Persephone

What does the baby name Persephone mean? Learn about what Persephone means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Persephone - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Persephone
P-E-R-S-E-P-H-O-N-E, is a 10-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Persephone
per SEF on ee
Meaning of Persephone
Goddess of spring, bringer of destruction, daughter of demetra.
Origin of Persephone
The name 'Persephone' finds its roots in Greek mythology. In ancient Greek, 'Persephone', also known as Kore, was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. She was known as the queen of the underworld, ruling alongside her husband Hades. The name 'Persephone' is believed to have originated from the Greek words 'pertho', meaning 'to destroy', and 'phone', meaning 'murder' or 'voice'. This name reflects the mythological tale of 'Persephone 's abduction by Hades, which led to her becoming the queen of the underworld.
Ancient Greek Names
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Popularity of Persephone
While the name 'Persephone' may not be as commonly heard as other names, it has seen a notable rise in popularity in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the name 'Persephone' ranked 1,467th in popularity for baby girls in 2020. This represents a significant increase from its previous ranking of 2,618th in 2010. It is evident that the name 'Persephone' has been steadily gaining traction and capturing the attention of parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughters.
Persephone currently has 162 likes, and is in the top 5% of liked girl's names. The name Gail is slightly more popular than Persephone.

Etymology of Persephone

The etymology of the name 'Persephone' can be traced back to its Greek origins. The name is derived from the combination of the Greek words 'pertho' and 'phone'. 'Pertho' signifies destruction or death, while 'phone' represents the voice or sound. The name 'Persephone', therefore, carries a profound meaning, symbolizing the voice or sound of destruction. This is closely tied to 'Persephone 's role as the queen of the underworld and her association with death and rebirth.

Cultural Significance of Persephone

The name 'Persephone' holds great cultural significance in Greek mythology. 'Persephone 's story represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Her abduction by Hades and subsequent time spent in the underworld symbolize the changing seasons, with her return to the surface marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. 'Persephone 's name has become synonymous with the idea of transformation and the cyclical nature of existence, making it a powerful and evocative choice for many.