Greek baby names reflect the values and culture of the society at the time of their origin. The names are related to their language, religion, and political life. The Greek civilization is one of the oldest civilizations. So, they have a long history and a rich culture. Its history dates back to the 13th century BC. Their names appeared on ancient tombstones, vases, papyri, inscriptions, coins, gems, manuscripts, seals, and stamps.
In the past, your main purpose when naming was to identify. The name validates their language, religion, ethnic origin, civic subdivision, and political life. Your name may include your first name, parents’ names, ethnicity, and civic subdivision.
During the 13th century BC, their names are just a first name. This is absolutely true for female or male baby names. The first name is sufficient to identify you. Perhaps, the population is so smaller at that time. For example, Socrates, Alexander, Thais, and Homer are examples of first names. Traditionally, the firstborn are named after the paternal grandfather. And for the second child, they are given the name of the paternal grandmother.
Then the use of the parents’ name comes into play. The parent’s name tells the family where it belongs. The parent’s name enhances the ability to legitimately identify a person. For example, Socrates, son of Homer, or Alexander, son of Adelphos, legitimately identify the person and the family.
When they began to move from one place to another, the Greeks saw the need to tell the origin. A city can be divided into organization. In the name, the Greeks will include the organization. For example, Alexander son of Adelphos, Athens or Socrates son of Homer, from the deme Athens tells the family and organization of the origin of an individual.
The name can be simple or compound. Simple nouns are made up of a noun or adjective. For example, Cressida, Ophira, and Titian are gold in baby form. Another example, Zoilo, Zosima, Zosimo and Zotico are a form of baby meaning alive.
Compound baby names are a combination of nouns or adjectives. For example, Niko-Lysandra means victorious deliverer. Another example, Nicodermus means victory of the people. It’s a combination of Nicole and Demes. Nicole means victory, while demes means organization or people.
Religion, politics and the military have a great influence on their names. For example, Angela, Angelo, Ares, Basha, Christopher, and Deo are names with religious influence. Another example, Kalonice, Nicholas, Nicole are victories in the form of a baby with military influence.
After the death of Christ, the Romans began to gain power. The Roman Empire brought Christianity. Therefore, Christian names began to evolve over Greek names. For example, John, Anna, and Maria began to appear in their names. After the 4th century AD, Christian names have greatly influenced Greek names such as Eusebios, Eustathios, Euphemios, Eulogios, Eulampios, and Kyrillos. At around this time, the use of parents’ names and ethnicity was largely abandoned.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, biblical names further emboldened their names. There was a widespread use of nicknames. Nicknames tell the family of origin. However, the names retain their antiquity. The old baby names still exist in today’s society. For example, Aristotle, Socrates, Xenophon, Demosthenes, and Miltiades are ancient baby names.