Aspasia

Meaning & origin

Aspasia is a rare and historically layered Greek name, most famously associated with the 5th-century BCE Athenian intellectual and companion of Pericles. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1915 and reached its peak usage in 1926, though it has never been a common choice. The most recent year of recorded use is 2025, but the name remains rare, with a trajectory that is stable at very low levels. With no top states of concentration, Aspasia's appeal today lies in its ancient heritage and distinctive sound, making it a choice for parents drawn to classical names with deep historical roots rather than current popularity.

Aspasia is a name of ancient Greek origin, derived from the feminine form of Aspasios, a Greek personal name meaning 'welcome' or 'embrace'. It was borne by the influential 5th-century BCE courtesan and companion of Pericles in Athens, which brought the name into historical prominence. After antiquity, the name saw limited use until the 19th century, when it was revived in Greece and occasionally elsewhere, though it remains rare in English-speaking countries.