These names have what it takes to be tomorrow’s superstars but remain hidden from everyday use. Orion is a beautiful name. The name has been used in more modern times — Anthea Disney was a relative to Walt Disney. (plus 38 at Rome) St Basil the Great, one of the 4 … Pollux was Castor’s twin half-brother, mentioned in both Greek and Roman mythology. Nephele isn’t common in the U.S., but it’s still a beautiful name we hope to see on the charts soon. Maurice A. Robinson and William G. Pierpont, The New Testament in the Original Greek: Byzantine Textform, 2005. Dionysius is the name of the Greek god of the grape harvest, wine and winemaking, fertility, theatre, religious ecstasy, and ritual madness. Echo is an unusual name but is prevalent in pop culture — an example is the character, Echo, on the CW series The 100. Apply this search to the user-submitted names, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results, the "relationship" is how the name relates to its parent name, name impressions are based on the ratings left by the behindthename.com community. Pan was the god of flocks. Greek names for girls include several classic names that have ranked highly in the the US for its entire history, most notably Catherine, Helen, and Margaret. In a time when place names are trending, this could fly high on the list. Asteria was the Titaness of falling stars and nocturnal oracles. Magdalena; Magdalena is must like Magdalen, and is a very precious name for a baby girl. One of the most enduring popular Greek names for girls in recent times, not only in the US but around the world, is Sophia, the name of the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. It was claimed that his music was so amazing that trees started dancing, and rivers stopped flowing to listen. Studies show we often tend to judge people by their names (1). However, it’s not the most popular Greek mythology name for girls. Biblical baby names are some of the most enduring of all time. With names like Philemon, Naphtali, and Kenan, the Bible has proven to be a treasure trove of unique names that can't be found elsewhere. During the 17th century, Lanthe was a favored name used by pastoral poets, and in the 19th century. Athena continues to gain steam as a girl’s name in the U.S. A few celebrities like Myleene Klass, Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson have used the name. We won't send you spam. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development. Priam had many children — the most notable ones were Paris and Hector. Alala sounds like a fancy celebrity baby name. If you are bored of the same common names you see in every novel and romantic comedy, then you should browse through ancient greek names to find something unique. She refused to marry unless her suitor could beat her in a footrace. Eryx is a name on our watchlist. It is frequently used in pop culture — it was also featured in the CW series The 100. In ancient Greece, Xanthe was a name often given to blonde baby girls. This name is borne by a soldier in the Old Testament. This is a somewhat scarce name in the U.S., but it isn’t too strange — Leander sounds like a fancier version of Alexander. Many of the biblical boy names and girl names you'll find represent strength and virtue. Penelope means “weaver” in Greek and was the name of Odysseus’ wife in Homer’s Odyssey. It’s a rare name in the U.S., but common in some European countries — in Italy, Leda is pronounced as lay-dah. Eos translates to “dawn” in Greek. Greek mythology inspires many baby names, and so does Ancient Greece, the birthplace of modern democracy, philosophy, medicine, the … If you have no clue who Herakles was, you may know him by his Roman name, Hercules (3). Pollux was immortal, while Castor wasn’t. It may be best known for being a main character in the Scooby Doo cartoons and movies. It’s laid back and could quickly become a new trending name. Demeter was the goddess of agriculture, growth, harvest, grain, and nourishment. When looking at Janus, he’s often depicted with two faces, gazing in opposite directions. Maia is the Greek word for “mother,” and in Greek mythology, she was the fair-haired daughter of Atlas. Adonis translates to “lord” in Greek. Despite Ajax being a mighty name with a strong meaning, it’s also the title of a cleanser. In addition to being a goddess, she was the messenger of Hera and Zeus, riding the rainbow between Olympus and Earth. Unsubscribe at any time. Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, civilization, and law and justice. In Roman history, Irene is spelled as Eirene — it became a famous name, especially in Europe in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece. This name is borne by a soldier in the Old Testament. It’s one of the more unusual names, which may or may not work in today’s society. The Trojan War in Troy is one of the most famed events in Greek mythology. A teacher; lofty; mountain of strength. It’s always been a poetic, perhaps even ethereal name, widely used in Greek myths and poetry. But long before this iconic show, Phoebe was a leader amongst women in the New Testament. Here are some tips on how to choose the best baby name for your little one. It’s perhaps too much for a first name but would make an unusual middle name. Today, Christian parents continue to value the ancient custom of choosing a biblical name with important significance for the life of their child. Unlike the Roman variant, Venus, Aphrodite is a goddess name, which rarely descends to mortal use. In ancient Greece, Hero means “demi-god,” and the name belonged to a woman. Abdiel. Damon stands for loyalty and unselfishness. Hector is also widely used in movies, books, and television shows. Clio was a Greek mythological muse, featured in heroic poetry and history. Aura has a rather tragic story, as Zeus ultimately made her into a fountain. The most famous Rhea is probably actress, author, and wife of Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman. Calypso is a known name, often used in movies and books and even for ships. She was included in Shelley’s, Georgette Heyer’s and Barbara Pym’s work. Parthenios may not be the best first name for a baby, but it could be an original middle name. Clio is an ancient Greek word for “glory,” and it’s pronounced klee-oh. Together, they were called Dioscuri. Although he isn’t a mythological character, we couldn’t make this list without mentioning him since his work has had a significant effect on Western culture. The name is also closely related to the modern-day Greek capital, Athens. Names are sorted … To the Romans, Maia meant the incarnation of Earth and was celebrated as the goddess of spring. In Greek, Hades means “unseen,” and he wasn’t exactly known for being a fun guy. Eros translates to “desire” in ancient Greek. However, it’s reputed to stem from the screeches an owl makes. The goddess Artemis killed him, and he was cast by Zeus to be the brightest constellation. Dionysius isn’t a widely used name — it’s unique. Gaia is popular among green parents — the name has an ecological element to it. Some famous examples include Cassandra Wilson and Charlie Sheen’s daughter. This came to an end once Zeus came of age and locked him away. Zeus was the sovereign god in Olympus. Lanthe means “purple flower” and was the name of a daughter of Oceanus, the ruler of the sea. Theseus was a legend in Greek mythology. She is linked to fertility and called upon to help women in childbirth. In ancient Greece, Anthea was a poetic symbol of spring. Because of the meaning of the name, it would be fantastic as a tribute to a Grandma Rose. It’s also a name we recognize from the Bible, where he was hospitable to St. Paul. If you like the name Aster, then you should consider Asteria. You will find unique and modern-sounding names, as well as the traditional names of the prophets and disciples. It’s perhaps a bit much for a human baby to bear. Griffins were the only creature worthy enough to pull Apollo’s carriage across the sky. Aaron. Aegle sounds like a fancy version of Adele, which makes it attractive. 250+ Biblical Boy Names With Meanings. It sounds excellent in the south or as a nickname or alternative for Cordelia or Adelia. Biblical Names, Hebrew Baby Names, Shakespearean … 23:22; … Search Belly Ballot to discover the popularity, meanings, and origins of thousands of names from around the world. Soldiers would cry out her name as their battle began. However, he was killed by Achilles at a young age. She was the goddess of peace and had one of the most recognizable names in mythical history. Since then, many Greek first names are have been heavily influenced by Christian values and the Bible, but also Greek mythology and the rich history and culture of Greece. Cronus is a rare name, which some might associate with rebellious behavior. Not to be confused with the Afro-Carribean music, Calypso was an island nymph and the daughter of Atlas. Download / Print Puzzle Puzzle Settings Game Theme Report a bug. Hera equates to “protectress” in Greek, and she was the queen of Greek gods. Aphrodite was the goddess of love. ADINA (1) Ἀδινά m & f Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek, Hebrew From Hebrew עֲדִינָא ('adina') meaning "delicate". Andromeda became a constellation, just like her mother. Yes, this … It would make a fantastic name for the son of musicians. Pandora is a rare, but quite beautiful name for a girl. In the New Testament bible, this is the name of Timothy's mother. Despite all his power, he did have a vulnerable spot dubbed the “Achilles heel,” which is an expression widely used to this day. One example is in the book and movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Endymion got his beauty from his father, Zeus. Hestia was the goddess of the hearth, chastity, and home. Spain and France each have their own version, being Leandro in Spanish and Leandre in French. It’s a bold name, which makes it one of the rare ones. It’s famous thanks to the French city and the well-known Paris Hilton. We must say, it’s a charming name that plays well on the tongue. Arete is one of the more subtle names on this list, which makes it good for a modern baby. 343 Ancient Greek Names And Their Meanings By Holly Riordan Updated May 15, 2018. It’s a quick pronunciation, like eros, but without the “r.”. In the New Testament bible, this is the name of the supreme masculine divinity of the Semitic nations, just as Ashtoreth (Greek Astarte) was their supreme feminine divinity. Ares was an ancient Greek god of war and one of the 12 Olympians — he was the son of Zeus and Hera. He was the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. Irene means “peace” in Greek, and it was the middle name of an ancient goddess named Serene Irene. In more modern times, the name Phoebe has been used for characters on the TV series, Friends and Charmed. She was the daughter of Polemos, who was the daemon of war. If Greek names bring to mind only Zeus, Aphrodite, or Apollo, think again. The name might also sound too wispy and wan for today’s babies. It can be shortened to make cute nicknames like Sandra, Sandy, Cassa and Cassie. He dwelled in the Elis region, where he was believed to be king. It was the name of a hero who fought during the Trojan War and is on the rise among parents who want a hero name for their little one. Perseus is one of those names that sound so old that it may be a unique modern-day choice. Some may be too outrageous for the U.S., while others fit right in. Unsplash / Arthur Yeti. In mythology, this is the name of a goddess of good omen, praise, and shouts of triumph. And Luke, which most of us presume to be a Biblical name, also has Greek roots. Halcyon means “kingfisher bird,” and it was a mythical bird mentioned in Greek mythology. It stems from the Greek god Zephyr or Zephyrus, who was the god of the west wind. He’s thought to ride his golden chariot across the skies, towing the sun from the east to the west. He’s not always depicted as a god — sometimes, he’s considered a spirit. It sounds like O’Ryan, a Gaelic name, but with an exotic twist. It works well both as a first and middle name. Paris is a known name, but mostly for girls. Ares is on the list of popular baby names this decade, where currently, it’s the 563rd most used name. These names are a subtle way to show your devotion without feeling too over the top or flashy. Troy is a name frequently used in the U.S. Its popularity peaked during the 1990s, and fell before the 2000s. Pandora was the name of a calamitous mythological girl — the name means “all gifted.” Pandora is said to let her curiosity get the better of her and opened a forbidden box that unleashed all evils upon the world. The name has often been used in pop culture. It was believed to have magical powers and was often inscribed on amulets and charms. Mara Paris was a mythological prince who is believed to have caused the Trojan war. With the help of Aphrodite, Paris managed to seduce Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman, who happened to be the wife of the king of Sparta. Herakles (also spelled Heracles) was one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology. The mythological Penelope was brought up by a duck. Calliope translates to “beautiful voice” in Greek. It’s a fantastic name for a baby girl, which may encourage her to be confident in herself when she needs to be. He was formerly known as Ajax the Great. He was famed for his incredible strength and endurance, which later earned him his immortal place in Olympus. There are various versions of Demeter, like Demetria. Phoebe is also a name from the Bible and Shakespeare. Derived from a Greek mythology figure, Adonis is a name often related to masculine beauty. Hero is of Greek and English origin. Eryx was known for being an excellent boxer, who, eventually, was defeated by none other than Hercules. Biblical Girl Names: Phoebe- Greek Meaning “Shining, Pure” The name Phoebe became popular in the 90s from the show Friends. She wasn’t viewed as a positive goddess. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. Cynthia is an attractive name, but its popularity in the mid-20th century means it is often associated with an older generation. Around the world, however, it’s quite popular — in Norway, it’s in the top 40. It’s a huge responsibility — how can you make it easier? He was celebrated for slaying the Minotaur. Still, if you want something unusual, then it could work. The legend says that she was gorgeous and attracted the attention of many gods including Hades, who took her to his world and married her, making her the goddess of the underworld. Acantha means “thorn” or “prickle” in Greek, and it was the name of a nymph. However, if you want an alternative, the Roman equivalent is Bacchus, which resembles Marcus in some ways. Actress Anne Heche helped put this name back on our lists after she named her baby Atlas in 2009. Around the second century AD, early Gnostics (ancient Greek religious thinkers) used the word to describe their god. Theseus isn’t a common name in the U.S. Triton was known as the messenger of the sea and son of Neptune. Since the early 2000s, Adonis’s popularity has grown immensely. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice. Pallas is a stylish girl’s name and would be amazing for artsy parents. Achilles means “thin-lipped” and was the name of one of the most famous Greek heroes. Cadmus is another mythical hero, known for slaying serpents. It’s not a decision to take lightly — a name is for life. Alala was the goddess of war-cry in Greek mythology. And, who doesn’t want to relate to the god of the sun? Pan means “shepherd” or “flock” in ancient Greek. According to ancient myths, Hermione was the daughter of the Spartan King Menelaus and Queen Helen. A list of all classic Biblical Hebrew names and their Biblical origin. Origin: Hebrew. He’s the son of King Agenor and the founder of Thebes. Ariadne is an ancient Greek word for “most holy.” It was the name of King Minos’ daughter. He does this every morning and then from west to east at night, representing the rising and setting of the sun. Aegle was the Greek goddess of good health. One way is to narrow your choices down to a specific category or meaning. BAAL ZEBUL ( בַּעַל־זְבוּל ): Variant form of Greek Beelzeboul , possibly meaning "lord or possessor of the high place." Delia has a charm to it that we can’t ignore. In ancient Greek, Hebe means “youth.” Hebe was the daughter of Hera and Zeus — she’s known as the goddess of youth. It is one of the most popular … Hermione means “messenger” or “earthly” in Greek. Arete was a goddess who people connected to attractive qualities like excellence, knowledge, and courage. Castor means “pious one” in Greek and defines one of the twins making up the Gemini constellation. Phoebe was the goddess of the moon and hunting. Homer was born between the 12th and 8th century BC, near the coast of Asia Minor. It’s a possible alternative to the now widely popular Cora. It’s a mythological name with some cutting-edge potential — James Hetfield from Metallica gave the name to his son born in 2000. She was the virgin goddess of innocence, precision, purity, and justice. Pallas means “wisdom” — it was the name of the goddess of wisdom and arts, called Pallas Athena. She was the daughter of Epione and Asclepius and was often seen as the employee of her father. Leda is Greek for “happy.” Leda was the beautiful mother of the also ravishing Helen of Troy. Leander is a name used to define “lion-man” in ancient Greek. Nereus was the father of the sea nymphs in Greek mythology. Mom Loves Best® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Greek Mythology Boy Names (Greek God Names) 1. Her Roman counterpart is Diana, but Artemis seems a more updated and upbeat name with a trendy vibe to it. Hestia translates to “hearth” or “fireside” in Greek. According to Greek legends, Oceanus was a Titan who ruled over the ocean. Hero was the lover of Leander, who swam across the waters to be with her every night. Selene, a Titan goddess of the moon, fell in love with Endymion and requested that Zeus granted his son eternal youth. Anthea was the goddess of flowers and floral wreaths, which is also what the name means in Greek. ADINA (1) Ἀδινά m & f Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek, Hebrew From Hebrew עֲדִינָא ('adina') meaning "delicate". The name hasn’t been on the baby name charts, and we’ll doubt it ever will be. This is an odd name, which could work for trendy families who aren’t afraid to be bold. Atalanta was a mythological maiden, famous for her incredible beauty and feisty personality. Poseidon was the god of the sea and is perhaps a better name than his Roman equivalent, Neptune. Nonetheless, the name sounds fresh and trendy enough to forget its origin. He was responsible for the sky, lightning, thunder, and fate, among many other things. With Nereus, there’s always the possibility of using nicknames like Nerio or Nereo. It’s a known name, although not popular, probably due to his reputation and potential “icky” nickname. Rhea translates to “flowing stream” and was the name of the earth mother of all gods in Greek mythology. It’s a name that comes with responsibility, which may encourage your child later on to be their best self. It was believed to have magical powers and was often inscribed on amulets and charms. This has been a popular name for decades — it peaked during the ‘70s where it scored third place. 100 Warlock, Wizard, and Witch Baby Names, 100 Nerdy and Geeky Baby Names (Boys & Girls). Odysseus was brave and resourceful — but the name might be too much for some parents. It’s also the name given to the largest of the planet Neptune’s moons. ABILENE Ἀβιληνή (Region) Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek Probably from Hebrew אָבֵל ('avel) meaning "meadow, grassy place" . Icarus got wax wings to escape the island of Crete, but he flew too close to the sun, and they melted. Priam was the legendary king of Troy, the home of the Trojan War. Cronus was the name of the youngest son of Gaea and Uranus — he was a leader of the first generation of Titans. Jesus (IPA: / ˈ dʒ iː z ə s /) is a masculine given name derived from the name Iēsous (Greek: Ἰησοῦς), the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua or Y'shua (Hebrew: ישוע ‎). Hector means “holding fast” in Greek. It’s perhaps not a favored name in the U.S., but in Italy, it’s in the top 200. He represents freedom as he encourages his followers to dance free of self-conscious care and fear. Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. She was celebrated poetically in ancient Greece — the best-known work is the Ode to Aphrodite, written by a female poet, Sappho. However, some suggest that he’s only the god of dreams, whereas his dad was the god of sleep. The name Calypso means “she who hides” in Greek. Despite its ancient roots, Eos sounds innovative and modern, while honoring Auntie Dawn. The popular U.S. show, Longmire, featured a prominent character named Hector. Nephele means “cloudy,” and it was the name of a goddess Zeus created from clouds. In Greek mythology, Cybele was the goddess of health, fertility and nature. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. He was the god of music, the sun, medicine, and poetry, amongst others. The names has its origins on the beautiful antique languages Latin, Hebrew and Greek, which wore the most common languages spoken at the time that Jesus or lord came to the earth. An ancient prophecy indicated that Troy would never succumb, should Troilus reach the age of 20. In mythology, a griffin was a mythical creature with an eagle’s head and wings and a lion’s body and tail. As its roots lie in the name Yeshua/Y'shua, it is etymologically related to another biblical name, Joshua. Priam sounds like a fancier version of Brian, which may make it suitable for the U.S. Pyramus is a character in Greek and Roman mythology. Zephyr translates to “west wind” in Greek. Despite his gentle nature, associating your baby with death doesn’t sound like the best idea. Thanatos was gentle, but not to be confused with Hades, King of the Dead, who was known for being stern and unyielding. In Greek mythology, Eryx was the name of Poseidon and Aphrodite’s son, who was a king in Sicily. Evander is also the son of goddess Carmentis and god Hermes. It’s a beautiful name that sounds a lot like Sybil. Finding the right name for your little one is imperative — you want one that sounds well and is suitable for them at every age. EUPHÊMÊ (Εύφημη): Greek name composed of the elements eu "good, well" and phemi "I speak," hence "Well I speak." Although Nereus hasn’t been a fashionable name, we believe that in our modern world of outrageous baby names, it could be. The character of Hercules has been the star of movies and television shows. Penus saved Daphne when Apollo was trying to transform her into a laurel tree. He’s famous for his mischievousness. Abigail. Morpheus would send human shapes into the dreams of people, along with his brother, who’d send animals. A famous example of Delia is the novelist and screenwriter Delia Ephron. Jason means “to heal” in Greek. In Hindi, Pan means “feather” or “leaf.”. Hades was the king of the dead and brother to Zeus and Poseidon. The Greek language is a part of the Indo-European Parents all over the world use Greek origin to name their children in a way that is by no means archaic or obsolete, but linguistically permanent, of unwavering ancestry and colorful etymology. Endymion was a handsome figure from Greek mythology. Daphne is a Greek name meaning “laurel tree” or “bay tree.” Although we generally see Daphne as an English name, it stems from the nymph daughter of Peneus, a Greek river god. The name was never a serious contender until J.K. Rowling used it for her main female character in the Harry Potter stories. He’s generally depicted as a merman, with the upper body of a man, but fins like a fish. It’s a favored name in Europe, particularly in France, where Oceane is a popular choice for girls. Gaia is ancient Greek for “earth mother.” She is a mythological goddess and universal mother. It’s of Greek origin and means ‘from Magdala’. It wasn’t until 2015 that it re-entered the charts. In the U.S., Apollo is well known. Cynthia means “moon goddess” or “woman from Kynthos.” The name is an epithet for Diana or Artemis. Helios isn’t a popular baby name in the U.S., but we like how it sounds. Abraxas is described as a talisman with a cock’s head, but a man’s body (2). New Testament: an old Greek name applied in the New Testament to Jesus' first disciple St Andrew, but probably there standing in for a Semitic name of similar sound or meaning: Basil: Βασίλειος: from the root βασιλεύς 'king' 23, 1 st c. BC to Byz. Selene was the Greek goddess of the moon — she was sister to Helios, the god of the sun. Description. Aaron: Aaron means a ‘Teacher’, ‘Lofty’, or a ‘Mountain of strength’. This was the name of Ariel’s father, the undersea king in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Delia means “born on the island of Delos.” Delia is an epithet for Artemis, the moon goddess. Greek names are full of history, culture, and meaning from a place that is known for its beauty, architecture, food, and traditions. In ancient Norse, it translates to “bow warrior” or “strong man.” The most famous Evander is the former U.S. boxing champion, Evander Holyfield. We snuck this Roman god in because we like the name, and there’s no real Greek equivalent. The name also means “advising like a man” in Greek. Hades also isn’t a great first name for a baby — if you like it, perhaps it’s better as a middle or surname. Pollux asked Zeus to share the gift of immortality with his brother so that they could remain together. Greek Baby Names, Latin Baby Names: Acestes: A … Maia resembles Maya and is perfect for spring babies. It’s the name of the winged Greek god of sexual love. Nowadays, parents continue to treasure the ancient tradition of choosing a name from the Bible—a name that will hold particular significance for their child. She was Zeus’s sister and mother to Persephone. Cassandra means “prophetess” in Greek, and the name belonged to a Trojan princess who received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Pyramus lived in Babylon, next door to his lover Thisbe — their parents forbid that they’d marry due to their family rivalry. It reached its highest spot in 2018, ranking 117. Odysseus means “wrathful” in Greek, but it is famous as the name of a hero mentioned in Homer’s saga. We like how Evander sounds — it puts a spin on the usual Evan. It was the name of the Titan of the breeze as well as fresh and crisp morning air in Greek mythology. Today, it’s ranked as number 366 of baby boy names in the U.S. Ajax is another Greek hero, known for being featured in Homer’s Iliad. However, we have full faith that this name will gain momentum again and reclaim its spot high on the list. Olimpio is an ancient Greek word for “from Mount Olympus.” Olympus was the mountain where all the Greek gods lived. It’s also the title of a constellation located between Canis Major and Crux. It is also used in modern Hebrew as a feminine name, typically spelled עֲדִינָה. She’s one of the most influential figures in Greek mythology. You can also spell it Helius. Daphne is a beautiful name, but it may sound too outdated for some parents. From the names of ordinary people to those of prophets and kings, the Bible can be a great source of inspiration. Parthenios was the name of a Greek river god. Evander was a migrant from Pallantium, Arcadia, who settled down in Italy, where he founded the town Pallention. EL: God (“mighty, strong, prominent”) used 250 times in the OT See Gen. 7:1, 28:3, 35:11; Nu. Anthea is another name for the goddess Hera, who was the queen of Olympus. Orion was a hunter of legend, who pursued Atlas’ seven daughters. Janus translates to “gateway.” It’s the name of an ancient Roman god and represents transitions, hence its link to January — a time for new beginnings.