From timeless classics like Penelope to bold modern choices like Atlas, Greek mythology has inspired some of the most popular baby names
Following the success of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, ancient Greece has once more captured the public’s imagination. But could the resurgent interest in Gods, heroes and mythical stories also be influencing the names parents are selecting for their babies?
Greek mythology has shaped baby names across generations, from enduring classics such as Penelope to striking contemporary choices like Atlas.
Now, new Office for National Statistics (ONS) baby name data analysed by JoJo Maman Bébé has revealed which names drawn from Greek mythology are proving most popular amongst today’s parents.
Anne Varsanyi, head of buying at JoJo Maman Bébé, said: “Choosing a baby’s name is one of the first opportunities parents have to express something about their family, whether that’s honouring tradition, celebrating heritage or simply choosing a name they love.
“What’s particularly fascinating about this year’s data is seeing how quickly tastes can change. Some names that once filled classrooms have become increasingly rare, while others that were barely heard a generation ago are now among the country’s favourites,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Top five most popular Greek mythological names for girls
- Penelope – The famously faithful wife of Odysseus
- Athena – Goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare
- Rhea – Titaness and mother of the original Olympian gods
- Persephone – Queen of the Underworld and goddess of spring growth
- Gaia – Goddess of the Earth
Top five most popular Greek mythological names for boys
- Atlas – The Titan condemned to carry the weight of the heavens
- Ares – The God of war and courage
- Apollo – God of music, light, truth and healing
- Artemis – Traditionally, the Goddess of the hunt
- Perseus – The demigod who defeated Medusa
JoJo Maman Bébé examined the latest ONS data, with the analysis covering the most popular names in 2025, names showing the largest rises in popularity since 1996, and names experiencing the steepest declines in popularity since 1996.
The data was drawn from the ONS Baby Names in England and Wales release, published on July 9, 2026.
Penelope, the heroine central to The Odyssey, already holds the crown as the top mythological name, with 1,174 babies given the name in 2025.
Athena (519 babies) and Atlas (355 babies) have made the leap from ancient myth to contemporary playground staples, both proving exceptionally popular among parents seeking a name imbued with strength and presence.
While names such as Rhea and Ares are gaining traction, parents in search of something genuinely distinctive might consider Apollo (39 babies) or Perseus (eight babies) for a truly memorable choice.
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