Rising since 1985, #734 for girls today.
Popularity of Persephone since 1962
Babies named Persephone per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 38 |
| 1970s | 97 |
| 1980s | 71 |
| 1990s | 141 |
| 2000s | 465 |
| 2010s | 1,887 |
| 2020s | 2,261 |
Meaning & origin
Persephone, the name of the Greek goddess of spring and the underworld, has steadily climbed in popularity since 1985, ranking 734 in 2025 with 1 in 4,321 girls receiving it. The name peaked at rank 202 in 2022, reflecting a growing trend for mythological names. It is most common in Alaska, New Mexico, and Nevada. While its mythological associations can be heavy, many parents are drawn to its lyrical sound and strong feminine archetype.
From Greek Persephone (Περσεφόνη), possibly from pherō (to bring) and phonos (slaughter), or from an earlier Pre-Greek name. In Greek mythology she was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, abducted by Hades to be queen of the underworld. The name entered English through classical literature and has been used as a given name since the late 19th century, gaining broader popularity in recent decades.
Where Persephone is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Percy, Seph, Sephie, Persie
Variants: Persephonie, Persefone, Proserpina
Sibling names for Persephone
Names that share Persephone's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Calliope, Athena, Penelope, Ariadne, Thalia, Cleopatra, Demetra, Demetria, Kalliope, Phaedra, Aphrodite, Electra, Pennelope, Ambrosia, Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Athene, Caliope, Cilicia, Demetress, Eurydice, Ilithyia, Inanna, Phoenicia
Brothers: Orion, Apollo, Atlas, Dorian, Phoenix, Adonis, Charon, Zephaniah, Alastor, Hermes, Lysander, Aristides, Hades, Lestat, Xerxes, Demetrias, Icarus, Kharon
