Origin and meaning of the name Briseida

Briseis is a female name of Greek origin, derived from the Mycenaean Greek *Brī-zai-da, meaning "she who is carrying away." In Greek mythology, Briseis was a Trojan woman who was taken as a war prize by Achilles during the Trojan War. After Agamemnon took her away from Achilles in a dispute, she became the cause of the quarrel between him and Achilles that eventually led to his death. The name has been used in various forms in different languages throughout history.

Learn more about the origin of the name Briseida

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Briseida

Briseis is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "brisein," which means "to seize" or "to carry off." In Greek mythology, Briseis was a Trojan princess who was captured by Achilles during the Trojan War and became one of his concubines. After Agamemnon took her away to appease Chryseis, a priestess whom he had taken as a war prize, Briseis remained with Achilles until Odysseus returned her in exchange for the return of Helen to Menelaus. The name Briseis has been used in various forms throughout history and is still used today, representing a strong and resilient woman who overcame adversity.

Character traits associated with the name Briseida

Briseis, a significant figure from Homer's epic poem "The Iliad," is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman. Initially taken as a war prize by Achilles, she demonstrates an admirable ability to endure hardships with dignity. Despite her captivity, she maintains her integrity, refusing to succumb to the advances of several Greek leaders. Her story underscores her bravery, adaptability, and resilience in the face of adversity. Furthermore, Briseis is also depicted as resourceful, using her wit and diplomacy to navigate complex social and political situations. Her character serves as an example of female strength in a male-dominated society, making her a compelling figure in classical literature.

Popularity of the name Briseida

Briseis is a female name of Greek origin, known primarily from mythology as the captive Trojan woman given to Achilles by Agamemnon during the Trojan War. In modern times, the name has seen limited usage in various parts of the world. According to baby name popularity databases, Briseis is not among the most commonly used names in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom. However, it does appear occasionally on lists of unique and uncommon names, indicating a preference for less common monikers by some parents. Its popularity may be influenced by its connection to Greek mythology, literature, and art, appealing to those who seek names with historical and cultural significance.

Famous people with the name Briseida

Briseida, a unique female name, is not commonly associated with many renowned figures due to its rarity compared to more popular names. However, there are a few notable individuals bearing this name who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Briseida Ortiz, for instance, is a Venezuelan lawyer and politician, serving as the Minister of Women and Gender Equality since 2019. In the world of art, Briseyda Zarate, a Mexican artist, is recognized for her innovative mixed media sculptures that explore themes of identity and cultural heritage. Lastly, Briseida Lopez, a Salvadoran-American actress, has appeared in several films and TV shows, including "The Shield" and "Better Call Saul." While the number of well-known Briseidas may be limited, their accomplishments underscore the potential for greatness that this name carries.

Variations of the name Briseida

The variant forms of the female given name Briseis are:

1. Briseida - This is the most common spelling in Spanish-speaking countries, derived from the original Greek mythological character's name, Briseis.
2. Briseis (Anglicized) - An English adaptation of the original Greek name, used in English-speaking cultures.
3. Briseisia - A less common variation that introduces an additional syllable to the name.
4. Breiseis - This is a rare variant with a slight change in spelling.
5. Brizeida - An alternative spelling, often found in Portuguese-speaking countries, which slightly modifies the pronunciation of the original Greek name.
6. Briseyda - A less common variation that includes a "y" instead of an "i," especially used among Hispanic communities in the United States.
7. Breisida - An infrequently found variant with a changed spelling pattern.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "briseida"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 29 July 2025

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