Artemis

Your hunt for an unforgettable, legendary moniker may have come to an end with a stellar choice guaranteed to bring out your kiddo's adventurous spirit. Artemis is a gender-neutral name of pre-Greek origin that's theorized to mean "safe," "butcher," or "bear." While scholars debate its etymology, we can say with certainty that Artemis is firmly rooted in classical antiquity.

In Greek mythology, Artemis is the fierce and formidable goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and chastity. As one of the 12 Olympians and the twin sister of Apollo, she stands out as one of the most powerful and revered figures in the ancient pantheon. Artemis spent her time roaming the mountains and forests of ancient Greece, making this name an ideal match for any free spirit who finds peace in nature.

Her Roman equivalent, Diana, might historically enjoy higher name chart recognition (rest in peace, Princess Diana), but the world can hear Artemis roar in modern popularity. Even though it's most famously a feminine name, Artemis has experienced a surge in use as a boy name over the last few decades. Magical and wild, Artemis offers a standout option for those looking for a cool mythological classic that spans fantasy literature, comic book lore and real-life space exploration.

Fun Facts About the Name Artemis

• The space-age revival: NASA named its 21st-century lunar exploration program the Artemis program, bringing everyone's attention back to this cosmic moniker.
• From ancient myths to modern fantasy: Artemis Fowl is a teenage criminal mastermind and the titular character of Eoin Colfer’s popular fantasy book series.
• An off-limits classic in the ancient world: Artemis wasn't a common name given to babies in ancient Greece, out of respect (and fear) for the goddess.
• One of the seven: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World in antiquity. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and the remains of its legacy can still be viewed today.