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Artemis Name Meaning: History, Similar Names & Origin

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Artemis Overview

  • Meaning: Artemis means “butcher” and “safe” in Greek.
  • Gender: Artemis is technically unisex but likelier to be used for little girls.
  • Origin: Artemis has roots in Greek mythology, first mentioned by author Hesiod. Throughout mythology, Artemis also appears as Diana and Cynthia.
  • Pronunciation: Artemis can be pronounced “ar-TEE-miss” or “AR-tuh-miss.”
  • Popularity: Artemis peaked in 2021, ranking among the top 805 names for American girls. Artemis is a rare name for boys, and the title is rarely seen outside America and Europe.
  • Nicknames: Ari, Art, Arta, Artie, Arty, Miss, Missy, Tee.
  • Variations: Artamis, Artemiss, Artimis, Artymis.
  • Namesakes: Artemis Cooper, English biography author. Artemis Pebdani, Iranian American actress.

What Does Artemis Mean?

Artemis is a Greek title meaning “butcher” or “safe.” It can also mean “twin of Apollo,” paying homage to the popular Greek myth. In mythology, Artemis is the virgin goddess of hunting, chastity, animals, plants, and childbirth. She’s also considered the keeper of young girls and is thought to bring healing to women. This connection makes many associate Artemis with hunting and forestry. Those who know the tale of Artemis choose this title for their children in hopes they’ll embrace their free-spiritedness. With a scholarly twist, Artemis is the ideal option for the little bookworm.

What Is the Origin of the Name Artemis?

Like many Greek titles, Artemis has its roots in mythology, first mentioned by Hesiod. Artemis was Apollo’s twin sister and one of twelve Olympians. She is considered the goddess of the hunt, fitting as she spent most of her time in the woods. In art, Artemis is often depicted as the “Mistress of the Animals,” shown with a young dog or bird.

How Popular Is the Name Artemis?

Artemis became well-known in the 16th-century, when Shakespeare began mentioning the goddess. Artemis was rumored to be Shakespeare’s favorite mythical nymph, though he often referred to her as Diana. Despite this literary reference, Artemis didn’t land on American name charts until 2020.

Artemis peaked in 2021, ranking among the top 805 names for American girls. Despite male pop culture references, Artemis remains a rare option for boys. You’re not likely to find Artemis in other parts of the world.

How Do I Pronounce Artemis?

Artemis can be pronounced “ar-TEE-miss” or “AR-tuh-miss.”

Is Artemis a Boy or Girl Name?

Artemis is technically unisex but is a likelier used for little girls.

Variations of Artemis

Check out these incredible variations of Artemis.

  • Artamis
  • Artemiss
  • Artimis
  • Artymis

Nicknames for Artemis

These nicknames for Artemis are simply adorable.

  • Ari
  • Art
  • Arta
  • Artie
  • Arty
  • Miss
  • Missy
  • Tee

Similar Names to Artemis

Check out these awesome names, similar to Artemis in meaning, genre, and origin.

  • Achilles
  • Andromeda
  • Aphrodite
  • Apollo
  • Aramis
  • Ariadne
  • Aries
  • Athena
  • Aura
  • Calliope
  • Calypso
  • Circe
  • Diana
  • Eros
  • Helios
  • Juniper
  • Lilith
  • Osiris
  • Persephone
  • Zeus

Middle Names for Artemis

Try one of these cute middle names for Artemis.

  • Alexander
  • Axl
  • Bryn
  • Damon
  • Fae
  • Henry
  • Ivy
  • Jacobi
  • Jade
  • Jonathan
  • Lee
  • Morgan
  • Onyx
  • Opal
  • Pearl
  • Rayne
  • River
  • Rose
  • Sage
  • Theodore

Sibling Names for Artemis

These sibling names for Artemis are too cute for words.

  • Adonis
  • Alexandria
  • Apollo
  • Atlas
  • Charisma
  • Deidra
  • Diana
  • Hector
  • Hedra
  • Hercules
  • Katharine
  • Neo
  • Nyx
  • Olivia
  • Olympus
  • Ophelia
  • Penelope
  • Perseus
  • Phoenix
  • Zeus

Famous People Named Artemis

Learn about some of the most famous people named Artemis.

  • Artemis Cooper: English biography author.
  • Artemis Pebdani: Iranian American actress.

Artemis in Popular Culture

Keep an eye out for these mentions of Artemis in pop culture.

  • Artemis: Greek goddess of the hunt, forestry, and childbirth.
  • Artemis: Cartoon goddess in Marvel and DC Comics.
  • Artemis: Featured in Rick Riordan’s “Heroes of Olympus” series.
  • Art3mis: Leading character in the “Ready Player One” franchise.
  • Artemis Crock: Supervillain in DC Comics.
  • Artemis Dubois: Featured in television’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
  • Artemis Entreri: Character in “Dungeons and Dragons” campaigns.
  • Artemis Fowl II: Main character in the “Artemis Fowl” books and movies.

Artemis FAQs

Get answers to the top frequently asked questions about Artemis.

Why Is Artemis a Boy’s Name?

Artemis is primarily feminine due to its goddess associations, but some use it for boys. Artemis is mostly classified as unisex because it was given to little boys with great hunters in their lineage. Bookworms who adore the Artemis Fowl books may name their son after the main character, a boy. With a wide variety of masculine nicknames, like Artie, Artemis is a dashing option for any little guy.

Is the Name Artemis in the Bible?

Artemis is found in the New Testament, specifically Acts 19:27. In that period, Artemis was a great goddess whom the Ephesians feared. Ephesus was where the Temple of Artemis was, later christened one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Needless to say, craftsmen had plenty of work creating house idols in Artemis’ image. In this verse, the author of Acts states that Christianity will soon overtake idol worship, a sentiment that rang true.

What Are Alternate Versions of Artemis?

Like most myths, many prominent cultures have their version of Artemis. Other variations of Artemis include Diana, which is featured in Roman religion. Diana means “divine” and is also connected to “daylight” and “sky.” What a fitting interpretation, as Diana is the goddess of the hunt. Artemis may also appear as the Greek title Cynthia, meaning “moon.” This variation of Artemis is primarily honored for being the goddess of domesticated animals.

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About the Author

Cate Hoepner

Cate Hoepner is a professional blogger and freelance writer of seven years. Before transitioning into a writing role, she worked in finance and customer service. Cate enjoys DIY projects, old movies, music, and a good cup of coffee. In her free time, you'll find her homeschooling her three kids, crafting her dream homestead, and reading anything she can get her hands on.