Introduction
Choosing a name for your child is one of the first and most meaningful decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s a gift that carries identity, history, and hope. For those drawn to the deep spiritual wells of Christianity, the names rooted in the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople offer a truly profound connection to centuries of faith, culture, and unwavering tradition. These aren’t just names; they are echoes of saints, scholars, emperors, and martyrs who shaped the course of history.
This guide is dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of Constantinople Orthodox baby names. Whether you share this heritage or are simply captivated by its timeless beauty, you’ll find names that resonate with spiritual significance and historical grandeur. From names whispered in the hallowed halls of the Hagia Sophia to those celebrated in Greek communities worldwide, each one tells a story of faith. Let’s journey together to find the perfect name that honors this incredible legacy.

Table of Contents
About the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople holds a special place in Christianity, recognized as the “first among equals” within the Eastern Orthodox Church. Its origins trace back to the Apostle Andrew, who founded the see in the ancient city of Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). Since the 4th century, it has been a guiding spiritual center.
A core practice in this tradition is naming a child at baptism, often after a saint. This creates a lifelong bond with a heavenly patron, and the saint’s feast day becomes the child’s “name day” (onomastiki eorti), an event often celebrated more than a birthday. These Constantinople Orthodox baby names are deeply intertwined with the Byzantine Empire, early Christian theologians, and a vast diaspora of Greek Orthodox faithful across the globe.
Boy Names from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
These names carry the weight of apostles, the wisdom of Church Fathers, and the strength of Byzantine emperors. Choosing one is a way to connect your son to a powerful lineage of faith and history. Many of these Constantinople Orthodox baby names remain beloved classics today.
No. | Name | Meaning | Religious/Cultural Significance |
1 | Andreas | Manly, Brave | The First-Called Apostle and patron saint of the Patriarchate. |
2 | Georgios | Farmer | St. George the Great Martyr, one of the most revered military saints. |
3 | Dimitrios | Devotee of Demeter | St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki, a great martyr and miracle-worker. |
4 | Nikolaos | Victory of the People | St. Nicholas of Myra, the beloved Wonderworker and inspiration for Santa Claus. |
5 | Ioannis | God is Gracious | St. John the Baptist (Prodromos) and St. John the Theologian (Evangelist). |
6 | Konstantinos | Constant, Steadfast | St. Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman Emperor. |
7 | Athanasios | Immortal | St. Athanasius the Great of Alexandria, a champion of Orthodoxy. |
8 | Vasilios | Royal, Kingly | St. Basil the Great, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs. |
9 | Theodoros | Gift of God | A common name for many saints, including St. Theodore the General. |
10 | Alexios | Defender | Name of Byzantine emperors and saints, like St. Alexios the Man of God. |
11 | Petros | Rock, Stone | The Apostle Peter, the “rock” upon which the Church was built. |
12 | Pavlos | Small, Humble | The Apostle Paul, the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” |
13 | Grigorios | Watchful, Alert | St. Gregory the Theologian and St. Gregory of Nyssa. |
14 | Christos | Anointed One | Directly refers to Jesus Christ; a very common and revered name. |
15 | Emmanuel | God is with Us | A prophetic name for Jesus Christ, meaning “God with us.” |
16 | Spyridon | Spirit, Basket | St. Spyridon of Trimythous, a miracle-working bishop and patron of Corfu. |
17 | Evangelos | Bringer of Good News | Related to the Gospel (Evangelion). Often shortened to Vangelis. |
18 | Lazaros | God is my Help | St. Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. |
19 | Sotirios | Savior | A name referring to Christ as the Savior. Its feast day is August 6th. |
20 | Stephanos | Crown, Wreath | St. Stephen the Protomartyr, the first Christian martyr. |
21 | Filippos | Lover of Horses | The Apostle Philip. |
22 | Anastasios | Resurrection | A name celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Common for boys born near Easter. |
23 | Panagiotis | All-Holy | Refers to the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). One of the most popular Greek names. |
24 | Kyriakos | Of the Lord | From “Kyrios” (Lord). Often given to boys born on a Sunday (Kyriaki). |
25 | Elias | The Lord is my God | The Prophet Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. |
26 | Iakovos | Supplanter | The Apostle James. |
27 | Loukas | From Lucania | The Apostle Luke, the Evangelist and physician. |
28 | Markos | Warlike | The Apostle Mark, the Evangelist. |
29 | Matthaios | Gift of God | The Apostle Matthew, the Evangelist. |
30 | Chrysostomos | Golden-Mouthed | St. John Chrysostom, a great orator and Archbishop of Constantinople. |
31 | Eleftherios | Free | St. Eleftherios, a revered bishop and martyr. |
32 | Haralambos | Shining with Joy | St. Haralambos, a priest-martyr who is a protector against plagues. |
33 | Ierotheos | Consecrated to God | A saint and disciple of the Apostle Paul. |
34 | Gerasimos | Honorable, Respected | St. Gerasimos of Kefalonia, a beloved modern ascetic saint. |
35 | Neophytos | Newly Planted | St. Neophytos the Recluse of Cyprus. |
36 | Panteleimon | All-Merciful | St. Panteleimon, a great martyr and unmercenary physician. |
37 | Savvas | Old Man, Elder | St. Savvas the Sanctified, a major figure in monasticism. |
38 | Silouan | Forest | St. Silouan the Athonite, a 20th-century monastic saint. |
39 | Stylianos | Pillar | St. Stylianos of Paphlagonia, the protector of children. |
40 | Tryphon | Delicate, Soft | St. Tryphon the Martyr, protector of gardens and fields. |
41 | Aristides | Best | St. Aristides of Athens, an early Christian apologist. |
42 | Damaskinos | From Damascus | St. John of Damascus, a great theologian and hymnographer. |
43 | Efstathios | Stable, Well-Established | St. Eustathius the Great Martyr. |
44 | Fotios | Light | St. Photios the Great, a renowned Patriarch of Constantinople. |
45 | Ioustinos | Just, Fair | St. Justin the Martyr and Philosopher. |
46 | Leonidas | Son of a Lion | St. Leonidas of Athens, a martyr. |
47 | Maximos | Greatest | St. Maximus the Confessor, a prominent theologian. |
48 | Nektarios | Of Nectar, Drink of the Gods | St. Nektarios of Aegina, a beloved 20th-century saint. |
49 | Prokopios | Progress, Advancement | St. Procopius the Great Martyr. |
50 | Romanos | Roman | St. Romanos the Melodist, a famous hymnographer. |
51 | Stavros | Cross | A name celebrating the Holy Cross of Christ. |
52 | Thaddeus | Heart, Courageous | One of the Twelve Apostles. |
53 | Timotheos | Honoring God | St. Timothy, a disciple of the Apostle Paul. |
54 | Titos | To Honor | St. Titus, a disciple of the Apostle Paul. |
55 | Zacharias | The Lord has Remembered | The father of St. John the Baptist. |
56 | Ambrose | Immortal | St. Ambrose of Milan, an influential Church Father. |
57 | Arkadios | From Arcadia | A Byzantine Emperor and a saint’s name. |
58 | Arsenios | Virile, Strong | St. Arsenios the Great and St. Arsenios of Cappadocia. |
59 | Vartholomeos | Son of Tolmai | The Apostle Bartholomew; also the name of the current Ecumenical Patriarch. |
60 | Gennadios | Noble, Generous | Name of a Patriarch of Constantinople. |
61 | Isidoros | Gift of Isis | St. Isidore of Chios, a martyr. |
62 | Kallinikos | Beautiful Victory | A martyr saint. |
63 | Kassianos | Vain, Empty | St. John Cassian, an important figure in Western monasticism. |
64 | Kiprianos | From Cyprus | St. Cyprian of Carthage, a bishop and martyr. |
65 | Klementos | Mild, Merciful | St. Clement of Rome, an early pope. |
66 | Kornilios | Horn | Cornelius the Centurion, the first Gentile convert to Christianity. |
67 | Kosmas | Order, Decency | St. Cosmas, an unmercenary physician, twin of St. Damian. |
68 | Damianos | To Tame, Subdue | St. Damian, an unmercenary physician, twin of St. Cosmas. |
69 | Leontios | Lion-like | A name of Byzantine emperors and saints. |
70 | Mihail | Who is like God? | The Archangel Michael. |
71 | Gavriil | God is my Strength | The Archangel Gabriel. |
72 | Onoufrios | He who is always good | St. Onuphrius, an Egyptian desert father. |
73 | Paisios | Of a Child | St. Paisios of Mount Athos, a highly revered modern saint. |
74 | Porphyrios | Purple-Clad | St. Porphyrios of Gaza and the modern St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia. |
75 | Raphael | God has Healed | The Archangel Raphael. |
76 | Seraphim | Fiery Ones | St. Seraphim of Sarov; refers to the highest rank of angels. |
77 | Simeon | He has Heard | St. Simeon the God-Receiver, who met the infant Christ in the Temple. |
78 | Theodosios | Giving to God | Theodosius the Great, a Roman emperor who made Christianity the state religion. |
79 | Theofanis | Manifestation of God | Connected to the feast of Theophany (Epiphany). |
80 | Theophilos | Friend of God | The person to whom the Gospel of Luke and Acts are addressed. |
81 | Xenofon | Foreign Voice | A saint from Constantinople. |
82 | Akakios | Innocent, Not Evil | A popular saint’s name in the Orthodox Church. |
83 | Anthimos | Flower, Blossom | A name borne by saints and patriarchs. |
84 | Apollos | Destroyer | An eloquent preacher mentioned in the New Testament. |
85 | Chariton | Grace, Kindness | St. Chariton the Confessor. |
86 | Efthymios | In Good Spirits | A name of saints and patriarchs. |
87 | Ignatios | Fiery | St. Ignatius of Antioch, a bishop and martyr. |
88 | Ieremias | God will Uplift | The Prophet Jeremiah. |
89 | Ionas | Dove | The Prophet Jonah. |
90 | Iosif | God will Increase | Joseph the Betrothed. |
91 | Ioulianos | Youthful | St. Julian the Martyr. |
92 | Menas | Month | St. Menas the Great Martyr of Egypt. |
93 | Nestor | Homecoming | A wise figure from the Iliad; also a Christian martyr. |
94 | Nikon | Victor | St. Nikon the “Metanoeite” (Repent). |
95 | Parthenios | Virginal, Pure | A saint’s name, often associated with monasticism. |
96 | Polikarpos | Much Fruit | St. Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of the Apostle John. |
97 | Samson | Sun | The Old Testament judge. |
98 | Tarasios | From Taras | St. Tarasios, a Patriarch of Constantinople. |
99 | Valerios | Strong, Healthy | A Roman name borne by Christian martyrs. |
100 | Zosimas | Viable, Likely to Survive | St. Zosimas of Palestine, associated with St. Mary of Egypt. |
Girl Names from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
These beautiful names for girls are steeped in grace, virtue, and faith. They honor the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary), courageous female martyrs, wise empresses, and the very concepts of wisdom, hope, and love that are central to the faith.
No. | Name | Meaning | Religious/Cultural Significance |
1 | Maria | Bitter, Wished-for Child | The most honored name, for the Panagia (Theotokos), the Mother of God. |
2 | Eleni | Light, Torch | St. Helen, mother of Constantine the Great, who found the Holy Cross. |
3 | Aikaterini | Pure | St. Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria, a patron of wisdom. |
4 | Sofia | Wisdom | St. Sophia and her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Love. A core virtue. |
5 | Anastasia | Resurrection | St. Anastasia the Great Martyr, traditionally for girls born near Easter. |
6 | Varvara | Foreign, Strange | St. Barbara the Great Martyr, a protector against sudden death. |
7 | Irini | Peace | St. Irene the Great Martyr. A name reflecting a central Christian virtue. |
8 | Anna | Grace, Favor | St. Anna, the mother of the Theotokos. |
9 | Theodora | Gift of God | St. Theodora the Empress, who restored the veneration of icons. |
10 | Zoe | Life | A popular early Christian name; St. Zoe of Rome. |
11 | Paraskevi | Preparation | St. Paraskevi of Rome, a healer of the blind. The name for Friday. |
12 | Dimitra | Devotee of Demeter | The feminine form of Dimitrios. |
13 | Georgia | Farmer | The feminine form of Georgios. |
14 | Ioanna | God is Gracious | The feminine form of Ioannis; one of the Myrrh-bearing women. |
15 | Christina | Follower of Christ | St. Christina the Great Martyr. |
16 | Fotini | Luminous, Full of Light | St. Photini, the Samaritan woman who spoke with Christ at the well. |
17 | Lydia | From Lydia | St. Lydia of Philippi, the first documented Christian convert in Europe. |
18 | Marina | Of the Sea | St. Marina the Great Martyr. |
19 | Kyriaki | Of the Lord | St. Kyriaki the Great Martyr. The name for Sunday. |
20 | Vasiliki | Royal, Queenly | Feminine form of Vasilios. A popular name in Greece. |
21 | Evangelia | Good News | Feminine form of Evangelos, related to the Gospel. |
22 | Magdalini | From Magdala | St. Mary Magdalene, “Equal to the Apostles.” |
23 | Margarita | Pearl | St. Marina of Antioch is sometimes known as Margarita. |
24 | Stefania | Crown, Wreath | Feminine form of Stephanos. |
25 | Despina | Lady, Mistress | A title for the Theotokos, meaning “Our Lady.” |
26 | Agape | Love | One of St. Sophia’s daughters; refers to selfless, divine love. |
27 | Elpida | Hope | One of St. Sophia’s daughters. |
28 | Pisti | Faith | One of St. Sophia’s daughters. |
29 | Thalia | To Blossom | One of the Holy Forty Virgin Martyrs. |
30 | Phoebe | Bright, Radiant | A deaconess mentioned by St. Paul in the Epistle to the Romans. |
31 | Xenia | Hospitality | St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, a “Fool-for-Christ.” |
32 | Eugenia | Well-Born, Noble | St. Eugenia of Rome, a martyr. |
33 | Filothei | Friend of God | St. Philothei of Athens, a martyr and patroness of Athens. |
34 | Elisavet | My God is an Oath | St. Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist. |
35 | Kalliopi | Beautiful Voice | St. Kalliopi, a martyr. Also the name of the muse of epic poetry. |
36 | Markella | Warlike | St. Markella of Chios, a virgin martyr. |
37 | Nektaria | Of Nectar | Feminine form of Nektarios. |
38 | Olympia | From Olympus | St. Olympias the Deaconess, a friend of St. John Chrysostom. |
39 | Pelagia | Of the Sea | St. Pelagia the Penitent. |
40 | Seraphima | Fiery One | Feminine form of Seraphim. |
41 | Sylvia | From the Forest | A saint and mother of St. Gregory the Great. |
42 | Tatiani | Father’s Daughter | St. Tatiana of Rome, a deaconess and martyr. |
43 | Thekla | Glory of God | St. Thekla, “Equal to the Apostles” and a disciple of St. Paul. |
44 | Ariadne | Most Holy | A martyr saint from Phrygia. |
45 | Afroditi | Sea Foam | Aphrodite was canonized as St. Aphrodite. |
46 | Agnes | Pure, Chaste | St. Agnes of Rome, a virgin martyr. (Greek form is Hagne). |
47 | Anysia | Fulfillment | A martyr from Thessaloniki. |
48 | Argyro | Silver | St. Argyre, a neo-martyr. |
49 | Athanasia | Immortal | Feminine form of Athanasios. |
50 | Chrisi | Golden | St. Chryse, a neo-martyr. |
51 | Domniki | Of the Lord | Feminine of Dominikos; a saint’s name. |
52 | Dorothea | Gift of God | St. Dorothy of Caesarea. |
53 | Eirini-Chrisovalantou | Peace-Golden Casket | For St. Irene Chrysovalantou, a revered monastic saint. |
54 | Efrosyni | Mirth, Cheerfulness | St. Euphrosyne the Younger. |
55 | Efpraxia | Good Conduct | A monastic saint. |
56 | Eftychia | Happiness, Good Fortune | A name associated with joy and blessings. |
57 | Eudokia | Good Will, Good Thought | A name of empresses and saints. |
58 | Evgenia | Noble | Feminine form of Evgenios (Eugene). |
59 | Gavriela | God is my Strength | Feminine of Gavriil (Gabriel). |
60 | Glikeria | Sweet | St. Glyceria, a martyr. |
61 | Haritini | Grace | From ‘charis’ (grace), a martyr saint. |
62 | Ioulia | Youthful | St. Julia of Carthage. |
63 | Ioustina | Just, Fair | St. Justina, who was martyred with St. Cyprian. |
64 | Isidora | Gift of Isis | The female version of Isidoros; St. Isidora, a “Fool-for-Christ.” |
65 | Kassiani | Vain, Empty | St. Kassiani the Hymnographer, an influential female composer. |
66 | Koralia | Coral | A modern name with saintly association through St. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene. |
67 | Mihaila | Who is like God? | Feminine form of Mihail (Michael). |
68 | Myrtia | Myrtle Tree | Associated with the Theotokos (Panagia Myrtidiotissa). |
69 | Nefeli | Cloud | From Greek mythology, now a popular modern name. |
70 | Nikoleta | Victory of the People | Feminine form of Nikolaos. |
71 | Persa | From Persia | A modern Greek name. |
72 | Petroula | Rock, Stone | Feminine form of Petros. |
73 | Polixeni | Very Hospitable | St. Polyxena, a disciple of the Apostles. |
74 | Savvina | Sabbath | A martyr saint. |
75 | Stamatia | Stop | Given to families who wished to have no more children; from St. Stamatios. |
76 | Styliani | Pillar | Feminine form of Stylianos; St. Stylianos protects children. |
77 | Sotiria | Salvation | Feminine form of Sotirios. |
78 | Susanna | Lily | A figure from the Old Testament. |
79 | Theofania | Manifestation of God | Connected to the feast of Theophany (Epiphany). |
80 | Theofili | Friend of God | Feminine form of Theofilos. |
81 | Theologia | Study of God | A rare name reflecting devotion. |
82 | Thomais | Twin | St. Thomais of Lesbos. |
83 | Alexandra | Defender of Mankind | St. Alexandra the Empress, martyred with St. George. |
84 | Anthi | Flower | A popular modern name. |
85 | Aspasia | Welcome, Embraced | A martyr saint. |
86 | Chariklia | Glory of Grace | Feminine of Charikles. |
87 | Dafni | Laurel Tree | A popular modern name, rooted in Greek mythology. |
88 | Danae | Parched | From mythology, now a popular name. |
89 | Eleonora | Light, Mercy | A name of European origin popular in Greece. |
90 | Ermioni | From Hermes | A martyr and daughter of the Apostle Philip. |
91 | Febronia | Purifying | St. Febronia, a revered virgin martyr. |
92 | Ifigenia | Strong-born | A figure from mythology who became a saint. |
93 | Ismini | Knowledge | A figure from mythology. |
94 | Kleoniki | Glorious Victory | A martyr saint. |
95 | Melania | Black, Dark | St. Melania the Younger, a Desert Mother. |
96 | Myrofora | Myrrh-bearer | Refers to the Myrrh-bearing Women who anointed Christ’s body. |
97 | Salome | Peace | One of the Myrrh-bearing women. |
98 | Veroniki | Bringer of Victory | St. Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus. |
99 | Zenovia | Life of Zeus | St. Zenovia, martyred with her brother Zenobios. |
100 | Rafaela | God has Healed | Feminine form of Raphael. |
Ecumenical Patriarchate Names
These names have a special resonance with the history and figures of the Patriarchate itself, including influential patriarchs, theologians, and historical figures.
No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
1 | Vartholomeos | Son of Tolmai | The name of the current Ecumenical Patriarch. |
2 | Athina | Wise | Athenagoras was a notable 20th-century Patriarch. |
3 | Fotios | Light | St. Photios the Great, a towering intellectual figure and Patriarch. |
4 | Chrysostomos | Golden-Mouthed | St. John Chrysostom, one of the most famous Archbishops of Constantinople. |
5 | Tarasios | From Taras | A Patriarch who presided over the 7th Ecumenical Council. |
6 | Ignatios | Fiery | St. Ignatius, a Patriarch of Constantinople. |
7 | Gennadios | Noble | Gennadios Scholarios was the first Patriarch after the fall of Constantinople. |
8 | Grigorios | Watchful, Alert | Gregory the Theologian was briefly Archbishop of Constantinople. |
9 | Ieremias | God will Uplift | Jeremiah II was a significant Patriarch during the Reformation. |
10 | Maximos | Greatest | Name of several Patriarchs and St. Maximus the Confessor. |
11 | Methodios | Method, Pursuit | A Patriarch of Constantinople and a missionary. |
12 | Nestorios | Homecoming | A controversial but historically significant Archbishop. |
13 | Pavlos | Small, Humble | St. Paul the Confessor, a Patriarch of Constantinople. |
14 | Proklos | For glory | A 5th-century Archbishop and saint. |
15 | Sergios | Servant | A 7th-century Patriarch. |
16 | Kassiani | Vain, Empty | The great female hymnographer of Constantinople. |
17 | Pulcheria | Beautiful | An empress and saint who defended Orthodox doctrine. |
18 | Irene | Peace | The Athenian empress who restored icon veneration. |
19 | Olympia | From Olympus | St. Olympias, a deaconess and supporter of St. John Chrysostom. |
20 | Theofano | Manifestation of God | Name of Byzantine empresses. |
21 | Zoe | Life | A powerful Byzantine empress. |
22 | Byzantion | N/A | The ancient Greek name for the city of Constantinople. |
23 | Cyril | Lordly | Cyril Lucaris was a controversial but influential Patriarch. |
24 | Demetrius | Devotee of Demeter | Demetrius I was a 20th-century Ecumenical Patriarch. |
25 | Eugenios | Well-born | A Patriarch during the Council of Florence. |
26 | Flavian | Golden-haired | A martyred Archbishop of Constantinople. |
27 | Germanos | Brother | A Patriarch and saint. |
28 | Iosif | God will Increase | A Patriarch who died during the Council of Florence. |
29 | Meletios | Careful, Attentive | Meletius Metaxakis was a modernizing Patriarch. |
30 | Niphon | Sober, Calm | A saint and Patriarch of Constantinople. |
Greek Orthodox Names
While there is huge overlap, this list focuses on names that are especially popular and cherished within Greek Orthodox communities today. These are the names you’ll hear in every Greek church and family gathering. These names are a cornerstone of the broader list of Constantinople Orthodox baby names.
No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
1 | Panagiotis | All-Holy | One of the most common male names, honoring the Theotokos. |
2 | Eleni | Light, Torch | Perennially popular, for St. Helen. |
3 | Stavros | Cross | A name celebrating the Holy Cross. |
4 | Katerina | Pure | The ever-popular name of St. Catherine. |
5 | Sotiris | Savior | A name honoring Christ the Savior. |
6 | Vasiliki | Royal | Extremely popular feminine name. |
7 | Spyridon | Spirit | Beloved name, especially in Corfu, for St. Spyridon. |
8 | Haralambos | Shining with Joy | A revered saint known for his miraculous intercessions. |
9 | Nektarios | Of Nectar | The beloved modern saint of Aegina. |
10 | Paisios | Of a Child | A revered modern saint from Mount Athos. |
11 | Gerasimos | Honorable | The patron saint of the island of Kefalonia. |
12 | Fanourios | He who reveals | St. Phanourios, who helps find lost things. |
13 | Stylianos | Pillar | The protector of children. |
14 | Artemis | Butcher; Safe | Ancient name, popular today. |
15 | Thanos | Immortal | Short form of Athanasios. |
16 | Yiannis/Yianna | God is Gracious | The most common forms of John/Joanna. |
17 | Kostas/Konstantina | Constant | The most common forms of Constantine/Constantina. |
18 | Miltiadis | Red Earth | Ancient Greek hero name, popular today. |
19 | Leonidas | Son of a Lion | The famous Spartan king, a popular modern name. |
20 | Andreas | Manly | Always a classic. |
21 | Angeliki/Angelos | Angelic, Messenger | A very popular name for both boys and girls. |
22 | Despina | Lady | A name for the Virgin Mary. |
23 | Ilias | The Lord is my God | The Prophet Elijah. |
24 | Mihalis | Who is like God? | The common Greek form of Michael. |
25 | Petros | Rock | The Apostle Peter. |
26 | Alexandra | Defender of Mankind | A classic and regal name. |
27 | Evdokia | Good Will | A beautiful and traditional name. |
28 | Maro | Bitter | A common diminutive of Maria. |
29 | Nikos | Victory of the People | The most common diminutive of Nikolaos. |
30 | Sofia | Wisdom | Always one of the most popular names for girls. |
Eastern Orthodox Baby Names
This list broadens the scope to include names common across the wider Eastern Orthodox world that are also found within the Greek tradition, showing the beautiful unity of the faith.
No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
1 | Olga | Holy | St. Olga of Kyiv, a princess and saint. |
2 | Vladimir | To Rule with Greatness | St. Vladimir the Great, who Christianized Kievan Rus’. |
3 | Seraphim | Fiery Ones | St. Seraphim of Sarov, a beloved Russian saint. |
4 | Tatiana | Father’s Daughter | St. Tatiana of Rome, particularly revered in Slavic countries. |
5 | Daria | To Possess Good | A martyr saint popular in Eastern Europe. |
6 | Nina | N/A | St. Nina, the “Enlightener of Georgia.” |
7 | Galina | Calm, Tranquil | A 3rd-century martyr. |
8 | Irina | Peace | The Slavic form of Irene, very popular. |
9 | Luka | From Lucania | The Slavic form of Loukas (Luke). |
10 | Marko | Warlike | The Slavic form of Markos (Mark). |
11 | Milan | Gracious, Dear | A popular Serbian name. |
12 | Nadia | Hope | A popular version of Elpida in Slavic traditions. |
13 | Svetlana | Light, Luminous | The Slavic equivalent of Photini. |
14 | Alexei | Defender | The Russian form of Alexios. |
15 | Irinej | Peace | The Serbian form of Irenaeus. |
16 | Kira | Lady, Ruler | The feminine form of Kyros (Cyrus). |
17 | Lazar | God is my Help | St. Lazar of Serbia, a prince and martyr. |
18 | Radmila | Happy Grace | A Slavic name meaning ‘happy grace’. |
19 | Rostislav | Increase Glory | A Slavic princely name. |
20 | Stefan | Crown | The Slavic form of Stephanos, very common in Serbia. |
21 | Tamara | Palm Tree | St. Tamara, a great queen of Georgia. |
22 | Vera | Faith | The Slavic form of Pisti (Faith). |
23 | Zlata | Golden | A Slavic name with the same meaning as Chrisi. |
24 | Anastasiya | Resurrection | The Slavic form of Anastasia. |
25 | Bogdan | Gift of God | The Slavic equivalent of Theodoros. |
26 | Feodor | Gift of God | The Russian form of Theodoros. |
27 | Yuri | Farmer | The Russian form of Georgios (George). |
28 | Yekaterina | Pure | The Russian form of Aikaterini (Catherine). |
29 | Helena | Light, Torch | The Latinized/Slavic form of Eleni. |
30 | Sofia | Wisdom | Universally popular across all Orthodox countries. |
Historic Christian Names
This selection focuses on historic Christian names from the early Church and Byzantine era, perfect for parents who love antiquity and deeply rooted traditions. These are foundational Constantinople Orthodox baby names.
No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
1 | Irenaeus | Peaceful | St. Irenaeus of Lyon, an important early Church Father. |
2 | Clement | Mild, Merciful | St. Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father. |
3 | Polycarp | Much Fruit | St. Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of St. John. |
4 | Ignatius | Fiery | St. Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote influential letters. |
5 | Justin | Just, Fair | St. Justin the Martyr, an early apologist. |
6 | Prisca | Ancient | Priscilla, a New Testament figure and co-worker of St. Paul. |
7 | Aquila | Eagle | Aquila, husband of Priscilla. |
8 | Linus | Flax | The second pope of Rome, mentioned in the New Testament. |
9 | Papias | Father | An Apostolic Father from the 2nd century. |
10 | Ambrose | Immortal | St. Ambrose of Milan, a Doctor of the Church. |
11 | Jerome | Sacred Name | St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate). |
12 | Augustine | Great, Majestic | St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the most important figures in Western Christianity. |
13 | Theodosius | Giving to God | Roman Emperor who made Christianity the state religion. |
14 | Justinian | Just, Fair | A great Byzantine Emperor and saint who built the Hagia Sophia. |
15 | Theophilos | Friend of God | The recipient of Luke’s Gospel and Acts. |
16 | Cornelius | Horn | The first Gentile convert in the New Testament. |
17 | Hilarion | Cheerful | St. Hilarion the Great, a prominent ascetic. |
18 | Pachomius | Thick | St. Pachomius, the founder of cenobitic (communal) monasticism. |
19 | Apollos | Destroyer | An eloquent preacher from Alexandria mentioned in Acts. |
20 | Barnabas | Son of Encouragement | A companion of the Apostle Paul. |
21 | Felicity | Luck, Good Fortune | St. Felicity, martyred with St. Perpetua in Carthage. |
22 | Perpetua | Everlasting | St. Perpetua, a noblewoman and martyr. |
23 | Phoebe | Bright, Radiant | A deaconess of the church at Cenchreae. |
24 | Silas | Forest | A companion of Paul and Peter. |
25 | Titus | To Honor | A companion of St. Paul and bishop of Crete. |
26 | Zenas | Gift of Zeus | Zenas the Lawyer, mentioned by St. Paul. |
27 | Hermas | Messenger | Author of “The Shepherd of Hermas,” an early Christian text. |
28 | Pantaenus | All-Praiseworthy | Head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria. |
29 | Quadratus | Square | An early Christian apologist. |
30 | Macrina | Long, Tall | St. Macrina the Younger, a Desert Mother and sister of Ss. Basil and Gregory. |
📌 Conclusion
Choosing a name from the tradition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is more than a nod to history; it’s an act of planting your child’s identity in the rich soil of faith. These Constantinople Orthodox baby names have been carried through generations, a testament to their enduring power and beauty. They connect us to the saints who guide us, the virtues that ground us, and a spiritual heritage that spans two millennia.
We hope this guide has inspired you and brought you closer to finding that perfect name. We encourage you to bookmark this page and share it with other expecting parents who might appreciate this timeless tradition.
Still deciding? Browse more faith-based baby name lists on Teamnamecraft.com.
❓ FAQs
1. What makes Constantinople Orthodox baby names unique?
Their uniqueness comes from a powerful blend of influences: Greek language and mythology, Roman imperial history, early Christian martyrdom, Byzantine culture, and deep Orthodox theology. This creates a list of names that are both historically significant and spiritually profound.
2. What are “name days” in the Orthodox tradition?
A “name day” (onomastiki eorti) is the feast day of the saint after whom a person is named. In many Orthodox cultures, especially Greek, it is a more significant celebration than a birthday, involving church services, family feasts, and well-wishes.
3. Can I use these names if I’m not Greek or Orthodox?
Absolutely! These names belong to the shared heritage of all of Christianity. Their beautiful meanings, strong sounds, and ties to universal figures like apostles and early saints make them a wonderful choice for any family seeking a meaningful, historic name.
4. What are the most popular saint names from this tradition?
Among the most beloved and popular are Georgios (George), Dimitrios, Nikolaos, and Ioannis for boys, and Maria, Eleni (Helen), Aikaterini (Catherine), and Sofia for girls. These names are timeless classics.
5. Are there specific naming traditions after baptism?
Yes, it’s a strong tradition to name a child after a saint, providing them with a patron and protector for life. It is also common to name children after their grandparents as a sign of respect and to continue the family lineage. The name is officially given during the baptism service.
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