Persephone

A familiar Greek name with steady appeal.

Girl's nameGreekRising fast Also a pet name
#737 12in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A minor deity, the queen of the Underworld/Hades, and goddess of the seasons and vegetation. Originally named Kore/Core, she is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter; and the wife of Hades. Her Roman counterpart is Proserpina.

Persephone is a girl's baby name of Greek origin, the name of the goddess of spring and queen of the Underworld in Greek mythology. The etymology is debated — possibly from phero (to bring) and phone (voice or destruction). Her abduction by Hades and seasonal return is the mythological explanation for the cycle of the seasons.

Persephone is one of the most dramatically beautiful names in all of classical mythology — six syllables of ancient poetry. It has surged as parents embrace maximalist mythological names. The nickname Perry or Persy makes it wearable. For families who love Greek myth and are not afraid of a name that commands a stage, Persephone is extraordinary.

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Popularity Over Time

Persephone climbed 2742 spots in the last 20 years — from #3479 to #737.

0107214321428198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Persephone
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s1,884
2010s1,887
2000s465
1990s141
1980s71
1970s97
1960s38

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(59 years, 19622024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Persephone
YearBirthsRank
2024381#737
2023376#749
2022428#685
2021366#777
2020333#819
2019287#926
2018236#1077
2017226#1119
2016196#1250
2015178#1334
2014203#1203
2013171#1368
2012143#1547
2011136#1596
2010111#1841
200987#2265
200859#2986
200764#2847
200659#2934
200547#3308

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Persephone has two lives

Persephone, the baby name
#737girls
4,583 babies
Currently viewing
Persephone, the pet name
#1614pet name
64 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19622024) · Methodology