Etymology of the 70 most famous ancient Epirotan names

1. ALEXANDROS (Αλέξανδρος) m Ancient Greek (ALEXANDER Latinized)Pronounced: al-eg-ZAN-durFrom the Greek name Alexandros, which meant ‘defending men’ from Greek alexein ‘to defend, protect, help’ and aner ‘man’ (genitive andros). Alexander the Great, King of Macedon, is the most famous bearer of this name. The name was found also in Epirus, Thessaly, Corinth.

2. PYRRHOS (Πύρρος) m Ancient Greek (PYRRHUS Latinized)

Most famous bearers of this name are the Son of Achilles and Dieidameia and also Pyrrhos the Epirotan king, one of the best tacticians in ancient world. The name derives from the greek adj. Pyrrhos (= blond).

3. ALKETAS (Αλκέτας) m Ancient Greek (ALCAEUS Latinized)

Pronounced: al-SEE-usDerived from Greek Αλκη meaning ‘strength’. This was the name of a 7th-century BC lyric poet from the island of Lesbos.

4. ARRYBAS (Αρ[ρ]ύβας) m Ancient Greek

King of the Molossians. He was uncle of Olympias and Alexander of Epirus.It derives from the greek verb ρύομαι (= protect) + βαίνω (= go). Its full meaning is “go to protect”.

5. ALKON (Άλκων) m Ancient Greek

Possibly a king of Molossians. His name exists in the list of the “best of Greeks” attended to the court of the tyrant Cleisthenes of Sicyon in order to contest about his daughter’s hand. His name derives from Άλκη (=strenght)

6. NEOPTOLEMOS (Νεοπτόλεμος) m Ancient Greek

Son of Achilles. Also the same name bore kings of Molossia. Means ‘new war’, derived from Greek neos ‘new’ and polemos ‘war’.
7. ADMETOS (Άδμητος) m Ancient Greek

It was the name of the Molossian king at the time Themistocles fled to the court of Molossians. Derives from the word a+damaw(damazw) and mean tameless,obstreperous.Damazw mean chasten, prevail

8. AEACIDES (Αιακίδης) m Ancient Greek

King of Epirus, father of Pyrrhos. His name means the descedant of Aeacos.

9. POLYXENA (Πολυξένη) f ancient Greek

The original name of Olympias, mother of Alexander the great, as a child. (W. Heckel) It derives from the greek adj. Πολύξενος (= very hospitable).

10. OLYMPIAS (Oλυμπιάδα) f Ancient Greek

Mother of Alexander the Great. She took this name after her husband’s success in Olympic games. It means “the one related with Olympus/Olympics”

11. ANDROCLES (Ανδροκλής) m Ancient Greek

One of the two Molossians who saved the infant Pyrrhos. It derives from the greek noun “ανήρ” (= man (genitive andros)) + Kleos (glory).

12. ARISTOMACHOS (Aριστόμαχος) m Ancient Greek

Aristomachos was from Omfalos. His name was found in a inscription of Dodona in 343-331a. (SGDI II 1334 — Cabanes, L’Épire (1976) 540,4)Derived from the Greek adj aristos (=best) + Mache (=war). Its full meaning is “best on war”.

13. MENEDAMOS (Μενέδαμος) m Ancient Greek

Menedamos was from Omfalos.His name was found in a inscription of Dodona in 343-331a. (SGDI II 1334 — Cabanes, L’Épire (1976) 540,4). His name derives from from Greek meno (=to last, to withstand) + damos (doric of demos “people”) Its full meaning is “the one who withstands people”

14. AMYNANDROS (Αμύνανδρος) m Ancient Greek

Amynandros was son of Eryxis. His name was found on Molossian decrees. It derives from the greek verb αμύνω (=defend) + aner (=‘man’ (genitive andros)). Its full meaning is ” to defend men”

15. DOKIMOS (Δόκιμος) m Ancient Greek

Ηε was son of Eryxis αnd brother of Amynandros. His name was found on Molossian decrees. It derives from greek adj. Δόκιμος (=superb)

16. TROAS(Τρωάς) f ancient Greek

Sister of Olympias and wife of her uncle Arrybas. Her name means “The one from Troy”. According to the legend the Molossian royal house had an ancestry also from Troy.

17. AGATHON (Αγάθων) M Ancient Greek

Agathon was son of Echephylos. His name is found on the Molossian decrees.His name derives from greek noun “αγαθά”(=wealth) meaning the “one who has wealth”.

18. BEROE (Bερώη) f Ancient Greek

Daughter of king Arrybas and wife of the Illyrian king Glaukos. She brought up Pyrrhos when he was a child. Her name derives from the greek verb “φέρω” (=bring ie in north-west greek dialect f becomes b)

19. MEGAS (Mέγας) m Ancient Greek

Megas was an Epirotan, son of Sinon. His name was found on the Molossian decrees. His name derives from the greek adj “μέγας” (=great).

20. PHILOXENOS (Φιλόξενος) m Ancient Greek

He was an Epirotan from Dodone. His name was found on the Molossian decrees. Meaning ‘friend of strangers’ derived from Greek philos meaning friend and xenos meaning ‘stranger, foreigner’.

21. KLEOMACHOS (Κλεόμαχος) m Ancient Greek

Kleomachos was an Atintanian. His name was found on the molossian decrees. It derives from Greek kleos (=glory) + Mache (=war)

22. EUALKOS (Eύαλκος) m Ancient Greek

He was a Molossian. His name was found on c. 232-168a. ( Epigrafia romana in area Adriatica (1998) 29, 1 ) It derives from greek adj Ευαλκής (=strong, powerful)

23. LYKIDAS (Λυκίδας) m Ancient Greek

He was a chaonian. His name was found on c. 232-168a. ( Epigrafia romana in area Adriatica (1998) 29, 1). It derives from Λύκη (=bright) + the greek ending -das. It means “the bright”.

24. AISCHRION (Αισχρίων) m Ancient Greek

His name was found in an inscription of Dodona (c. 300a. — JHS 74 (1954) 56-58) It derives from the greek adj. Αισχρός (=shameful). + greek ending -ion. it means the descedant of Aischros.

25. HELLINOS (Ελληνος) m Ancient Greek

A Chaonian, father of Lykidas and His name was found on c. 232-168a. ( Epigrafia romana in area Adriatica (1998) 29, 1). His name derives from Hellene (=Greek).

26. AGESANDROS (Αγήσανδρος) m Ancient Greek

Son of Lamiskos from Bouthrotion, (Epeiros — Bouthrotos (Butrint) — c. 232-168a. — Epigrafia romana in area Adriatica (1998) 29, 1 )His name derives from the greek verb Άγω (=lead) + Ανδρός (= men, dotic of aner). Its full meaning is “the one who leads men”.

27. APOLLODOROS m Ancient Greek

Means ‘gift of Apollo’ from the name of the god Apollo combined with Greek doron ‘gift’. The patronymic of an epirotan found on Bouthrotos (Epeiros — Bouthrotos (Butrint) — c. 232-168a. — Epigrafia romana in area Adriatica (1998) 29, 1)

28.NIKANOR (Nικάνωρ) m ancient Greek

It means “victor” - from Nike (Νικη) meaning “victory”.Nicanor was a common name in Epirus as it was found on many inscriptions.(Epigr. tou Oropou 136 c. 240-180a )

29. ARCHEDAMOS (Αρχέδαμος) m ancient Greek

Arcedamos was an epirotan from Bouthrotos. (Bouthrotos (Butrint) — c. 232-168a. — Epigrafia romana in area Adriatica (1998) 29, 1 ) His name derive from greek verb Άρχω (=head or be in command) + Δαμός (= people, doric of demos).

30.ANTIGONE f ancient Greek

Usage: Greek Mythology Pronounced: an-TIG-o-neeMeans ‘against birth’ from Greek anti ‘against’ and gone ‘birth’. In Greek legend Antigone was the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. She was the name of a Molossian woman. (IG II² 9972 Attica )

31. HEKATAIOS m Ancient Greek

He was a Molossian. (Amyzon 59 Fragment of list of stephanephoroi, including [Chion]is Chionidos, on block of white marble; II2/I; found at Amyzon: Robert, Amyzon no. 52 (PH); BE 1984:429. ) It means the “one who belongs to the goddess Hecate)

32. KALLIPHON (Καλλιφών) m Ancient Greek

Kalliphon was a Molossian and his name was found in an inscription. (Magnesia 49 Decree of boule and demos of Paros accepting invitation of Magnesia Mai. to Leukophryena) It derives from Kallos (=beauty) + φωνή (=voice). It means the “one who has beautiful voice”

33. LEON (Λέων) m Ancient Greek

Α Molossian. His name was found in an inscription (Olymos 57 Caria). It derives from ‘Leon’ = ‘lion’

34. ARTEMIDOROS (Αρτεμίδωρος) m Ancient Greek

He was a Molossian. (Aphrodisias 32 Caria)His name derives from the name Artemis and δώρο (=gift). Its full meaning is “gift from Artemis”.

35. DIODOROS (Διόδωρος) m Ancient Greek

He was a Molossian. (Aphrodisias 306 Caria) His name derives from the name Διας and δώρο (=gift). Its full meaning is “gift from Dias/Zeus”.

36. ANTIPATROS (Αντίπατρος) m Ancient Greek (ANTIPATER Latinized)

Pronounced: an-TI-pa-turFrom the Greek name Antipatros, which meant ‘like the father’ from Greek anti ‘like’ and pater ‘father’. This was the name of an Epirote found in an inscription. (ID 298 Delos — 240 a)

37. ASKLΑPIOS (Ασκληπιός) m Ancient Greek

He was a Chaonian and son of Andronikos (Bouthrotos (Butrint) — c. 220-170/160a.) His name is taken from the god Asklepios.

38. ARISTOKLEIA (Αριστόκλεια) f ancient Greek

She was daughter of Aristoteles. (IG II² 8532 attica )Derived from the Greek elements aristos ‘best’ and kleos ‘glory’.

39. ARISTOTELES (Αριστοτέλης) m Ancient Greek (ARISTOTLE Latinized)

Pronounced: AR-is-taw-tulFrom the Greek name Aristoteles which meant ‘the best purpose’, derived from aristos ‘best’ and telos ‘purpose, aim’. This was the name also of an important Greek philosopher who made contributions to logic, metaphysics, ethics and biology among many other fields.

40. KALLIAS (Καλλίας) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan.(IG II² 8546 Attica) His name derives from the greek adj. Kallias (=peaceful)

41. PHILIPPOS (Φίλιππος) m Ancient Greek (PHILIP Latinized)

Pronounced: FIL-ipFrom the Greek name Philippos which means ‘friend of horses’, composed of the elements philos ‘friend’ and hippos ‘horse’. The name was borne by five kings of Macedon, including Philip II the father of Alexander the Great and also by Thessalians and Epirotans (IG XI,4 635 Delos — med III a)

42. BERENIKE (Βερενίκη) f Ancient Greek (BERENICE Latinized)

Pronounced: ber-e-NIE-seeMeans ‘bringing victory’ from pherein ‘to bring’ and nike ‘victory’. This name was common among the Ptolemy ruling family of Egypt as well into Epirus and Macedonia. (Agora 17 456 Attica)

43. FILON (Φιλων) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan. (IG XII,8 594 Thasos) His name derives from Filos (=friend)

44. ARISTOKLES (Αριστοκλής) m Ancient Greek

A Molossian, son of Artemidoros. (Aphrodisias 32 Caria) His name derives from Ariston (=best) + Kleos (=glory).

45. STRATONIKE (Στρατονίκη) f Ancient Greek (STRATONICE Latinized)

Means ‘victorious army’ from stratos ‘army’ and nike ‘victory’. According to W. Heckel, one of the names of Olympias.

46. GLAUKOS (Γλαύκος) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan. (IG II² 8533 Attica) It derives from the greek adj. “Γλαυκός” (= brilliant).

47. FALAKRION (Φαλακρίων) m Ancient Greek

He was a Thesprotian. (IG IV²,1 99,II Epidauria). It derives from the greek noun “Falakros” and has the meaning of “bald”. Its full meaning is “the descendant of Falakros.

48. ANTIOCHOS (Αντίοχος) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan, son of Nikanor. (I.Kourion 60 Kypros — Kourion — c. 250a.)

49. DEINON (Δείνων) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan. (IG XI,4 635 Delos — med III a). His name derives from ‘deinow’ = ‘to make terrible’.

50. EYTYCHIS (Ευτυχίς) f Ancient Greek

Epirotan woman, daughter of Neoptolemos (IG II² 8535 Attica)Her namer derives from the greek noun Ευτυχία (=Happiness)

51. LEONTIS (Λεωντίς) f Ancient Greek

Epirotan, daughter of Nikados (IG II² 8539 Attica). It derives from Greek noun Leon (=Lion)

52. NIKADOS (Νίκαδος) m Ancient Greek

An epirotan. (IG II² 8539 Attica). It means “the descedant of Nikon”.

53. PATROKLOS (Πάτροκλος) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan. (Epigr. tou Oropou 586) A Mythological name. It derives from the greek πάτηρ (=father) + kleos (=glory).

54. FANIAS (Φανίας) m Ancient Greek

A Molossian. (Aphrodisias 306 Caria) One of the most common Greek names, specially found in Athens.

55. RODIOS (Ρόδιος) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan, son of Rodippos. (IG II² 8544 Attica). It derives from the noun ρόδη(=rose)

56. LYSIAS (Λυσίας) m Ancient GreekAn Epirotan. (IG XII,Suppl 631 Euboia — Eretria — IIIa.) It derives from the greek adj. Lysios (=the one who liberates)

57. RODIPPOS (Ρόδιππος) m Ancient Greek

An Epirotan (IG II² 8544 Attica). It derives from the It derives from the adj ρόδης(=too handsome) + ίππος (=horse). Its full meaning is “too beautiful horse”

58. FILOTEIA (Φιλωτεία) f ancient Greek

An Epirotan woman. (SEG 46:791 Poteidaia-Kassandreia) Her name derives from filos (=friendly) + ending -teia. Its full meaning is “Too friendly”

59. STEPHANOS (Στέφανος) m ancient Greek

An Epirotan. (IG II² 8545 attica). His name derives from greek noun στέφανος (= wreath)

60. GLAUKETAS (Γλαυκέτας) m ancient Greek

An Epirotan. (IG II² 8534 Attica) It derives from the greek adj. “Γλαυκός” (= brilliant) + ending -etas.

61. PARMENISKOS (Παρμενίσκος) m ancient Greek

An Epirotan, son of Alexandros (Thess. Mnemeia 232,46). It means “the little Parmenon”

62. ZOPYROS (Ζώπυρος) m ancient Greek

A Molossian. (Olymos 54 Caria) It derives from the greek adj. Zopyros (=the one who is inflamed)

63. DAIPPOS (Δάιππος) m ancient Greek

An Epirotan proxenos of the Oropos city, son of Nikanor (Epigr. tou Oropou 136 c. 240-180a) It derives from the greek adj. δάιος (=frightful) + ϊππος (=horse). Its full meaning is “frightful horse”.

64. DEINOMENES (Δεινομένης) m ancient Greek

A Molossian. (Lindos II 2 99a.) It derives from the greek adj. Δεινός (=wild) + μένος (= power).

65. ALKEMACHOS (Αλκήμαχος) m ancient Greek

An Epirotan, son of Haropos. He won in diaulon in Panhellenic games. (IG II² 2313 Attica 194/3) It derives from Alke (=strenght) + Mache (=war)

66. SAMIPPOS (Σάμιππος) m ancient Greek

A Molossian (Att. — Athens: Akr. — med s IV a IG II² 3827) It derives from the greek adj. Σαμός (= tall) + ίππος (=horse), meaning “tall horse”.

67. ANTANOR (Αντάνωρ) m ancient Greek

A Chaonian Proxenos, son of Euthumides. (FD III 4:409 Delphi 325-275 bc — SIG(3) 379) It derives from the greek preposition anti (=equal to) + Aner (=man). It means “equal to man”

68. EFTHIMIDES (Ευθυμίδης) m ancient Greek

A Chaonian proxenos. (FD III 4:409 Delphi proxenia Chaonian 325-275 bc — SIG(3) 379) It derives from the greek adj. Εύθυμος (=cheerful) + the greek ending -ides.

69. NIKOLAOS (Νικόλαος) m ancient Greek

An Epirotan tragodos. (IG XI,2 108 Delos — 279 bc) It derives from νικώ (=win) + λαός (=people). It means the “winner of people”

70. KALLIKRATES (Καλλικράτης) m ancient Greek

A Molossian (Aphrodisias 24 Caria). It derives from κάλλος (=nice, beauty, good) + κρατος (=law, rule). It means the “one who has good rule”.