Ancient Greek names - your help is much appreciated. :)
Hello everyone,There are several ancient Greek names of which I don't know (or am unsure of) their etymology. I will give you a list of them, along with my own findings or theories (if I have them). I hope you will be able to correct me or help me fill in the blanks. It would be much appreciated - thank you very much in advance! :)Here are the names. :)
1. Astygonus.
The first element must be derived from the Greek element astu or asty "city." I am unsure where the second element comes from, however. Does it come from goneus "ancestor" (as is the case with Antigonus) or from gone "birth" (as is the case with Antigone)?2. Bellerophon.
I get the feeling that this must have something to do with a thunderous voice, because the first element reminds me of the English verb "to bellow" - plus the second element comes from phone "voice."3. Deiphobus.
I suspect the first element is related to dios "of Zeus." But does the second element have the same etymology as Phoebus, or does it come from Greek phobos "fear" (as in: phobia)?4. Demonax.
Not sure, though the second element must probably come from anax "master, lord, chief."5. Dexagoridas.
I suspect the first element probably comes from Greek deka "ten." I am unclear about the meaning of the second element, however.6. Lykophron.
The first element comes from lykou "of a wolf." I don't know what the second element could be; perhaps it's related to Sophronius?7. Meniander.
Could the first element come from meno ""to last, to withstand" (as in Menelaus)? Or does it come from menos "power, strength, spirit", as with Philomena? The second element obviously comes from andros "of a man."8. Niketas.
The first element obviously refers to Greek nike "victory." But I have no clue what the second element might mean.9. Oxylus.
The first element must come from Greek oxys "sharp, keen." But I don't know what the second element might mean.10. Pandion.
Perhaps there is some relation with Greek pan "all?"11. Pelopidas.
I have no idea.12. Pentheus.
I don't really have an idea, though it makes me think of the word "penthouse." ;)13. Polyphemus.
The first element clearly comes from Greek polys "much." Is the second element from the same origin as the second element in the name Euphemia?14. Serapion.
I have no idea.15. Sisyphus.
I have no idea.16. Teleclus.
The first element is clearly derived from Greek tele "far." I don't know what the second element might be.17. Telephus.
The first element is clearly derived from Greek tele "far." I don't know what the second element might be.18. Triptolemus.
Not completely certain about the first element; does it mean "three?" The second element is easy, that's the same as with Ptolemy and Neoptolemus.
Alright, that's it! I hope you will be able to help me out. :)Thank you,Jörmungandr

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Here are a few suggestions. :)Bellerophon - or Bellerophontes. I've seen it suggested as "slayer of Bellerus". From phone^ meaning "to murder".Demonax - first element must be de^mos "the people".Dexagoridas - first element could be related to dexia "right hand, good" = Latin dexter.Lykophron - second element could be phronis "wisdom".Pelopidas - could refer to the Peloponnese?Pentheus - from pentheo^ "bewail, lament".Serapion - from Greek Sarapis/Serapis, refers to the Egyptian god Osiris-Apis.Sisyphus - see http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0058%3Aentry%3D%2329602
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Thank you, Mike C. - that does help! :)Made you look! :D
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Something I think you should knowGreek names do not typically end in -us, these are usually Latin transliterations using their masculine case endings. The actual Greek ending for this case was -os.I hope this is of some help.
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I already knew that. I mostly used latinized versions.
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Pelopidas and SerapionPelopidas - Pelops was the son of Tantalus, and the Grandfather of Agammemnon, I think Pelopida would mean from the house of Pelops or something similar.Serapion = According to my latin dictionary, Serapis was an Egyptian God, may be Serapion is a name given to a follower or believer, as Serapeum is the name of the aforementioned God's temple.
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I'm sorry that I do not have time tonight to see if any of these names are on Pavlos' "Etymologica" site myself, but you definitely should check it out if you are interested in Greek names:http://www.etymologica.com/
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No, none of the names I mentioned are on Pavlos' site, unfortunately.Made ya look. ;)
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