Halcyon

What does the baby name Halcyon mean? Learn about what Halcyon means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Halcyon - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Halcyon: H-A-L-C-Y-O-N, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Halcyon: HAL see un
Meaning of Halcyon: Calm.
Origin of Halcyon: The name 'Halcyon' can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology. In Greek folklore, 'Halcyon' was a mythical bird associated with tranquility and calmness. According to the legend, 'Halcyon' was the daughter of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. She was married to Ceyx, the king of Thessaly, and together they were deeply in love.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Ceyx perished at sea during a storm. Overwhelmed with grief, 'Halcyon' threw herself into the sea, but the gods took pity on her and transformed her into a bird. As the 'Halcyon' bird, she was granted the power to calm the winds and seas for a period of time, allowing her to safely nest and raise her young.; Celestial Names; Earthy Names; Greek Names; Green Names; Mythological Names; Nature Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Halcyon: Halcyone
Popularity of Halcyon: The name 'Halcyon' has experienced a relatively low level of popularity throughout history. However, there have been notable spikes in its usage during specific periods. For instance, during the late 19th century, there was a surge of interest in ancient Greek mythology, which led to a temporary increase in the popularity of names like 'Halcyon'.; Halcyon currently has 4 likes, and is in the top 12% of liked girl's names. The name Chaonaine is slightly more popular than Halcyon.

Etymology of Halcyon

The etymology of the name 'Halcyon' can be traced back to the Greek word 'halkyon', which means 'kingfisher'. The association between the mythical bird 'Halcyon' and the kingfisher bird is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. The kingfisher was believed to have the power to calm the winds and waves during its nesting period, just like 'Halcyon'.

Cultural Significance of Halcyon

While the name 'Halcyon' may not hold significant cultural associations in mainstream society, it does have a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate Greek mythology. For them, the name carries a sense of tranquility, peace, and resilience in the face of adversity.