Persephone

Girl Name #737 Most Popular Rising 4 Syllables

Queen of the underworld, harbinger of spring

Greek English American

Mythological Bold Sophisticated Literary Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"bringer of destruction"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Language: Greek

"she who destroys the light"

Origin: Greek mythology

Language: Greek

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with the goddess of the underworld — may feel too dark for some families

The Story of Persephone

Persephone comes from Ancient Greek, though its precise etymology is debated. Some scholars derive it from 'pertho' (to destroy) and 'phone' (to bring), giving 'bringer of destruction.' Others link it to pre-Greek substrata roots. In mythology, she was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, abducted by Hades to become Queen of the Underworld. The Greeks also called her Kore (maiden), emphasizing her dual nature as both innocent spring goddess and fearsome ruler of the dead.

Persephone has been rising since the 2010s as parents increasingly embrace mythological names. The graphic novel Lore Olympus (2018) by Rachel Smythe, with over one billion reads, significantly boosted interest among millennials choosing baby names, giving the ancient name a distinctly modern romantic appeal.

In Greek mythology, Persephone is the goddess of spring and queen of the underworld — a duality that makes her one of the most complex figures in ancient religion. Her myth explains the cycle of seasons and was central to the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of antiquity's most important religious rites.

Fun Facts

The Romans called her Proserpina, and her myth was central to the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of antiquity's most important secret religious rites
The graphic novel Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe has over 1 billion reads and inspired a Broadway musical adaptation

Persephone in Other Languages

Greek Περσεφόνη

Latin Proserpina

French Perséphone

Italian Persefone

Spanish Perséfone

Famous People Named Persephone

Persephone Swales-Dawson

Actor

British actress known for her role in the TV series Skins

Persephone Fictional

Other

Greek goddess of spring and Queen of the Underworld, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, central to the Eleusinian Mysteries

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 4
Popularity Rank: #737
Total SSA Count: 381
Cultural Origins: Greek English American
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Persy Percy Effie Sephie

Pairs Well With

Persephone Rose Persephone Luna Persephone Jade Persephone Wren Persephone Mae Persephone Belle Persephone Blue

Sibling Names

Athena Calliope Orion Daphne Phoebe Damian Felix

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Persephone

What does the name Persephone mean?

"bringer of destruction" (from Ancient Greek). "she who destroys the light" (from Greek mythology). Persephone comes from Ancient Greek, though its precise etymology is debated. Some scholars derive it from 'pertho' (to destroy) and 'phone' (to bring), giving 'bringer of destruction.' Others link it to pre-Greek substrata roots. In mythology, she was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, abducted by Hades to become Queen of the Underworld. The Greeks also called her Kore (maiden), emphasizing her dual nature as both innocent spring goddess and fearsome ruler of the dead.

What is the origin of the name Persephone?

Persephone has Ancient Greek, Greek mythology, Greek, English, and American origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "bringer of destruction". In Greek mythology, it means "she who destroys the light".

Is Persephone a boy or girl name?

Persephone is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Persephone?

Persephone is currently ranked #737 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Persephone?

Common nicknames for Persephone include Persy, Percy, Effie, and Sephie.

What are good middle names for Persephone?

Popular middle name pairings include Persephone Rose, Persephone Luna, Persephone Jade, Persephone Wren, Persephone Mae, Persephone Belle, and Persephone Blue.

What are good sibling names for Persephone?

Names that pair well with Persephone as siblings include Athena, Calliope, Orion, Daphne, Phoebe, Damian, and Felix.

How many syllables does Persephone have?

Persephone has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Persephone a common or rare name?

Persephone is moderately common, ranked #737 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Persephone

Persephone is a girl name with Greek, English, and American origins . The name means "bringer of destruction" in Ancient Greek .

Persephone is currently ranked #737 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Persephone has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Persephone include Persy, Percy, Effie, and Sephie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.