Athena: meaning and origin
Athena
“The Greek goddess of wisdom”
About the name Athena
Athena is a girl’s name from the Greek tradition. Its meaning is “the Greek goddess of wisdom”. Names from ancient Greek, often tied to virtues, myths and early Christian saints — like Sophia, Theodore, Chloe and Nicholas.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean wisdom.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Greek names
- Alex 🧒Defender; a short form of Alexander and Alexandra · Greek
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Calliope 👧Beautiful voice; the muse of poetry · Greek
- Chloe 👧Green shoot, young plant · Greek
- Cora 👧Maiden · Greek
- Daphne 👧Laurel tree · Greek
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Georgia 👧Farmer; also the US state · Greek
- Helen 👧Bright, shining light · Greek
- Irene 👧Peace · Greek
- Iris 👧Rainbow; also the flower · Greek
- Lydia 👧Woman from Lydia, an ancient kingdom · Greek
Sibling name ideas (Greek, boys)
- Alexander 👦Defender of the people · Greek
- Andrew 👦Manly, strong · Greek
- Atlas 👦The Titan who held up the sky · Greek
- Christopher 👦Bearer of Christ · Greek
- Cyrus 👦Sun; far-sighted (via Persian) · Greek
- Damian 👦To tame, subdue · Greek
- Elias 👦My God is the Lord; the Greek form of Elijah · Greek
- George 👦Farmer · Greek
More girl names starting with A
- Aaliyah 👧Exalted, high; made famous by the singer Aaliyah · African American
- Abeni 👧We asked for her, and behold, we got her (Yoruba) · African
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Adaeze 👧Daughter of the king (Igbo) · African
- Adeline 👧Noble · German
- Aiko 👧Child of love · Japanese
- Ainsley 👧One’s own meadow · Scottish
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Alice 👧Noble · German
- Allegra 👧Cheerful, lively · Italian
Questions and answers
What does the name Athena mean?
Athena is a name of Greek origin. It means: the Greek goddess of wisdom.
Is Athena a boy or girl name?
Athena is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Athena have?
Athena has 6 letters and about 3 syllables.
Is Athena a popular name?
Yes. Athena has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.