Maybe you don't first think of Greek mythological names as being ideal baby names for the modern day baby. However, over the years several names from Greek myths have been somewhat popular with parents. Here are 10 names for baby girls that are currently common.
1. Chloe
Chloe is, by far, the most popular name from Greek mythology on today's popularity charts. When ranked on the Social Security Name list, it appears in the number 9 slot. However, when you group alternate name spellings together, Chloe, Khloe, and Kloe, rank all the way up to the number three spot.
2. Alexandra
Alexandra has been a favorite name among parents for 3 decades now. Alexandra first cracked the top 100 names in the 80's and peaked in popularity in 1993. It still remains fairly high on the name charts still ranking within the top 100 names for 2010.
3. Melissa
Melissa, a powerhouse name landing in the top 10 from 1967-1984, has long been a common name. In recent years, the name has backslid down the charts. Many parents do not associate Melissa with Greek mythology, but in fact the name was that of a mountain nymph who took care of Zeus.
4. Penelope
Possibly made popular by the beautiful actress Penelope Cruz, the name Penelope came out of nowhere in 2001 to begin climbing US name charts. Though still fairly uncommon, the name is great choice for parents looking for a Greek name that is different but not completely odd.
5. Phoebe
Bet you can guess what TV show seems to have encouraged the popularity of this name of a Titan associated with the moon, the year following the debut of the show Friends, Phoebe began moving upwards on the charts. The name has not waned in popularity yet, and still is a favored choice for many parents.
6. Iris
Though not overly popular, Iris has held a consistent position on naming charts for over 100 years. Though she was never an extremely popular choice and has yet to make it in the top 100, the name is a timeless classic. With the increasing popularity of floral names, Iris might be right for your baby girl.
7. Cassandra
Cassandra peaked in her popularity in the early 80's, but continues to be a much loved name with a regal sound. The name of a Trojan princess, Cassandra means "shining upon man."
8. Selene
Selene often appears with the more popular spelling, Selena. Often associated with the tragic story of Latin pop-star, Selena reached its peak in popularity in 1995, the year of the singer's death. Selene was the goddess of the moon.
9. Cynthia
Cynthia was a name that dominated the top 10 list in the 60's, but has since dropped in popularity. Even so, the name has continuously appeared on name charts for over a century. This contributes to a familiarity with the name. Not strangely unusual, but certainly no longer common either.
10. Daphne
I know, I know. You hear this name, and you automatically think Scooby-Dooby-Doo. Even so, some parents seem to have maintained an affinity for the name. And perhaps the character from the sitcom, Frasier, helped to fuel the names popularity in recent years.
