Historical Dog Names Female
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Athena. Athena was the Greek goddess of warfare and wisdom, so it’s a fine name for a wise and powerful daughter. Athena is also the patron goddess of Greece’s capital city Athens.
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Daphne. In Greek, this name means ‘laurel’. The Daphne of Greek mythology was a beautiful nymph who was turned into a laurel tree to escape the advances of the god Apollo.
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Helen. This name – synonymous with female beauty – is thought to come from the Greek word for ‘torch’. Helen was the daughter of the powerful god Zeus, and according to Greek mythology she was one of the most beautiful women of her time. It was her elopement to Troy with Paris that ultimately triggered the Trojan war.
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Penelope. This name represents loyalty and faithfulness in relationships. In Homer’s epic ‘Odyssey’, Penelope fended off the advances of suitors while her husband Odysseus was fighting in the Trojan war.
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Phoebe. A Titan whose name means ‘bright’ and ‘pure’, Phoebe was associated with the moon in Greek mythology. This name could be the perfect choice for a little girl who will shine so brightly in your life.
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Selene. The Greek goddess of the moon, Selene was said to drive the silver moon chariot – drawn by two white horses – across the sky every night. Another variant of this name is Selena.
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Iris. With a name meaning ‘rainbow’ in Greek, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger to the gods. Iris is also the name of the coloured part of the eye. If you choose this one, you’ll literally see your daughter’s name every time you look into those gorgeous eyes of hers!
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Clio. With a name deriving from the Greek word kleos, meaning ‘glory’, she was the goddess of history and heroic poetry. Clio was one of the Nine Muses, deities that gave people the inspiration they needed to create art, poetry, drama, music and more. Legend has it she introduced the alphabet to Greece. This name is sometimes spelled Cleo.
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Cassandra. A Trojan princess, Cassandra was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo. The name is possibly derived from a Greek word meaning ‘to excel’ or ‘to shine’.
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Thalia. One of the Nine Muses, Thalia presided over pastoral poetry and comedy. Her name originates from a Greek word meaning ‘to blossom’.
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Gaia. From the Greek for ‘earth’, Gaia was earth’s mother goddess. Gaia is connected to the creation of the earth. For that little girl who means the world to you, Gaia could be the perfect name.
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Anthea. This vibrant name comes from a Greek word meaning ‘flower’ or ‘blossom’. If you’d like a name for your baby that has a floral ring to it as well as a classic, mythological feel, this could be just what you’re looking for! For even more flower-related names, check out these floral baby names.
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Larisa. This name is possibly derived from a word meaning ‘citadel’. The nymph Larisa was either the daughter or the mother of Pelasgus, the ancestor of the mythical Pelasgians – the oldest inhabitants of Greece, according to legend. This name is sometimes spelled Larissa.
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Harmonia. In Greek mythology, Harmonia was the daughter of the goddess Aphrodite and the god Ares. The name means ‘harmony’ or ‘agreement’. If your little girl could be one to bring peace or just add a little sweet music to life, this could be an excellent name.
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Aella. It comes from the Greek word meaning ‘whirlwind’, so you might find this name even more appropriate when your little one reaches the terrible twos! Aella was a mighty Amazon warrior. She went down in a battle against Herakles as she fought to protect the magical girdle of her queen, Hippolyta.
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Chloe. This name means ‘green shoot’ in Greek, referring to new plant growth in the spring. In mythology, it was an alternative name used to describe the goddess Demeter.
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Calypso. With a name likely derived from a Greek word that means ‘she who conceals’, Calypso was a nymph who fell in love with Odysseus when he was washed up on her island after a shipwreck.
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Medea. In Greek mythology, she was a sorceress who helped Jason capture the Golden Fleece. Medea’s name may be derived from a word meaning ‘to think’ or ‘to plan’. Jason betrayed Medea, and she took terrible revenge.
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Cora. From the name Kore in Greek, this name means ‘maiden’. Cora was another name for the goddess Persephone. This sweet and traditional-sounding name might be just right for your little girl.
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Dione. From the Greek word dios, meaning ‘of Zeus’, this name effectively means ‘goddess’. According to some Greek legends, Dione was the mother of Aphrodite.
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Hermione. According to the stories of old, Hermione was the daughter of Helen and Menelaus. Her name is derived from Hermes, the messenger god.
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Ione. Meaning ‘violet flower’ in ancient Greek, Ione was a sea nymph. If you’re looking for a beautiful name that has its roots in flowers and the sea, this one could be a lovely choice.
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Melia. Her name means ‘ash tree’ in Greek and is derived from the word for ‘honey’, so it could suit your sweet little girl down to the ground. In Greek mythology, Melia was a nymph and daughter of the god Okeanos.
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Circe. From a Greek word that might mean ‘hawk’. Circe was a sorceress who changed Odysseus’s crew into pigs, but luckily for them he forced her to change them back into men.
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Hera. The original meaning of this name is uncertain, but it could from the Greek for ‘hero’, or possibly ‘chosen one’. In Greek mythology she was the queen of all the gods and presided over marriage and childbirth.
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Pallas. This name can be given to a girl or a boy and comes from the Greek word that means ‘maiden’. In mythology, Pallas was a friend of the goddess Athena who accidentally killed her. Athena then took the name of Pallas in honour of her.
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Themis. The name means ‘divine law’ or ‘law of nature’. Themis was a Titan who ruled over custom and natural law. She was often depicted holding scales and wearing a blindfold.
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Rhea. In Greek mythology, the Titan Rhea was the mother of Zeus, Poseidon, Demeter, Hera, Hades and Hestia – the first generation of Greek gods and goddesses – so Rhea could be an excellent choice for a little girl with a bright future ahead.