There are endless possibilities to get inspiration from for a baby name. We can look back into our family tree, lean on popular TV shows and movies, or we can look at the meaning behind a name and choose one that holds meaning.
For many, looking at names given to mythological people – like gods or goddesses – can make a lot of sense. These names are often really elegant with a long history of meaning behind them. Surprisingly, these names are not often common in the United States, which is a huge perk for someone who wants a more unique name.
If finding a baby name for your babe to be is still on the to-do list before birth day, check out these stunning baby names inspired by the gods and goddesses throughout history. We bet there will be at least one name that stands out.
Odin
Named after: Norse god
U.S. ranking: #332
This name is powerful and gorgeous because it’s memorable and named after the powerful Norse god. Odin is a little more popular than other boy names on the list, and it’s been up and down in popularity in the United States for several decades.
Atlas
Named after: the god of astronomy and travel
U.S. ranking: #189
Atlas is a gender-neutral name that’s not super popular in the United States for any gender, but it’s got a beautiful tie back to gods and goddesses. Atlas is the god of astronomy and travel, and he was charged with holding up the sky and is one of the more famous Titans.
Maia
Named after: Maia is the Greek word for “mother” and the goddess of spring
U.S. ranking: #498
Maia is a name that’s fit for a goddess and so it’s not surprising to hear that it’s connected to goddesses in several ways. First, it’s the Greek word for “mother” and Maia is also known as the goddess of spring. The name is also found in Roman mythology, too, again connected to an Earth goddess.
Eros
Named after: god of carnal love
U.S. ranking: #1463
Eros, the god, comes from Greek mythology, but he’s also sometimes called by another name: Cupid. This name isn’t super popular in the United States but it has that whimsical yet strong feel to it that makes it perfect for any little boy.
Leda
Named after: Leda was the mother of Helen of Troy, whom she had with Zeus
U.S. ranking: #7358
Leda is a perfect name for a little girl when parents don’t want to have a god or goddess name right in their face but is still connected. This sweet and short name refers to a princess who eventually became a Spartan queen who had a relationship with Zeus, the god of the sky.
Osiris
Named after: god of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife
U.S. ranking: #910
Osiris is a name that comes from the ancient Egyptian religion. In that mythology, Osiris is the got of fertility, agriculture, death, the afterlife, life and vegetation. Some people focus on him being the god of death, but he’s much deeper than that. “Osiris was not only ruler of the dead but also the power that granted all life from the underworld, from sprouting vegetation to the annual flood of the Nile River,” the story goes.
Zenon
Named after: named after Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology
U.S. ranking: #5929
Zenon is a beautiful Z name that we’re obsessed with, and it’s also got a strong tie to gods since Zenon is a name derived from Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. The name isn’t too popular in the United States but it’s memorable and will help a little boy stand out.
Moira
Named after: goddess who claims to control destiny
U.S. ranking:#1803
Most of us know the name Moira from the super popular and hilariously funny Schitt's Creek TV show. And that’s a good enough reason to put the name on the shortlist. However, Moira also comes from mythology and instead of it being tied to one name, Moira – or Moirai – is tied to the goddess who claims to control people’s destinies.
Argo
Named after: the ship built with the help of the gods in Greek mythology
U.S. ranking: #12044
Argo isn’t a name of a god or goddess but is instead it’s tied to the stories because it’s a ship that was built with the help of gods according to Greek mythology. The name is strong and powerful sounding, very fitting for a special ship – and a special boy. The name will follow him into adulthood with that same strength.
Arun
Named after: the God of Sun in Hinduism
U.S. ranking:#4237
Arun is a name that comes from Hinduism and means "the god of sun" and can also mean "the dawn" or "life-giving power". It’s not often we come across a name for a boy that’s on the shorter side without being a nickname and this is an example of a strong but short boy name.
Nereus
Named after: father of the sea nymphs in Greek mythology
U.S. ranking: unranked
Looking for a very rare name for a little boy? This is one of them since the name is unranked in terms of popularity in the United States. He’s part of Greek mythology and is known as the father of the sea nymphs. So since he’s tied to water gods and goddesses, it’s perfect for families who love the beach, boating, or scuba diving.
Priam
Named after: the king of Troy, the home of the Trojan War
U.S. ranking: #10238
We love a boy’s name that we don’t get to hear too often and that’s the great thing about looking to gods and mythological stories for baby names. Priam is not even close to being popular in the United States, being ranked 10,238, but it’s the name of the king of Troy and that’s a powerful influence.
Gaia
Named after: mythological goddess and universal mother
U.S. ranking: #1393
There are a lot of beautiful names for parents to ponder over but Gaia is a name we’re not sure how anyone could hate. It’s short, sweet, memorable, has lots of vowels, and it’s named after the universal mother, the mythological goddess.
Endymion
Named after: son of Zeus in Greek mythology
U.S. ranking: unranked
Endymion isn’t a common name in even the slightest but it’s a beautiful name if someone wants a strong name rooted in Greek mythology. He’s the son of Zeus and was known to be associated with love and beauty. If someone’s wanting a unique name, this is it – but it would also make a beautiful middle name.
Thaleia
Named after: goddess of rich banquets and good cheer
U.S. ranking:#11937
Thaleia is a gorgeous name that we don’t hear much about and that’s reflected in the U.S. ranking which is deep into the 11 thousand. The name is based off the goddess of rich banquets and good cheer – basically someone who makes sure people are able to have a good time.
Ariadne
Named after: Greek goddess of labyrinths and paths
U.S. ranking: #1195
Pronounced a-ree-AD-nee, Ariadne is a beautiful name that screams elegance and is rooted in Greek mythology. The goddess of labyrinths and paths, the name translates to mean “most holy” and it’s in that sweet spot of not too obscure but unique enough to remember.
Bia
Named after: goddess personifying force and power
U.S. ranking: #7975
The baby names that are short and sweet tend to be really popular for parents looking for a girl’s name. There’s also something special about the girl names with many vowels that seems to solidify popularity. Bia fits the bill and it’s not a name that we hear too often — but it really should be. Being named after the goddess of force and power is really something for a girl.
Astraea
Named after: goddess of innocence, precision, purity, and justice
U.S. ranking: #2634
There is no question that naming a baby after a god or goddess brings a level of beauty to the name. Astraea, pronounced as-tray-ah, has a beautiful ring to the name that makes it fit for a princess, goddess, or for a kiddo who is very loved by her family.
Cybele
Named after: goddess of health, fertility and nature
U.S. ranking: #13786
The name Cybele is not one we hear often but that’s what makes it as charming as it is. The name has everything it needs to be popular and well-received. It’s short, has lots of vowels, and means something important to people.
Pallas
Named after: the goddess of wisdom and arts
U.S. ranking: 17,487
The name Pallas has a few different meanings for mythology, including the name of the daughter of Triton who was said to be a goddess of wisdom, arts, and trained on war. The name isn’t a common one in the United States, but it’s definitely one that should be brought back.
