Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Persephone
GirlGreek
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- pur-SEF-uh-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #735
- US babies 2025
- 372
- Best rank
- #683 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Persephone
Persephone is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Persephone is the Greek goddess who was carried off to the underworld by Hades and became its queen, returning to her mother Demeter each spring. Her yearly return was tied to the growing season, so the name is closely linked with renewal, flowers and the turning of the seasons. The meaning of the name itself is uncertain; scholars have proposed several explanations, and none is generally accepted. The Romans knew her as Proserpina. As a baby name Persephone feels bold, mythic and romantic, and it fits families drawn to names such as Penelope or Ophelia. Percy, Seph and Posy are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Persephone first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 2019. Its best national rank was #683 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 429 babies. In 2025, 372 babies were named Persephone, and it ranked #735 nationally. That is 109% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #7,224 in 1980, #5,638 in 2000, #1,841 in 2010, and #735 in 2025. Of the 4,960 US girls named Persephone since records began, 46% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,887 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Zendaya, Taytum, Kaeli, Dani, and Theodora.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Persephone ranked highest in Alaska, Nevada, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #130 | 6 |
| Nevada | #367 | 8 |
| New Mexico | #370 | 5 |
| Oregon | #382 | 10 |
| Washington | #426 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Persephone is usually pronounced pur-SEF-uh-nee, with three syllables. It has ten letters, starts with P and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Persephone
A few middle names that flow with Persephone: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Persephone
Similar names
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Dafne Girl
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hur-MY-uh-nee
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Lists that include Persephone
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Persephone mean?
Persephone is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Persephone?
Persephone has Greek roots. Persephone is the Greek goddess who was carried off to the underworld by Hades and became its queen, returning to her mother Demeter each spring.
Is Persephone a popular name?
Yes. Persephone ranked #735 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Persephone a boy or girl name?
Persephone is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Persephone?
Persephone is usually pronounced pur-SEF-uh-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings