Persephone
Persephone is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Bringer of destruction, maiden of spring”, pronounced per-SEF-uh-nee. It ranked #735 in the United States in 2025, given to 372 babies, and peaked at #683 in 2022. Common nicknames: Percy, Sephy, Effie.
How popular is Persephone in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Persephone mean, and where does it come from?
Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, carried off by Hades and returned for part of each year — the myth that explains the seasons and underwrites the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Greeks themselves could not agree on her name's meaning, and the usual gloss, "bringer of destruction," may be a folk etymology of something older and pre-Greek. American records hold it from 1962, but it entered the top thousand only in 2019 and has climbed since, part of the broad revival of long mythological names.
Variations & Nicknames
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Persephone mean?
Persephone is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Bringer of destruction, maiden of spring." Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, carried off by Hades and returned for part of each year — the myth that explains the seasons and underwrites the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Greeks themselves could not agree on her name's meaning, and the usual gloss, "bringer of destruction," may be a folk etymology of something older and pre-Greek.
How do you pronounce Persephone?
Persephone is pronounced per-SEF-uh-nee. Common variations include Persefone, Persephoni, Kore.
Is Persephone a girl name?
Yes, Persephone is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Percy, Sephy, Effie, Seph.