New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), analysed by JoJo Maman Bébé, has revealed which names drawn from Greek mythology are proving most popular among today's parents. Following the success of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, ancient Greece has once more captured the public's imagination, and this appears to be influencing baby name choices.
Top Five Most Popular Greek Mythological Names for Girls
The top five most popular Greek mythological names for girls are Penelope, Athena, Rhea, Persephone, and Gaia. Penelope, the famously faithful wife of Odysseus, leads the list. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, follows, with Rhea, the Titaness and mother of the original Olympian gods, coming third. Persephone, Queen of the Underworld and goddess of spring growth, and Gaia, Goddess of the Earth, complete the top five.
Top Five Most Popular Greek Mythological Names for Boys
For boys, the top five names are Atlas, Ares, Apollo, Artemis, and Perseus. Atlas, the Titan condemned to carry the weight of the heavens, is the most popular. Ares, the God of war and courage, is second, followed by Apollo, God of music, light, truth and healing. Artemis, traditionally the Goddess of the hunt, and Perseus, the demigod who defeated Medusa, round out the list.
Penelope Leads with 1,174 Babies Named in 2025
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.
Rare Choices Like Apollo and Perseus
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. The analysis covered 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.
