Choose a Greek name for your baby

In anticipation of the birth of a baby in front of parents, the most acute problem arises the question of choosing a name for their future child. In recent years, two tendencies have emerged in this sphere: fathers and mothers choose for their child an originally Russian name or try to call it an original and special name. The names of Greek origin are very popular. It is about them that we propose to talk in this article.

An interesting fact is that the Greek name, as a rule, exists in two versions: colloquial and official. So, for example, a person who has the name Emmanuel registered in his passport, in everyday life will always sign and be called Manolis, and the carriers of the famous name of Yannis on the passport are Ioannis.

Almost all modern Greek names have a Greek origin, and only a small part of them are borrowed from other peoples. So, we can distinguish several categories of names that parents call their children:

1. Orthodox Greek name. This group includes the following names: Vasilios (translated - the king), Irini (peace, peace), Georgeos (engaged in farming), Catherine (virgin, pure).
2. Ancient (mostly mythological) names: Aphrodite (born in the sea foam goddess of beauty), Pinelopee (faithful wife), Sophocles (glory) and others.
3. Names of Latin or Jewish origin: Mary (beloved), Constantinos (stable), Anna (merciful).
4. Modern names, mostly borrowed from Western Europe: Eduardos (guardian of happiness and wealth), Isavella (beautiful woman), Roberthos (eternal glory).

Regardless of origin, any Greek name, as a rule, means any feature of the person's personality and characterizes the intellect or moral qualities. Moreover, these characteristics are extremely positive and flattering for the name carrier. So, the following names are very successful: Eleni (light), Leonidas (similar to a lion), Prokopios (successful, advanced), Parfenios (keeping chastity), Evangelos (carrying good news).

As for the Greeks themselves, today they most often call the boys Georgios, Dimitrios and Constantinos, and the girls Maria, Eleni and Catherine. Also very popular are such names as Nikolaos (the victor of the nations), Vasilios (king), Panagiotis (prelate), Ioannis (blessed by God), Anastasia (resurrected), Sophia (wise) and Gospel (joyful).

In our country, the names invented by the ancient Hellenes, we meet more often than you can imagine. However, the Greek name is not perceived as such due to the fact that it was adapted to the conditions of local culture and language. So, the Greek roots have such popular in our country male names, like Alexander, Sergei, Alexei, Artem, Nikolai and others. By the way, women's names, which are considered to be primordially Russian: Faith, Hope and Love - also have Greek roots, not to mention such popular names today as Polina and Sofia.