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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Mythological names

38 replies

Hadtocomment · 13/07/2022 11:37

Hi Mumsnetters I wonder if you can help me. I know this is baby names and I love all things names. But I'm looking for a particular name not for a baby but for a project I'm doing. I thought all of those who are into ancient greek names/goddesses etc might be able to help.

I am interested in mythology names for powerful goddesses or even female sorcerers or monsters. I'm particularly looking for those with more ambiguous connotations. I know many may be reclaimed these days as we wrestle with the sexism from the past. And more than negative connotations I'd be most interested in those that are a bit double-sided or have certain ambiguities about them. I know that's a tough ask but would be grateful for any thoughts at all. For example, Persephone is a lovely name. But it's a complicated myth with quite a lot of versions and she becomes queen of the underworld (if part-time and under duress). So that's the sort of name I'd be interested in finding more of. THank you all so much. Hope it might be fun and interesting and not just highjacking this forum. Thanks!

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DockOTheBay · 13/07/2022 16:31

I love Minerva

Also Athena, Juno or Calliope.

Thatswhyimacat · 13/07/2022 16:28

Definitely Medusa.

Actual real person not myth but Boudicea.

Leoismybae · 13/07/2022 14:53

Most Irish names are mythological e.g.

Niamh - Niamh cinn óirr - Niamh of the golden hair
Deirdre - Deirdre of the sorrows

Too many to go through here! My daughter Medb is named after the legendary Queen of Connaught (Maeve)

BlueChampagne · 13/07/2022 12:25

Not a goddess, but Persian Queen Vashti en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vashti

LactoseTheIntolerant · 13/07/2022 12:14

Eris - goddess of trouble, she caused the trojan war.

clpsmum · 13/07/2022 12:09

Please not Medea such a sad tale!

IllDoItButOnlyForTheAttention · 13/07/2022 11:49

Astarte

Lilith

Damia · 13/07/2022 11:46

Athena, demeter, hera, calliope, clio

VeryQuaintIrene · 13/07/2022 11:45

Sensible-ish names - Athena, Artemis, Helen, Andromache, Cassandra

Less sensible but interesting - Medea, Clytemnestra, Phaedra, Medusa

Giggorata · 13/07/2022 11:44

Hekate
Hekate is so much more that the Crone of the dark she is depicted as but is also young, beautiful, described as bright coiffed and tender hearted, wearing a starry crown, bronze sandals, saffron clothing. She is an ancient and powerful goddess, whose origins predate Her association within the Greek pantheon.
She rules Earth, Sea and Heaven. She is associated with liminal places, 3 way crossroads, magic, witchcraft and the Gates to the Underworld, as well as being a guide and protector. She has many names and attributes, including a triple aspect, more recently associated with the moon and witchcraft.
Her symbols include fiery torches, black bitches, serpents, owls, frogs, keys, ropes, knives and the stropholos.
Sorry about the essay!

FreudayNight · 13/07/2022 11:39

Project Gorgon?
Their names were Stheno, meaning the mighty or strong, Euryale, meaning the Far Springer, and Medusa, the Queen, or Guardian.

Whataretheodds · 13/07/2022 11:39

Niobe

Whataretheodds · 13/07/2022 11:38

Medusa - she was misunderstood
Circe
Scylla