What does Parthena mean and where does it come from?
Parthena is a name steeped in Greek history, derived from the word for 'virgin'. It is often associated with the ancient Greek goddess Athena, who was revered for her purity and strength. The name has seen a renaissance in some parts of Greece and among the Greek diaspora, often chosen for its class
Cultural significance
Parthena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of παρθένα - 'virgin'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1159 in 1884 — currently #1764 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Parthena?
Parthena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Parthena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Parthena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Parthena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Parthena Claire
French influence · crisp
Parthena Jane
Literary · strong
Parthena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Parthena right now?
Holding steady — currently #1764 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1764 | 436 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1769 | 416 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1774 | 386 | ▲ up 8703 · +7620% births |
| 1980 | #10477 | 5 | ▼ down 3259 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #7218 | 7 | ▼ down 3374 · +17% births |
| 1915 | #3844 | 6 | ▼ down 1373 · +20% births |
| 1910 | #2471 | 5 | — |
The story of Parthena
Parthena has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 102 total births recorded, Parthena remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2471 in 1910 to #1764 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Parthena in 1884:
Parthena by decade
Parthena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 10 | |
| 1890s | 10 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s ★ | 29 | |
| 1920s | 15 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 13 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎Parthena has only 102 total recorded births since 1884 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Parthena?
What names sound and feel like Parthena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Parthena also consider these
Common questions about the name Parthena
What does the name Parthena mean?
Parthena means "Παρθένα - 'virgin'" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Parthena?
Parthena is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Parthena?
Parthena originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Parthena?
Parthena is a three-syllable name pronounced P AA1 R T HH IY1 N AA1. 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 Parthena?
Parthena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.