Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Athens

Athens

♀ Girl

Pronounced ATH-enz /ˈæθ.ɪnz/High

Meaning: A place name: Athens, the capital of Greece, whose Greek name Athenai is bound to Athena, goddess of wisdom and the city's patron. As a given name it is modern and rare — a place name rather than a word meaning, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A city for a name: Athens is the Greek capital, guarded by Athena, goddess of wisdom (said 'ATH-enz'). A place name, which we note.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumGreek
MeaningA place name: Athens, the capital of Greece, whose Greek name Athenai is bound to Athena, goddess of wisdom and the city's patron. As a given name it is modern and rare — a place name rather than a word meaning, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#13630 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 49

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202320122024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Athens is the capital of Greece and the ancient home of philosophy, drama and democracy; its Greek name Athenai is inseparable from Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, the city's patron. Modern parents use it as a place name, and it carries no separate word meaning, which we note (said 'ATH-enz').

It appears only very rarely in U.S. records. Rare, classical, and boldly geographic.

Did you know? Athens takes its name from Athena — who, the myth says, won the city by giving it the olive tree. As a given name it is a modern place-name pick, which we note (said 'ATH-enz').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Athens — Greek capital; Athena link; place name

Variations

AthenaAthinaAthenes

Nicknames

AthieAthEnna

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Athens…

Sienna— a fellow Italian place name
Verona— a like city-name pick
Roma— a same classical geography
Savannah— a like place name turned girl's name

Explore names like Athens

By themegreekword-nameplace-nameclassical
By meaningGod / DivineWisdomGift / Blessing

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Athens mean?

Athens is the capital of Greece, its name bound to Athena, goddess of wisdom. It is a place name rather than a word with a meaning.

How do you pronounce Athens?

It's said ATH-enz — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Athens a boy or girl name?

Athens is used here as a girl's name; as a place name it is occasionally used for boys too.

How popular is Athens?

Athens is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia