The nameAthena

Athena is a girl's name of Greek origin, the name of the goddess of wisdom. It has been rising in the United States.

Meaning

Athena is the name of the Greek goddess of wisdom, war strategy and crafts. Its meaning is unknown, and the city of Athens shares it.

Origin

Greek. Athena is the patron goddess of Athens, whose temple, the Parthenon, stands on the Acropolis.

History

Athena rose quickly in the United States from the 2010s, reaching the top 100.

Famous people named Athena

Popularity of the name Athena

Athena in the United States

90thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
2022peak year (3,025 births)
50,614babies named Athena in the United States since 1880
01,5133,025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Athena was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 18,295 births over the decade, 36% of all recorded babies named Athena. Its rise began around 1979, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Athena in the United States were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 2,808 births a year on average, against 2,387 in the five years before.

Athena in the United Kingdom

97thmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2025peak year (547 births)
4,572babies named Athena in the United Kingdom since 1997
0274547 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Athena was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 2,529 births over the decade, 55% of all recorded babies named Athena. Its rise began around 2010, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Athena in the United Kingdom were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 449 births a year on average, against 232 in the five years before.

Athena in France

128thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
2025peak year (430 births)
3,525babies named Athena in France since 1900
0215430 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Sibling names for Athena

Names from the same generation as Athena, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Athena? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Athena with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Athena side by side with the name of your choice.

Athena in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Athena mean?

Athena is the name of the Greek goddess of wisdom, war strategy and crafts. Its meaning is unknown, and the city of Athens shares it.

What is the origin of the name Athena?

Greek. Athena is the patron goddess of Athens, whose temple, the Parthenon, stands on the Acropolis.

Is Athena a girl's or a boy's name?

Athena is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Athena?

In 2024, Athena was the 90th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 2,788 births.

What are good sibling names for Athena?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Iris, Catalina, Elena and Cora for a sister, Leon, Jasper, Amir and Elliott for a brother.

Who are famous people named Athena?

Athena, Greek goddess; Athena Karkanis, actress.