What does Persephone mean and where does it come from?
Persephone is rooted in Greek mythology and is known as the goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld. Her name is derived from the Greek 'pertho', which means 'to destroy'. The myth of her abduction by Hades and her subsequent return to the earth symbolizes the cycle of life and death, and
Cultural significance
Persephone has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bringer of destruction; the one who brings about change..
Peak popularity
Reached #820 in 2020 — currently #749 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Persephone?
Persephone works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Persephone Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Persephone Rose
Floral · soft ending
Persephone Mae
Sweet · timeless
Persephone Claire
French influence · crisp
Persephone Jane
Literary · strong
Persephone Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Persephone right now?
Falling — down 64 spots — currently #749 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #749 | 376 | ▼ down 64 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #685 | 428 | ▲ up 92 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #777 | 366 | ▲ up 43 · +11% births |
| 2020 | #820 | 330 | ▲ up 517 · +86% births |
| 2015 | #1337 | 177 | ▲ up 499 · +59% births |
| 2010 | #1836 | 111 | ▲ up 1445 · +136% births |
| 2005 | #3281 | 47 | ▲ up 2273 · +135% births |
| 2000 | #5554 | 20 | ▲ up 247 · +25% births |
| 1995 | #5801 | 16 | ▲ up 790 · +23% births |
| 1990 | #6591 | 13 | ▲ up 3201 · +117% births |
| 1985 | #9792 | 6 | ▼ down 2715 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #7077 | 9 | ▼ down 232 · +13% births |
| 1975 | #6845 | 8 | ▼ down 1132 · -11% births |
| 1970 | #5713 | 9 | ▲ up 43 · +29% births |
| 1965 | #5756 | 7 | — |
The story of Persephone
Persephone is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 3,021 total births recorded, Persephone remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5756 in 1965 to #749 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Persephone in 2020:
Persephone by decade
Persephone peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 38 | |
| 1970s | 96 | |
| 1980s | 71 | |
| 1990s | 141 | |
| 2000s | 465 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,880 | |
| 2020s | 330 | |
💎With 3,021 total births, Persephone is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Persephone?
What names sound and feel like Persephone?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Persephone also consider these
How is Persephone written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Persephone
What does the name Persephone mean?
Persephone means "Bringer of destruction; the one who brings about change." — 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 Persephone?
Persephone is currently ranked #749 as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Persephone have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Persephone?
Persephone 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 Persephone?
Persephone is a two-syllable name pronounced P ER1 S F OW1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Persephone trending right now?
Persephone is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.