adriani is the female version of Adrian. It’s sometimes confused with Ariadni, which means “most holy.”

Agapi

Origin: Greek Meaning: Unconditional love Variations/Synonyms: Agape Description: The name means unconditional love, that of the highest form, not asking for anything in return. It’s often associated with God’s love for humankind.

Agatha

Origin: Greek Meaning: Good woman Variations/Synonyms: Aggie, Agata, or Agathe Description: The name is popular because of its nice meaning. Saint Agatha was a martyr from Sicily who lived in the 3rd-century.

What Is A Unique Girl Name? Agelaeia

Origin: Greek Meaning: The bright and shining one Variations/Synonyms: Aglaea or Aglaia Description: Aglaia is the youngest of the Kharites, Greek goddesses of beauty, glory, splendor, adornment, magnificence, dance, and song.

Agnes

Origin: Greek Meaning: Pure or holy Variations/Synonyms: Agnese, Agnesse, Aggie, or Agnis Description: St. Agnes is the patron saint of innocence and purity.

Alexandra

Origin: Greek Meaning: Feminine of Alexander; Defender and a helper of humankind Variations/Synonyms: Alessandra, Alexsandra, Alexis, Alexandria, Alexandera, Aly, Allie, Lexi, or Alexa Description: Alexandra is one of the names given to the goddess Hera in her capacity as the defender and protector of humankind. She’s known to save noble and strong warriors.

Alicia

Origin: Greek Meaning: A wise counselor or a person of truth Variations/Synonyms: Aletheia, Alyssa, Allicia, Allice, or Alice Description: Alicia is a modernized version of Alethea. Her origin is disputed, with some accounts claiming that she’s Zeus’ daughter while others claim that Prometheus created her.

Althaia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Healing herb Variations/Synonyms: Altaia Description: Because of their close spelling, Athaia is often confused with Aletheia, but they mean two different things. Instead, it’s related to Althea.

Amalthea

Origin: Greek Meaning: To soothe or soften Variations/Synonyms: Amaltheia Description: According to Greek mythology, Amalthea is a nymph. She took care of Zeus (the chief god) as a baby.

Amanda

Origin: Greek Meaning: Lovable or worth of love Variations/Synonyms: Ammanda or Mandy Description: Due to its sweet meaning and nice sound, Amanda remains a top choice for baby girl names. Its male version is Amandus.

Amara

Origin: Greek or Latin Meaning: Grace or eternal Variations/Synonyms: Ammara, Amarra, or Myrrh Description: Although the word amara means “bitter” in Italian, it means “grace” in Greek. The original Amara is the daughter of Zeus and his consort, Ilona.

Amaryllis

Origin: Greek Meaning: To sparkle or shine Variations/Synonyms: Amaryllia Description: Many parents choose the name Amaryllis because they want to name their baby after a flower, but they might not realize that the name actually hails from a Greek word.

Anastasia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Will resurrect or rise again Variations/Synonyms: Anastasya, Anastasha, Ansestasia, Annastasia, Anastascia, or Anastaysha Description: The female form of Anastasius, Anastasia is commonly given to baby girls born around Christmas or Easter because of the name’s meaning in connection with Jesus’ resurrection.

Andromeda

Origin: Greek Meaning: The ruler of men Variations/Synonyms: Andromedah or Andromyda Description: In Greek mythology, Andromeda was actually a mortal woman. She’s the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia. When she died, Andromeda was lifted to the sky by the goddess Athena and became the Andromeda Constellation.

Angelina

Origin: Greek Meaning: Messenger of God or an angel Variations/Synonyms: Angel, Angela, Angelena, Anjelina, Angeline, Angie, Angelica, or Angelyna Description: Angelina or Angela remains a popular name because of its association with angels. Many parents might also like to name their baby girl after the beautiful actress Angelina Jolie.

Aphrodite

Origin: Greek Meaning: Love and beauty Variations/Synonyms: Afrodite, Aphrodyte, Aphroditie, or Aphroditee Description: Aphrodite is known as the goddess of beauty and love. She’s one of the consorts of Hermes, the herald of the gods.

Aretha

Origin: Greek Meaning: An excellent woman who’s moral and virtuous Variations/Synonyms: Arriety, Arytha, Arethra, Areta, Aretta, or Areetha Description: Parents might favor Aretha because of its nice meaning, while others use the name to honor their favorite stars, such as singer Aretha Franklin.

Ariadne

Origin: Greek Meaning: Very sacred or very pure melody Variations/Synonyms: Arriadne or Ariaddne Description: Using a thread of glittering jewels, Ariadne helped hero Theseus out of the maze after defeating the Minotaur (a fearsome beast) that her father, King Minos, kept.

Arianna

Origin: Greek Meaning: A holy one Variations/Synonyms: Arianah, Aryana, Ariana, Aeriana, Arrianna, Arianne, Aria, Aryanna, or Ari Description: The name has seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent years because of American singer and actress Ariana Grande.

Artemis

Origin: Greek Meaning: She who crosses the wind Variations/Synonyms: Arrtemis, Artemiz, or Arthemis Description: Artemis, known as the goddess of the hunt, is also the goddess of the wilderness, archery, and the moon. She’s the twin sister of Apollo, and she loves staying in the forest, surrounded by the animals she loved.

Athena

Origin: Greek Meaning: Wise one Variations/Synonyms: Athina, Athene, Atena, or Afina (Russian) Description: The goddess of wisdom and also of war, Athena is the favorite daughter of Zeus (the chief god). This wise woman is the patron goddess of Athens, Greece. She’s also the goddess of courage, handicrafts, and mathematics.

Berenice

Origin: Greek Meaning: Victorious Variations/Synonyms: Bernice, Bereneice, Burnice, Berenise, Bernyce, Burnyce, or Bernie Description: The name is more popular when spelled as Bernice, but Berenice might still be a good choice for parents who want to find a name that means victorious.

What Girl Name Means Most Beautiful In Greek? Calista

Origin: Greek Meaning: The most beautiful woman Variations/Synonyms: Kalista, Callista, Kallista, Colista, Callisto, Calissa, Callie, Calysta, Kallisto, or Callisto Description: Although spelled in modern times as Calista to make it sound more feminine, the name was originally Callisto. Her story varies in Greek mythology, but Callisto is a nymph in most of these stories. She’s the daughter of King Lycaon of Arkadia and is one of the followers of the goddess Artemis.

Calliope

Origin: Greek Meaning: Beautiful voice Variations/Synonyms: Kalliope Description: Calliope is the Muse of eloquence and epic poetry. She’s the eldest of the Mousai, the goddesses of song, dance, and music.

Cassandra

Origin: Greek Meaning: A seer and one who shines among humankind Variations/Synonyms: Sandra, Cassie, Cassey, Sandy, Sandi, or Kassandra Description: In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan priestess of Apollo. At the time, no one believed her words, but she made many prophecies that later came true.

Collins

Origin: Greek Meaning: Pup Variations/Synonyms: Colins, Colleen, Coleen, or Kollins Description: A name that can be used for girls and boys, Collins originally means pup but is also seen as a derivation of Nicholas, which means “people of victory”.

Cora

Origin: Greek Meaning: Maiden Variations/Synonyms: Kore, Kora, or Corra Description: The name is used when referring to Persephone as the goddess of spring. When referred to as the queen of the underworld and the goddess of fertility, she takes the name Persephone.

Cynthia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Goddess of the moon Variations/Synonyms: Selene, Cyndi, Cynthia, Cindi, or Cyntthia Description: Cynthia is one of the names given to the Greek goddess Artemis.

Danae

Origin: Greek Meaning: A judge or bright person Variations/Synonyms: Dannae, Dana, Danna, Danee, Danay, Danai, Denae, Dinay, Denay, Dinae, or Danea Description: Danae was the only child of King Akrisios (Acrisius). She would become one of Zeus’ consorts and give birth to Perseus.

Daphne

Origin: Greek Meaning: From the laurel tree Variations/Synonyms: Daphney, Daphni, Dafnee, Daphyne, Dafny, Dafney, Daffney, or Daphnie Description: According to legend, the arrogant god Apollo kept pursuing the river nymph Daphne after an angry Eros (Cupid’s Greek counterpart) shot him with an arrow. So, Daphne asked her father Peneus to transform her into something to escape from Apollo. Out of pity for his daughter, who really hated Apollo, Peneus turned her into a laurel leaf. To honor his lost love, Apollo started wearing a laurel wreath on his head.

Delia

Origin: Greek Meaning: A seductive southern charmer born on the island of Delos Variations/Synonyms: Della, Bedelia, Bidelia, or Bridget Description: Delia is one of the names associated with the goddess Artemis.

Delphine

Origin: Greek Meaning: Womb of creation Variations/Synonyms: Delphyne or Delfina Description: Delphyne is the serpent-tailed goddess of the winds, earth, and prophesy.

Demetra

Origin: Greek Meaning: The other half Variations/Synonyms: Demi, Demmi, Demitra, Demie, Demy, Demye, Demeter, or Demetria Description: Demetra is often best known as the goddess of the harvest, but she’s also the goddess of the earth’s fertility, the cycle of life and death, and sacred law.

Dorothea

Origin: Greek Meaning: Gift of God Variations/Synonyms: Dorathy, Daurathy, Dorthie, Dora, Dorothea, Dorothia, Dottie, Dolly, Dory, Dori, or Dorothee Description: Dorothy is a classic name that peaked in the early 20th century but remains a popular name. One of the popular characters with this name is Dorothy Gale, the protagonist of The Wizard of Oz.

Eleanor

Origin: Greek Meaning: Shining lightor a light-hearted woman Variations/Synonyms: Eleanora, Elynore, Elanore, Eleonor, Ellinore, Nora, or Lenore Description: Because of its nice meaning, Eleanor is a traditional name that remains on the top 100 list for many years.

Ella

Origin: Greek Meaning: Fancy, light, and beautiful woman Variations/Synonyms: Elly, Ela, Ellie, Elle, or Ellah Description: Ella is a trendy name that’s been popular for decades. Its popularity surged in recent years after the name was used in movies, including Ella Enchanted.

Elliana

Origin: Greek and Hebrew Meaning: My God has answered Variations/Synonyms: Eliana, Aeliana, or Aelliana Description: With roots from ancient Greek and Hebrew, Elliana can be a pretty name for a baby girl. It’s also considered a feminine version of both Eli and Aelianus.

Evangeline

Origin: Greek Meaning: Bearer of good news Variations/Synonyms: Evangelline, Evangellia, Evangelia, Evangelina, or Eva Description: This old romantic name is making a comeback in modern times. Even with its religious overtones, the name is also becoming popular for namesakes such as Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly who starred in a lead role in Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Evanthe

Origin: Greek Meaning: Fair or good flower Variations/Synonyms: Evannie, Evan, or Euanthe (Latin) Description: Evanthe can be a sweet name for a baby girl.

Galatea

Origin: Greek Meaning: My fair lady or she who is white as milk Variations/Synonyms: Galathea, Gallathea, Galathée, Galateia, or Galatia Description: Galatea used to be a milky white sculpture made by the mythical sculptor Pygmalion. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite turned the sculpture into a real woman.

Georgia

Origin: Greek Meaning: A farmer or a woman who loves the land and works on a farm Variations/Synonyms: Georgette, Georgina, Georgie, Giorgia, Georganna, or Georgene Description: According to Greek mythology about the Argonauts, Georgia is the land of the golden fleece. Although it was originally the name of a place, Georgia has long been used as a name for baby girls.

Harmonia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Harmony Variations/Synonyms: Harmonie or Harmony (English) Description: Harmonia is the goddess of harmony and concord. While Harmonia isn’t a common name, it remains popular as the root for the more common English version, Harmony.

Helena

Origin: Greek Meaning: A beautiful shining bright light Variations/Synonyms: Hellena, Helen, Helene, Helenore, Eleni, Helana, or Helayna Description: A name that has always been associated with beauty, Helena or Helen is a favored name from the ancient Greek woman Helen of Troy. She’s described to be so beautiful that “her face could launch a thousand ships.”

Hera

Origin: Greek Meaning: A heroine or female hero Variations/Synonyms: Herrah, Herra, or Herah Description: The queen of the gods, Hera is also known as the protector and goddess of women, birth, and marriage. She’s the wife and sister of Zeus, with whom she had nine children.

Hermione

Origin: Greek Meaning: Messenger of the gods Variations/Synonyms: Hermina, Hermine, Herma, or Hermia Description: Many people didn’t know that Hermione is an old name. It became popular in recent years after author JK Rowling used the name for one of the main characters in Harry Potter.

Ida

Origin: Greek Meaning: Diligent and hardworking Variations/Synonyms: Idaea, Ieda, Idaa, Iida, Idetta, Idella, Idalie, or Idette Description: A vintage name for baby girls, Ida might be a strong and nice name for a baby girl. There are two sacred mountains in Greek mythology called Mount Ida, which means “Mountain of the Goddess.”

Iris

Origin: Greek Meaning: Rainbow Variations/Synonyms: Irish or Airish Description: Iris is the goddess of the rainbow, which also acts as her bridge between the heavens and the earth. According to Greek mythology, she is the messenger for Zeus and Hera.

Ismena

Origin: Greek Meaning: To linger towards something Variations/Synonyms: Ismene, Ishemena, Ishmena, or Issmena Description: Ismena is the daughter and half-sister of Oedipus with his mother, Jocasta.

Jacinta

Origin: Greek Meaning: Beautiful Variations/Synonyms: Hyacinthia, Jacinda, Jacintha, Jacyntha, Jacie, Jacynta, Jacey, Hyacinth, Hyacinthe, Giacinta, Gacinta, Gacinda, Gacintha, or Hiacynthia Description: Jacinta is another form of Hyacinth, a beautiful flower.

Karisa

Origin: Greek Meaning: Beloved or very dear Variations/Synonyms: Charis, Charice, Chariss, Karrisa, Karissa, Karrissa, Carisa, Carrisa, Carrissa, or Carissa Description: Charis is one of the Charites (Graces), three goddesses of nature, beauty, fertility, human creativity, and charm.

Katherine

Origin: Greek Meaning: Pure Variations/Synonyms: Catriona, Katharine, Kathrine, Katelyn, Catherine, Caitlyn, Kathryn, Katerina, Katrina, Kathy, Kaitlyn, Cathy, Cathie, Cate, Katie, Kate, Kat, Cat, or Kathie Description: A classic favorite, Katherine, and its many variations are associated with royalty and refined women. For example, although she wasn’t born a royal, many believe that Catherine, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge and wife of Prince William, deserves to become a queen in the future.

Khloe

Origin: Greek Meaning: Flourishing like a young and blooming plant Variations/Synonyms: Chloe, Chloey, Kloe, Kloey, or Khloey Description: Chloe is the alternative name of the goddess Demeter during the spring months because the name is related to new growth and sprouts.

What Is A Strong Greek Name? Konstantina

Origin: Greek Meaning: Female of Constantine; Consistent and steady or reliable Variations/Synonyms: Constantina (Romanian) Description: Konstantina is a strong name and the female version of Constantine.

Lois

Origin: Greek Meaning: The great or superior woman Variations/Synonyms: Louise, Loise, Louis, or Loes Description: Because of the name’s meaning, Lois remains a popular name, but usually when spelled as Louis.

Lotus

Origin: Greek Meaning: The flower Variations/Synonyms: Lottus, Lotti, or Lottie Description: The lotus is a magical flower in Greek mythology. It produces a fruit that causes sleepiness and forgetfulness. In the Odyssey, the hero Odysseus and his men had to land on the mystical island of the lotus people. The scouts he sent to find food were offered lotus by the peaceful people. Odysseus had to drag his men off an island and chain them to their boat because they changed after eating the lotus and forgot any thought of ever leaving the island.

Lydia

Origin: Greek Meaning: A noble and beautiful woman Variations/Synonyms: Ludia, Lyda, Lyds, Lia, Liddy, Lee, Lidi, or Didi Description: St. Lydia (Agia Lydia) is known as the patron of dyers because she lived her life as a seller or merchant of purple cloth before doing Samaritan works in the old church.

Lyris

Origin: Greek Meaning: Lyre (musical instrument) or lyrical Variations/Synonyms: Lyra, Lyre, or Lyric Description: Because of its musical origin, some parents might like to name their daughter Lyris. The name is also popular for gamers because Lyris is the Lesser Goddess of Victory and Fate in Dungeons & Dragons.

Maia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Water Variations/Synonyms: Maya, Amalia, May, or Maye Description: Maya is a consort of Zeus and the mother of Hermes. She’s also the goddess of spring and the incarnation of Mother Earth in Roman culture.

Margaret

Origin: Greek Meaning: Pearl Variations/Synonyms: Margret, Margie, Margarita (Spanish), Maggie, Meg, Megan, Marguerite, Marjorie, Peggy, Margo, Margaux, Marge, or Meghan Description: A lot of people think that the name Margarita means a drink. But even though there’s a margarita cocktail, the name itself actually derives from Margarites, which means pearl in Greek.

Maryam

Origin: Greek Meaning: Beloved or a drop of the sea Variations/Synonyms: Mariam, Meriam, Miriam, Mary, or Maria Description: Maryam is one of the versions for Miriam and Mary. The name holds popularity particularly with Muslims because Maryam is the mother of Isa (Jesus). There’s actually an entire chapter in the Quran that’s dedicated to Maryam.

Melanie

Origin: Greek Meaning: Black or dark woman Variations/Synonyms: Melani, Melania, or Melany Description: Melanie is also the name used for the goddess Demeter after she caused a long winter when she mourned her daughter Persephone’s abduction by Hades. After Zeus ordered Hades to return Persephone, the latter convinced the young woman to eat a pomegranate seed. It was a trick so he could retain his claim on her. So, every year, Persephone has to return to Hades — and Demeter would mourn each time and cause winter.

Melba

Origin: Greek Meaning: Soft and slender Variations/Synonyms: Mellba Description: Melba is a popular name. In the US alone, there were over 33,000 girls named Melba since the 1880s.

Melissa

Origin: Greek Meaning: Honeybee Variations/Synonyms: Melisa or Mellisa Description: In Greek mythology, Melissa was one of the nymphs who nursed the baby Zeus and fed him with honey.

Melodia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Song Variations/Synonyms: Melodie, Meloddia, or Melody (English) Description: The name is more popular in its English form, Melody, but some parents prefer to use the Greek word for a unique approach.

Myra

Origin: Greek Meaning: Myrrh Variations/Synonyms: Myrra, Myrah, Myrrah, Mira, Mirah, or Mirrah Description: Myra is the female version of Myron. It’s a poetic name that means myrrh, the aromatic shrub known for being one of the three magi’s gifts to the baby Jesus.

Nerina

Origin: Greek Meaning: Delicate Variations/Synonyms: Nerrina, Nerine, Nereida, or Nerinna (Italian) Description: Nerina is a Greek word that means “sea nymph.”

Nicole

Origin: Greek Meaning: Victorious and triumphant Variations/Synonyms: Nickie, Nikole, Nicolle, Nicholle, Nichole, Nicki, Nika, Nicolette, Nicky, Colette, Nikki, or Nicola Description: A female version of Nicholas or Nikolas, Nicole remains a popular name because many parents might like its feminine yet strong sound. The variation is also popular as a name that honors St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, pawnbrokers, and wolves.

Nike

Origin: Greek Meaning: Victory Variations/Synonyms: Nikke, Nikn, or Naik Description: Nike is known in popular culture as one of the world’s leading shoe and sports brands. But Nike, in Greek mythology, is the goddess of victory. She’s depicted as a winged goddess and is among the four sentinels of Zeus’ throne, along with Kratos (Cratus Strength), Zelos (Rivalry), and Bia (Force).

Olympia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Heavenly woman or a goddess from Mount Olympus Variations/Synonyms: Olympie, Olympiah, or Olimpia Description: Olympia is a strong name that’s related to the mythical Mount Olympus and the Olympics.

Ophelia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Helpful and wise Variations/Synonyms: Ofeliah, Opheliah, Ophela, Ophelya, or Ofelia Description: Many parents might like how the name means someone helpful and wise.

Penelope

Origin: Greek Meaning: A weaver of thread Variations/Synonyms: Pennelope, Penelopie, Penny, Peneloppe, Penelopy, Pennie, Penni, or Penney Description: The wife of Odysseus, the hero in Homer’s Odyssey, she was cared for by a duck as an infant and was later known in Greek mythology as a loyal woman who turned suitors away by pretending to weave a garment as she waited for her husband to come home.

Philia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Love or brotherly love Variations/Synonyms: Phile, Phille, or Phillia Description: Philia is one of the four ancient Greek words that all mean love: philia, eros, agape, and storge.

Phoebe

Origin: Greek Meaning: A woman who shines bright and pure Variations/Synonyms: Pheebe, Pheobe, Phoebee, Phoebie, Phebby, or Phoeby Description: A long-established name, Phoebe is a Titan in Greek mythology. She’s the daughter of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky).

Phoenix

Greek Meaning: Dark red Variations/Synonyms: Phoenicks, Phenix, Pheenix, Phoenyx, Feenyx, Phenyx, Feenix, or Pheenyx Description: Many parents favor Phoenix (a unisex name) because it’s associated with the mythical bird that symbolizes immortality. According to legend, the phoenix is reborn from its ashes.

Rhea

Origin: Greek Meaning: To flow like a river Variations/Synonyms: Rheanna, Ria, Rea, Riah, Rhya, Rhia, Rhiya, Rhiah, Rheia, Reeah, Rheana, or Rhianna Description: The wife of Cronus (leader of the giant Titans), Rhea is the mother of Greek gods and goddesses Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, and Hestia.

Roxane

Origin: Greek or Iranian Meaning: Shining radiantly or brilliant Variations/Synonyms: Roxandra, Roxanna, Rukhsana, Roxane, Roxana, or Raoxshna (Old Iranian) Description: Roxana is known as one of the wives of Alexander the Great. She’s a princess because she’s the daughter of the Bactrian chief, Oxyartes.

What Is A Good Biblical Name For A Girl? Sara

Origin: Greek Meaning: A woman of high rank or a princess Variations/Synonyms: Sarah, Sarra, Sarrah, Saraha, or Saija Description: Sara is a biblical name, with the ancient woman well known for being Abraham’s wife. God changed her name from Sarai (contentious) to Sarah, effectively giving her a name promotion because it means “a woman of higher rank.”

Selena

Origin: Greek Meaning: The beautiful moon Variations/Synonyms: Celine, Salina, Selene, Salene, Selina, Celena, Saleen, Saleena, Celina, Celia, or Sela Description: Selene is also one of the names of the goddess Artemis. According to Greek mythology, Artemis (as Selene) is the goddess of the moon.

Sophia

Origin: Greek Meaning: A woman with great wisdom Variations/Synonyms: Sofia, Sofea, Sofiya, Sofie, Sophie (French), or Sonya (Russian) Description: A woman of wisdom, St. Sophia was a Roman woman with three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love.

Sousanna

Origin: Greek or Persian Meaning: Lily or flower Variations/Synonyms: Susannah, Susanna, Shoshannah, Suzanna, Suzanne, Sousana, Susan, or Sousan Description: Sousanna is the Greek version of the Hebrew word Shoshannah, which means lily or a flower of the Lilium family.

Stephanie

Origin: Greek Meaning: Female of Stephen or Esteban; Victorious and wearer of the crown Variations/Synonyms: Stephania, Stefanie, Stephany, Stefany, Steffi, Steffy, Stephenny, Steffanie, Stephannie, Stephani, Steph, Steff, Stefi, Stefania, Stephie, or Stefani (Italian) Description: The female version of Stephanos, Stephanie might be an old name, but it remains popular for baby girls in the US. The name is also popular with royalty in many parts of the world, including Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.

Stevi

Origin: Greek Meaning: Crown or victorious Variations/Synonyms: Stevie Description: Stevi is an old Greek name that can be used for boys and girls. Some parents favor the name because of its meaning.

Teresa

Origin: Greek Meaning: Female hunter or harvester Variations/Synonyms: Theresa, Theresah, Theres, Thera, Tessa, Therese, Terri, Terry, or Teri Description: A traditional name, Teresa is less popular than the variation Theresa. Several popular women have this name, including Mother Theresa, who’s venerated as a saint and is now formally known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Thalia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Joyous and blooming Variations/Synonyms: Thaleia, Thalya, Talia, or Thalyia Description: Thalia is the goddess of festivities and lavish banquets.

Thea

Origin: Greek Meaning: Goddess Variations/Synonyms: Theia Description: Thea is the English spelling for Theia, who’s known as the mother of the moon, the goddess of light, and the Titan of sight. She’s the consort of Hyperion and mom to Helios, Selene, and Eos.

Thelma

Origin: Greek Meaning: A willful and ambitious woman Variations/Synonyms: Telma, Thelmah, or Thelema Description: It’s sometimes confused with Selma, but the two are different because Selma means “divine protection.”

Theodora

Origin: Greek Meaning: Female of Theodore; a gift from God Variations/Synonyms: Theodorah, Theadora, Teadora, Teodora, Theo, Theora, Teddi, Tia, Dora, Thea, or Teddie Description: Theodora is the female version of Theodore. It’s a vintage name, but some parents might still like its strong sound and meaning.

Tiffany

Origin: Greek Meaning: Seeing God appear Variations/Synonyms: Tyffany, Tiffani, Tiphany, Tifany, Tiffanie, Tiphanie, or Tyffanie Description: Tiffany is an old name that remains relevant, thanks to popular namesakes, such as the luxury jewelry shop Tiffany & Co.

Ursula

Origin: Greek Meaning: Little bear Variations/Synonyms: Ursa, Ursela, Ursella, Urzula, Ursi, Ursulla, or Ursilla Description: Ursula might be the villain’s name in Disney’s version of The Little Mermaid, but it’s a strong name. She’s the daughter of Poseidon and the younger sister of King Triton.

Vasiliki

Origin: Greek Meaning: Someone with royal origins Variations/Synonyms: Vassiliki, Basiliki, or Bassiliki Description: Vasiliki is the female version of Vasilios or Basilio.

Voleta

Origin: Greek Meaning: A veiled woman Variations/Synonyms: Volleta or Voletta Description: It’s a name that’s often confused with Violeta because of their spelling, but the two have different meanings. Voleta means “a veiled woman” while Violeta means “a violet or purple flower.”

Xanthia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Yellow or blonde Variations/Synonyms: Xantthia, Xantia, or Xanttia Description: The name is the female version of Xanthe and simply describes a person with yellow or blonde hair.

Xenia

Origin: Greek Meaning: Welcoming and hospitable Variations/Synonyms: Zenya, Xeniah, Xenya, Xena, Zenia, Zena, or Zenaida Description: Xenia is a Greek word that means “extending friendship and generosity to travelers who are far away from home.”

Yolanda

Origin: Greek Meaning: Purple flower or modest just like the purple flower Variations/Synonyms: Yolada, Yolana, Yolande, Yolandah, Yalanda, Yolonda, Yolanta, Yolanthe, Yolannda, Violet, Yolie, Yoli, Yolee, Iolanthe, or Ianthe Description: The name was derived from the Greek word “Iolanthe” or “Ianthe,” meaning a “purple flower.”

Zephyra

Origin: Greek Meaning: Strong wind Variations/Synonyms: Zepyra, Zeppyra, or Zepphyra Description: Zephyra is the female version of Zephyrus, known as the strong west wind.

Zoe

Origin: Greek Meaning: Life or Eve Variations/Synonyms: Zooey, Zoey, or Zoie Description: Zoe is the Greek translation of Eve, which also means “life.” The name is also popular because it’s used by two early saints: Saint Zoe of Pamphylia and Saint Zoe of Rome.

Zosime

Origin: Greek Meaning: Someone who’s likely to survive or is a survivor Variations/Synonyms: Zossime, Zosimie, or Zossimie Description: Parents may favor the strong name because of its meaning.