indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Meaning & History
The first element of this name is probably derived from Greek αἰδώς (aidōs), which can mean "reverence, awe, respect" as well as "shame". Also compare Greek αἰδέομαι (aideomai) meaning "to be ashamed". The second element is probably derived from Greek νοῦς (nous) meaning "mind". As such, the meaning of this name is either "respectable mind" or "shameful mind". In Greek mythology, this was one of the names that the god Hades sometimes went by. The name was also borne by a mythical king of the Molossians in Epirus, who is represented as the husband of Persephone. It is clear that the story about Aidoneus is nothing but the sacred legend of Hades' rape of Persephone, dressed up in the form of a real-world history, and is undoubtedly the work of a late interpreter, or rather destroyer, of genuine ancient myths.