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Athena

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-THEE-nuh /əˈθiː.nə/High

Meaning: Name of the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts; ultimate etymology uncertainMedium

In 30 seconds: The name of the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, Athena carries millennia of intellectual and martial power. It has been climbing U.S. charts steadily as mythological names surge in popularity.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningName of the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts; ultimate etymology uncertain
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 31,186

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719022017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Athena is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare strategy, and crafts. The etymology of the name itself is pre-Greek and uncertain; some scholars suggest a connection to words meaning 'sharp' or 'keen.'

As a given name Athena has been used in Greece for centuries and entered broader English-speaking use in the 20th century. The vogue for powerful mythological names has pushed it into the U.S. top 100 girls' names.

Did you know? Athens, the capital of Greece, takes its name from the goddess Athena — or vice versa; scholars still debate which came first.

Variations

AtheneAtenaAthína

Nicknames

ThenaAttie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Athena (mythology) (ancient)
    Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare strategy, and crafts; patron deity of Athens.

If you like Athena…

Iris— Greek goddess name with the same mythological elegance and brevity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Athena mean?

Athena is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. The name's pre-Greek etymology is uncertain but is associated with wisdom and sharpness.

How do you pronounce Athena?

It is said uh-THEE-nuh /əˈθiː.nə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Athena a boy or girl name?

Athena is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Athena?

Athena has been climbing steadily in the U.S. and is now among the top 100 girls' names, buoyed by interest in mythological names.