Aphrodite

Unpopular opinion, but I think it's cheesy and tacky to name your child after a MAJOR and very well known god, who is the only person who would ever come to mind upon hearing this name. Argue with the wall.
Don't get me wrong, Aphrodite is a BEAUTIFUL name, but to me it feels weird on an actual person.

Contrary to previous commenters, I struggle to understand why a child with this name would be bullied very early on in life. Indeed, it's highly unlikely that most children would know what a "hermaphrodite" is, nor would they expectedly be familiar with the Greek myth. And it traces itself back to a major problem here: why should we let one misfortune ruin a perfectly good name for eternity? Names like Katrina, Columbine and Corona have declined in staggering numbers, but a sizable chunk of us are able to look past their tragic namesakes. Aphrodite is such a pretty name, and if a friend of mine decided to use it, I would support them!

My cousin is named this and I think it is beautiful. For anyone with this name, your name is amazing and is fine just the way it is. We always call her “Aph” for short if anyone needs nickname ideas.

Hello people, I'm here to tell you that it is not a bad name. Okay, so.. My name is Aphrodite, and I'm 13 years old, I'm kinda upset that people hate it, but anyways... People have always told me that my name is pretty and unique, and I was never sexualized by it (to be honest I didn't even know that there was a sexual connection to it) Also, I'm pretty satisfied with it, because my parents were deciding between Sarah or Aphrodite, so I'm happy they chose the one I have now, and I live in the US so it's not even a little bit common here. So please, if you think the name would suit your child, and you're comfortable with it, go for it, but if you're not so sure/you think it's ugly,it's okay, there are many names you can choose that are a bit more "acceptable" cause, you know, everybody's got a different opinion, and mine is that the name is awesome, and I'd use if it wasn't my name hehe.

The name is pretty but Aphrodite is the goddess of sexual love and is commonly used sexually. I wouldn't name my child this because I wouldn't want them to be sexualized. Maybe not but they would probably be teased.

This is my least favorite goddess (ugh), but the name is really nice! It's cute.

Not a fan of this name. I couldn't imagine living with it my whole life. Alright for a character, though.

This name is so beautiful.

Hii everyone! My name is Aphrodite, though I prefer spelling it as Afrodite, since it's closer to the Greek spelling. A lot of people call me Afro actually! I don't mind it at all, and I don't really get why that would count as teasing like some of these comments suggest? It's certainly easier to be called Afro than spending 5+ minutes trying to teach someone how to pronounce your name xD (so usually the only people who even call me Afrodite in the first place are people I meet in real life instead of online)
I'm from Greece and currently also live in Greece so maybe that's why I don't find the name weird, although I can't say I've met many people who have the same name as me.

---

I'd also like to point out that (at least where I live) the goddess Aphrodite is much much more associated with beauty rather than love! Plus the only people who will even think of Greek mythology when they hear my name are my old school teachers/professors, I've personally never met any kid who immediately thought of the goddess Aphrodite when I introduced myself to them xD.

Ooooh... Aphrodite! My favorite Greek goddess! She is the goddess of love, so a perfect thing to name your little lovebug ❤️.

I think the name is pretty, but it's like naming your son Romeo, just too much to live up to.

Even though I like Roman/Greek names like Athena or Diana, this somehow doesn't suit me.

Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty and I think this name is both lovely and beautiful. But I wouldn't name a child this. It's stunningly beautiful, but too fancy for a girl.

Cute. I personally wouldn't want to be named after the goddess of love, but I might use it on a dog or baby.

The name itself is pretty, but it would not work on a person.

The name Aphrodite is Illyrian,
Aphro = near
Dite = day

---

Today we Albanian say *aferdite*

I actually really love this name. I can understand how some may say it's extra or tacky but I feel like this name would be perfect for a girl who was very pretty and kind. Basic description, but if the girl was rude then I would see this name not fitting them. This name also sounds and looks very pretty to me.

I love this name I'm going to name my kid Aphrodite.

Way too dated and old for the 2000s. Also it's a bit tacky on a girl and extra.

Just an American born with the name Aphrodite.

---

I don't really get picked on for the name and everyone says how much they love it.

---

I get annoyed however, when I meet someone and tell them my name and they ask if I know what my own name means! Some people think it has something to do with Afros. Yeah I know.

---

I actually know of other people with the same name as me that live in the same town as me.

---

My mom named me this because the nurse asked her not to name me what she was going to originally name me. Yeah, "Agoddess" isn't a good name for anyone.

---

So I recommend naming your children this name. I love my name. I would want to name my children after mythical gods myself!

Hey all, Aphrodite here!
To answer some of the questions... I'm Greek, named after my grandmother and have several cousins named Aphrodite as well. I grew up in a small town in Canada where diversity was not really all that common. I knew all about the name Aphrodite by the time I was 2, everyone asked if I knew what the name meant and I'd give out little Greek mythology lectures by the time I was 4 to whoever asked. I was a shy kid that didn't really want the attention the name brought so reverted to "Didi" in high school. College I switched back to Aphrodite because I "felt' more like an Aphrodite. College was the first time anyone tried to nickname me "Afro, Fro, Desiac, Aphrodisiac, etc., lack of responses on my part seemed to stop it. Now in my 40s I'm quite comfortable at having such a name, despite the fact that I have some wrinkles and am getting a few grays. Career wise I worked predominantly with men in IT and Geology sector. I always had major reactions to it from "Cool! To 'Were your parents high? Did you name yourself? You look like an Aphrodite..." it really varied. There were times that I just wanted to be called Christine or something, but in the end I love its uniqueness, and no one has ever forgotten me. When that song "She's so high' came out, people were calling me out of the woodwork saying that they'd hear it on the radio and thought of me. In the end, it is just a name. I did not turn into a sex goddess, I did not go broke because no one would hire me, I did not wear more makeup to live up to a name or image. I was respected at work by my male peers and made great friends with women wherever I went. I have 3 degrees and did amazingly well in all my ancient history and mythology classes... hmmmm, wonder why, lol. I'm sure that some snide remarks were made behind my back, but seriously, those people would have made one even if my name was Jane. I never heard anyone call me Hermaphrodite, not once, this board is the first time I've seen it referred to that. If I die at age 95 and looking nothing remotely like a Goddess, then that is fine too, my life has been pretty normal, just had a kick when introducing myself for the first time.

I honestly find this name to be ugly looking and ugly sounding.

Another possible disadvantage in America - in my accent the last two syllables are pronounced like "didey" which, at least in my family, was slang for a baby's diaper....

---

And people have already mentioned "afro".

I think this name is really pretty but whenever I hear about it I think of the character from the House of Night series by PC Cast. And that's definitely not a good association for me- the character was an alcoholic mean girl that everyone hated.
Anyway, super beautiful, when I was eight I wanted to name my future daughter Belle Aphrodite :-). I would never use it now for a child, but maybe a character.

Beautiful name! And a lot to live up to. I feel that if you like a name and you have an actual reason behind the name, then use it! As for no one believing in these gods and goddesses... you are wrong. A lot of Pagans still believe and they are a large group, more so than people know. That would be like me saying no one believed in Jesus anymore. Or in only one god anymore. It's the same thing.

Beautiful, it'd be, but can you imagine a 70-year-old name this? Use as a nickname.

A very nice name, though I prefer it pronounced "a-FRO-dight". And as for the goddess association, how many kids in primary/high school know Greek/Roman/whatever mythology these days? So, there shouldn't be any problem naming a child this. And if you don't want to give a person this name, you could use it for a character in a story, which is what I'm doing.

Aphrodite is a beautiful sounding name but it's hard for me to get past the fact that Aphrodite, in Greek mythology, was incredibly shallow and vain. She was an adulterous whore who cheated on her husband because he was ugly and crippled BUT it is true that Aprodite didn't want to marry Hephaestus. Personally, I don't think EVERY child with this name will get teased but I wouldn't name my child Aphrodite.

I wouldn't name my child this. It just reminds me too much of "hermaphrodite." It pretty much is "hermaphrodite" without the "herm."

How many people are going to recognise "-Aphrodite" in "hermaphrodite"? How many children do you think are even aware of the word "hermaphrodite"?
I think this name is perfectly fine on a person. Aphrodite was the goddess of many things; not just sexuality. Love, beauty - do these mean nothing to people? Does the governance of sexuality have to play so heavily on the name?
Any Aphrodites out there should wear this name with pride.

I think it is pretty, and cool she's the goddess of love, but if your name was that you'd probably get teased a LOT! It would make more sense if you were Greek. My advice is if you like it even thought it's a really unique name I would go for it and not care what anybody thinks:)

The sound is really nice, but a child named this will be teased because it's part of "hermaphrodite".

I don't know about naming a child this, but I named my dog this. I call her Ditie for short.

I loved the name when I thought it was pronounced Af-ro-dight. Now I'm not so sure.

To close to Hermaphrodite for my liking. I mean take away the Herm she may get teased.

I doubt this name would lead to teasing. Well, except maybe for afro. But seriously, how many little kids even know about Greek myths? They might think the name is strange or cool because they've never heard of it before, but that's it. And remember, even though there are people out there who'd tease the name, there are also people (friends) who'd support the person with the name.

I love this name, but I named one of my stuffed bears this. My point is, it sounds too over-the-top on a real person as opposed to, say, a stuffed animal, doll, or pet. Maybe if you're of Greek descent it might work, but otherwise it won't and will cause teasing, considering it sounds like "hermaphrodite".

Aphrodite is an absolutely beautiful, lovely name (of course). But whenever I see it written down I can't help but thinking of the word 'Hermaphrodite'. Cruel nickname potential.

I personally like the name. I think my child would have a great life if I named her Aphrodite.

It would be quite ironic if a girl named Aphrodite turned out asexual. That, or just unattractive and not very friendly. Of course, this name would surely lead to teasing, possibly even serious bullying. It's over-the-top and pompous on an actual person, and someone with this name will have credibility problems, unless it's common in the area.

My aunt did just fine, even though the name was not common in her area (in fact, she was probably the only one). But then, she is attractive and friendly.

The name is not uncommon in Greece (I have an aunt of this name.) As to those who regard its use for people as "irreverent," that is rubbish. Do you think that Hispanics who name their sons Jesus are being irreverent? Anyhow, this is a goddess that nobody believes in anymore. Besides, her conduct was not always very admirable. (For one thing, like most Greek dieties, she slept around quite a bit.)

Yes, it does sound beautiful, but it would be just so pompous to name your child something like Aphrodite. Okay, I'll admit that I like the name Athena, but even that is a little much and at least Athena was wise and strong. Aphrodite was a petty, mischievious womanizer. She was more the goddess of infatuation and beauty than love. How could you love someone who had complete domination over you? That's not real love! How could anyone take you seriously if your name was Aphrodite? Anyway, in all the stories she smites anyone who dares compare themselves to her (nevermind actually having the gall to share her name) so watch out!

A beautiful, beautiful sound, but a stupid, obnoxious and ridiculous name in my opinion. I'm sorry, but I find it silly to name a tiny innocent child an obscure name with the bearer being spoken of in some stories as petty and jealous. I apologize to the people who like this name.

No matter how exotic and historical this name is, I'd never name my kid that. I wouldn't want them to be stuck with the nickname "Afro" their whole life. Lol :P

Aphrodite can be used as a name, it sounds very versatile.

Shame to those who name their child, a thing, a pet or whatever this! It's the name of a Goddess, fools! Use Aphrodisia or Aphrodisio, that's the more proper names to use. ;-)

Ridiculous, I can't believe some people! They take for granted names that in antiquity, were the equal to Bible prayers. For goodness sake, these names should not be used for people, movies or things! This is complete irreverence.

This name is gorgeous. If I ever have a daughter I want to name her that. Or asscoiate it in the name somehow. It's beautiful!

I think the spelling Afrodite is much better.

Taken out of context, I can see this really becoming tiresome for a woman who might not want to be seen as a love goddess or would like to be taken seriously. It's a beautiful name, but I think it would cause a lot of trouble for its bearer.

I love this name. I want to name my child Aphrodite. A lot of people say that my child would get picked on. I wouldn't know what middle name would be to go with this though.