Top 20 baby names inspired by mythology

Published 14:17 14 Feb 2023 GMT

Updated 16:14 14 Feb 2023 GMT

Sarah McKenna Barry

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From Tristan to Persephone, there are plenty to choose from.

Greek, Roman and Celtic mythology has long been a source of fascination and research for classical scholars, but mythology has also inspired parents in naming their children. According to research commissioned by Play Like Mum, mythical names remain a popular choice for parents in the UK. In fact, the toy company have even provided a list of the 10 most popular boys and girls names inspired by mythology. Greek mythology has proven to be the most inspirational for baby names. In the last decade, there were 64,216 babies named after figures from Greek myth in the UK.

It's not all Greek though. Many names on the list are derived from other ancient worlds, including Roman, Norse, Celtic and Arthurian. If you were planning on choosing a strong, classics-inspired moniker for your little one, do feel free to check out Play Like Mum's lists below.

Boys Mythical Names in the UK

1. Tristan Origin: Arthurian, Celtic Name count: 3,258 2. Phoenix Origin: Greek Name count: 2,156 3. Hector Origin: Arthurian, Greek Name count: 1,759 4. Cian Origin: Celtic Name count: 1,541

5. Troy

Origin: Greek Name count: 1,111

6. Hari Origin: Hindu Name count: 856 7. Loki Origin: Norse, Germanic Name count: 761 8. Orion Origin: Greek Name count: 661 9. Odin Origin: Norse, Germanic Name count: 652 10. Atlas Origin: Greek Name count: 578

Girls Mythical Names in the UK

1. Maia Origin: Greek Name count: 2,362 2. Athena Origin: Greek Name count: 1,862 3. Freyja Origin: Norse, Germanic Name count: 881 4. Rhea Origin: Greek Name count: 842 5. Juno Origin: Roman Name count: 803 Mother holding her baby

6. Phoenix Origin: Greek Name count: 719 7. Mara Origin: Slavic Name count: 627 8. Thalia Origin: Greek Name count: 612 9. Thiea Origin: Greek Name count: 607 10. Persephone Origin: Greek Name count: 442