Greek God Names

The name of the brave, resourceful hero of Homer's epic saga has almost always been considered too weighty for a child to bear, but at this point, some brave, resourceful parents out there might be willing to take it on.

Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents — especially since Cadmus Peverell is a human Harry Potter character, one of the three original owners of the Deathly Hallows.

These days, more people will relate to Hermes -- pronounced ayr-MEZ -- as an upscale brand name like Chanel and Porsche than as a Greek god. Actress Kelly Rutherford took on the challenge when she bestowed the name on her son. Hermes is the god of travel, writing, athletics, and thievery, among many other things.

The supreme Olympian god represents a mighty image for a little fella to live up to, but more and more parents are beginning to consider it seriously. The Roman equivalent Jupiter has also come down to earth. And Zeus wasn't just the supreme god, he was also the god of the sky, thunder, lightning, and fate, among other weighty responsibilities.

This name comes from Greek mythology, where the Titans were a band of immortal, powerful giants.

In Greek mythology, Kairos is the personification of opportunity, luck and favorable moments.

A wise ruler of legend--his sage advice helped the Greeks win the Trojan War--whose name is a possibility for the adventurous, though related in sound to the dated Lester-Hester family.

Unusual name from Greek mythology gaining traction along with others in its class. Atreus was the father of the king Agamemnon.

In Greek mythology, Deimos was the twin brother of Phobos (fear), son of Ares and Aphrodite. A moon of Mars also bears the name.

This version of the sea god's name may be more ready for prime time than the Roman version, Neptune -- slightly.

The name of a divine immortal talking horse in Greek mythology – son of the gods Poseidon and Demeter. The name Arion was also borne by a Greek singer and poet, inventor of the dithyramb.

The Elysian Fields of Greek mythology was the home of the afterlife for the blessed. As spiritual names and mythological names continue to rise, Elysian is a name to watch.

In Greek mythology, Eris was the goddess of strife and discord. It's also a planetary name — that of the second-largest dwarf planet in the Solar System.

In Greek mythology this was an alternative name of the god Chronos, also used in English and a good candidate for baby name usage due to its good meaning and name-like sound.

This alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound and can always be shortened to Xan.

Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unconventional flower name.

The name of the father of the sea nymphs -- or one of its shorter forms such as Nereo or Nerio -- would be somewhat easier for a child to carry than Neptune. The name Nereus is largely forgotten but it certainly can rise again along with Atticus and Cassius and other ancient Greek brethren.

A Titan in Greek mythology, would not work in the modern world.

Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.

In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).