Athena: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced uh-THEE-nuh · 3 syllables
Athena means “the Greek goddess of wisdom”, from Greek.
From Middle English Athena, from Latin Athena, from Ancient Greek (Athena). Doublet of Athina.
- Meaning
- the Greek goddess of wisdom
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- uh-THEE-nuh
- US rank (2025)
- #109
- US babies a year
- about 2,804 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising, Mythic
How popular is Athena?
Athena was the #109 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,477 babies. It’s rising: up 86% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #109 |
| England & Wales | #184 |
| Scotland | #370 |
| Northern Ireland | #281 |
| Ireland | #690 |
| France | #149 |
| Norway | #259 |
| Canada | #85 |
| Australia | #115 |
How old are people named Athena?
Half of US adults named Athena are older than 35; most are between 19 and 66. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Athena
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Selene
- Catalina
- Halina
- Milena
- Giovanna
- Julianna
- Valentina
- Rosalina
- Reyna
- Adriana
- Eleana
- Viviana
- Reina
- Luciana
- Liana
- Sarina
On these lists
Questions about Athena
What does the name Athena mean?
Athena means “the Greek goddess of wisdom”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Athena?
Athena is pronounced uh-THEE-nuh.
How popular is the name Athena?
Athena was the #109 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,477 babies. It’s rising: up 86% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Athena?
Half of US adults named Athena are older than 35. Most are between 19 and 66.