New Office for National Statistics (ONS) baby name data for 2025 shows parents in England and Wales are increasingly choosing names inspired by Greek mythology. The data, analysed by JoJo Maman Bébé, reveals the most popular mythological names for both girls and boys.
Top Girls' Names from Greek Mythology
The top five most popular Greek mythological names for girls are Penelope, Athena, Rhea, Persephone, and Gaia. Penelope, the famously faithful wife of Odysseus, holds the top spot with 1,174 babies given the name in 2025. Athena, goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, follows with 519 babies.
Top Boys' Names from Greek Mythology
For boys, the top five names are Atlas, Ares, Apollo, Artemis, and Perseus. Atlas, the Titan condemned to carry the weight of the heavens, was the most popular with 355 babies. Ares, the god of war and courage, also climbed the rankings.
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."
Shifting Tastes in Baby Names
Varsanyi added: "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."
The analysis incorporated the most sought-after names in 2025, names recording the greatest surges in popularity since 1996, and names suffering the steepest drops since 1996. Figures were drawn from the ONS Baby Names in England and Wales release, published on July 9, 2026.
Parents seeking a more distinctive choice might consider Apollo (39 babies) or Perseus (eight babies), according to the data.
