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Origin and meaning of the name Alceone

What is the origin of the name Alceone?

Alcione is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the name Alcyoneus, which is itself derived from the Greek words "alcyon" meaning kingfisher and "-eus" indicating belonging to. In Greek mythology, Alcyone was a princess of Thessaly who was turned into a kingfisher by Aphrodite after her husband Ceyx died in a shipwreck. The story is part of the legend of Alcyone and Ceyx. In some variations, the name can also be spelled as Alciona or Alcyona. It has been used in various languages and cultures over time, reflecting its Greek origins but with regional adaptations.

Learn more about the origin of the name Alceone

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Alceone

Alcione is a unique name with Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek name Alkyone (Αλκυόνη), which means "strong" or "firm." The name is associated with Alcyoneus, a giant in Greek mythology, and Alcyone, a character in the myth of Alcyoneus's death. According to the story, Alcyone was one of the daughters of Aeolus, the god of the winds. After her husband, Ceyx, drowned at sea, Alcyone begged her father to bring him back. Moved by her grief, Aeolus intervened with Zeus and Poseidon, and they transformed Alcyone and Ceyx into a pair of kingfishers, allowing them to spend their remaining days together in the same place. The name Alcione has been in use since ancient times and remains popular in some parts of the world today.

Character traits associated with the name Alceone

Alceone is often associated with traits of determination, independence, and intelligence. This name, of ancient Greek origin, suggests an individual who is strong-willed and confident. Alceones are typically known for their ability to lead effectively, as the name derives from the word 'alces' meaning 'stag', a powerful and assertive creature in Greek mythology. They are also considered to be innovative and insightful, exhibiting a natural curiosity that drives them to constantly learn and evolve. Their intelligence allows them to approach challenges strategically, making thoughtful decisions that lead to successful outcomes. However, Alceones can also be impulsive at times, requiring self-control to avoid potential pitfalls. Overall, Alceone represents a driven and intelligent individual with strong leadership qualities and a knack for innovation.

Popularity of the name Alceone

Alceone is a less common given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. It originates from Greek mythology, being the name of one of the Pleiades, daughters of Atlas and Pleione. However, its usage as a personal name has been relatively limited in modern times. In the United States, for example, Alceone is not among the top 1000 baby names according to the Social Security Administration data from recent years. Its scarcity can be attributed to the name's unique and uncommon nature, which may appeal to some parents seeking a distinctive choice but could deter others due to its unfamiliarity. Nonetheless, its connection to Greek mythology gives it an air of antiquity and cultural significance that some may find attractive.

Famous people with the name Alceone

Alcione is an uncommon given name, but it has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such person is Alcione Amati (1713-1767), an Italian violinist and composer who was a member of the prominent Amati family of Cremona, Italy. Another renowned figure bearing this name is Alcione da Silva (born 1950), a Brazilian actress, best known for her role in the soap opera "Avenida Brasil." In the world of science, there's Alcione Gonçalves Souza (1924-1973), a Brazilian astronomer who discovered several asteroids and comets. Lastly, Alcione de Mello Mattos (1905-1981) was a Brazilian writer, educator, and feminist who played a significant role in the early 20th century women's rights movement in Brazil. These individuals exemplify the versatility of the name Alcione across various fields.

Variations of the name Alceone

Alcione is a unisex given name derived from the Latin name Alcius, which means "belonging to Aulus," a common Roman family name. In Greek mythology, Alcyone (or Alcyonée) was a queen and the wife of Ceyx, a king in Thessaly. Their love story is part of the constellation Corvus. The feminine form of Alcius, Alcione, is less common but still used as a given name.

There are variations and spellings of the name that can be found across different cultures and languages. Some of these include:

1. Alcyone/Alcyonée (French, Greek)
2. Alycone (Greek)
3. Alziona (Italian)
4. Alcionea (Portuguese)
5. Alcyona (Spanish)
6. Alcjona (Slovenian)
7. Alcioné (French, Greek)
8. Alkione (Greek)
9. Alyconeia (Greek)

These variations share a similar etymology and phonetic structure, but may have slight differences in spelling and pronunciation due to regional and linguistic influences.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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