Medea

“Cunning, wise”

Greek origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#718US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

202All-time births

📅 Since 196100

How to pronounce Medea

mud·EE·uh

/məd.ˈiː.ə/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables

“Cunning, wise”

Greek origin · Girl name

What does Medea mean and where does it come from?

Medea is a name stemming from ancient Greek mythology, best known as the name of the sorceress and princess who played a pivotal role in the myth of Jason and the Argonauts. The meaning 'cunning' or 'wise' aligns with her character, known for her intelligence and magical abilities. The name has been

Cultural significance

Medea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cunning, wise.

Peak popularity

Reached #4279 in 1967 — currently #718 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Medea?

Medea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Medea Grace

How popular is Medea right now?

Holding steady — currently #718 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#718 · Top 0.53%

1970

1975

1980

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#718	1,482	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#723	1,462	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#728	1,432	▲ up 11344 · +20357% births
2000	#12072	7	▼ down 3517
1980	#8555	7	▼ down 4045 · -50% births
1975	#4510	14	▲ up 4187 · +180% births
1970	#8697	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Medea

Best Year2023Rank #718

Peak Count1,482

Average Rank#5143

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 20237 years

The story of Medea

Medea is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 202 total births recorded, Medea remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8697 in 1970 to #718 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Medea in 1967:

Lisa Kimberly Michelle Mary Susan

Medea by decade

Medea peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	54
1970s ★	79
1980s	23
1990s	5
2000s	41

💎Medea has only 202 total recorded births since 1961 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Medea?

Common

MedMedieMedy

Famous people named Medea

Medea (Byzantine leader)

Medea used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Medea (Greek mythological figure)

Medea carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Medea (ancient philosopher)

Medea bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

Medea (Greek mythological figure)

Medea carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Medea?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Medea also consider these

Medena

Slavic countries · Slavic

Edea

English · A English name

Mekea

American · gift from God

How is Medea written in other languages?

Μηδεια

Ancient Greek), მედეა (Georgian

Common questions about the name Medea

What does the name Medea mean?

Medea means "Cunning, wise" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Medea?

Medea is currently ranked #718 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Medea?

Medea originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Medea?

Medea is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 D IY1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Medea?

Medea pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.