Ancient Greek mythology is finding a new generation of admirers, with names inspired by legendary heroes, gods and classical literature climbing the baby name rankings ahead of 2027.
From Atlas and Perseus to Ares, Orion and Daphne, names rooted in the mythology of ancient Greece are gaining popularity as parents look for distinctive choices with powerful stories behind them. The trend is receiving fresh momentum from The Odyssey, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Homer’s epic, bringing one of the most influential works of ancient Greek literature back into the cultural spotlight.
New data from parenting platform BabyCenter reveals a surge in several names associated with Greek mythology, suggesting that the ancient world continues to shape modern identity through cinema, literature and popular culture.
The findings, shared with NBC News, draw on more than 350,000 babies born in 2026 to parents registered on the BabyCenter app.
Ancient Greek gods and heroes inspire a new generation
The latest rankings reveal significant gains for names connected to the mythology and legendary history of ancient Greece.
Atlas climbed five places, while Orion and Troy each rose nine positions. Ares advanced 32 places, Evander surged 128 and Perseus jumped 249.
Among girls, Iris climbed 18 places, Lydia rose 38 and Daphne advanced 42.
Each name carries a connection to the ancient Greek world, from divine figures and mythological heroes to places and characters immortalised in classical literature.
Atlas, the Titan associated with bearing the heavens, has become an increasingly attractive choice for parents seeking a name with strength and historical depth.
Ares, the ancient Greek god of war, represents one of the most recognisable figures in Greek mythology. Perseus, meanwhile, is celebrated as the legendary hero who defeated Medusa and rescued Andromeda.
Orion draws its name from the giant hunter of Greek mythology whose story became immortalised among the stars. Iris was the divine messenger associated with the rainbow, while Daphne was a nymph whose story became one of the best-known transformations in classical mythology.
These names offer more than a distinctive sound. They carry thousands of years of storytelling, symbolism and cultural significance.
‘The Odyssey’ brings Homer’s epic back into the spotlight
The growing popularity of Greek-inspired names coincides with renewed international interest in The Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic traditionally attributed to Homer.
The poem follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, confronting gods, monsters and extraordinary trials along the way.
Its enduring characters, including Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus and Athena, have shaped literature and storytelling for centuries, influencing countless works across theatre, art, film and modern fiction.
The latest cinematic adaptation is helping introduce the epic to another generation, potentially encouraging parents to explore the names and stories associated with ancient Greece.
The appeal extends beyond the most recognisable mythological figures. Names such as Evander, associated with Greek legend and later Roman tradition, are also gaining ground, suggesting parents are exploring a wider range of classical names.
The renewed interest also highlights the remarkable endurance of Greek mythology. Stories first told thousands of years ago continue to inspire contemporary entertainment, while the names of their gods and heroes remain relevant to families choosing names for their children.
Greek mythology meets modern baby name trends
BabyCenter baby name advisor Steph Coffield said the latest trends reflected a growing interest in names drawn from the past, reimagined for modern use.
The mythology-inspired movement is part of a wider shift towards names with distinctive identities and deeper historical associations.
While Atlas, Ares and Perseus offer direct connections to ancient Greek mythology, other names gaining popularity have been revived through television and film.
The Western drama Yellowstone has helped boost names such as Stetson and Walker, while hockey-themed series including Heated Rivalry have contributed to a dramatic rise in Ilya.
The contrast places Greek mythology within a broader entertainment-driven naming trend, but its cultural roots stretch far beyond any single film or television series.
Ancient Greek mythology has shaped the foundations of Western literature, philosophy, art and popular storytelling. Its characters continue to appear in contemporary novels, blockbuster films, video games and television, giving their names a familiarity that crosses generations.
For parents, that combination of history, symbolism and modern recognition may be part of the attraction.
Eliana rises as baby name rankings shift
Elsewhere in the rankings, Eliana climbed to second place among girls, rising from No. 14 in 2024 and No. 7 last year. Noah and Olivia retained the top positions for boys and girls, respectively.
Names beginning with E accounted for 15 per cent of the girls’ top 100, while J was the most common starting letter among boys, representing 14 per cent.
Several longer names also gained popularity, with nearly 30 per cent of girls’ names and 31 per cent of boys’ names in the top 100 containing seven or more letters.
However, it is the resurgence of names connected to ancient Greece that offers a particularly striking cultural development.
As The Odyssey returns to the international spotlight, the gods, heroes and legendary figures of the ancient Greek world are finding new life in an unexpected place: the birth certificates of the next generation.
The trend demonstrates that ancient Greek mythology is not simply a relic of the past. Its stories continue to evolve, reaching new audiences and influencing modern culture thousands of years after they were first told.
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