100 Ancient Egyptian Names and Their Meanings

BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP

The sands of time have concealed numerous stories and secrets, but none so intriguing as those held within the realm of Ancient Egypt. Names are a testament to the complex tapestry of this great culture, much like the pyramids and hieroglyphs are. Join us as we study 100 Ancient Egyptian names and the profound significance they hold as we embark on a captivating historical trip.

1. Amunet (Ah-moo-net): Derived from the god Amun, this name means "hidden" or "secretive." It reflects the mystique and allure that shrouded Ancient Egypt.

2. Bastet (Bas-tet): Named after the feline goddess of home, fertility, and protection, Bastet's name signifies "devouring lady." Cats held a special place in Egyptian households.

3. Khufu (Koo-foo): Khufu, known as the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, bears a name meaning "protected by Khnum." Khnum was a creator deity.

4. Nefertari (Nef-er-tah-ree): Translated as "beautiful companion," Nefertari was the beloved queen of Ramses II. Her name captures the elegance and importance of women in Egyptian society.

5. Seti (Say-tee): This regal name signifies "the one of Seth," referring to the god of chaos. Seti I was a renowned pharaoh and father of Ramses II.

6. Anubis (Ah-noo-bis): Associated with embalming and the afterlife, Anubis's name means "royal child." Anubis was often depicted as a jackal-headed deity.

7. Cleopatra (Klee-oh-pah-trah): A name immortalized in history, Cleopatra means "glory of the father." It embodies the allure and intelligence of one of Egypt's most famous queens.

8. Ptah (Tah): The name Ptah translates to "opener" or "sculptor." Ptah was the creator god, often depicted as a skilled craftsman.

9. Neith (Neeth): A powerful goddess, Neith's name means "water" or "weaver." She was considered the deity of war and hunting.

10. Senusret (Seh-noo-sret): A name for pharaohs, Senusret translates to "man of goddess Wosret." This name reflects a strong connection to divine forces.

11. Meritamun (Mehr-it-ah-moon): Signifying "beloved of Amun," Meritamun reflects devotion to the god of gods, Amun.

12. Tutankhamun (Too-tahn-kah-moon): Perhaps the most famous young pharaoh, Tutankhamun's name means "living image of Amun." His treasures continue to captivate the world.

13. Hatshepsut (Hat-shep-soot): As the only female pharaoh to rule in her own right, Hatshepsut's name translates to "foremost of noble women." She left an indelible mark on history.

14. Amenhotep (Ah-men-ho-tep): Meaning "peaceful Amun," this name reflects a desire for harmony in a society closely tied to spiritual beliefs.

15. Sobekhotep (So-bek-ho-tep): A name honoring the crocodile god Sobek, Sobekhotep means "Sobek is content." Crocodiles symbolized strength and fertility.

16. Mutnofret (Moot-no-fret): This elegant name translates to "mother is beautiful." It embodies the reverence for motherhood in Ancient Egypt.

17. Djoser (Joe-ser): The pharaoh associated with the Step Pyramid, Djoser's name means "sacred to the god Ptah." His reign was marked by architectural innovation.

18. Irynefer (Ear-ee-neh-fair): A name carrying the meaning "one who loves goodness," Irynefer reflects the values upheld by many Egyptians.

19. Merneith (Mehr-neeth): Regarded as one of Egypt's earliest female rulers, Merneith's name signifies "beloved by Neith." She held positions of power and authority.

20. Userkaf (Oo-ser-kaf): A pharaoh's name, Userkaf means "his soul is strong." It highlights the belief in the enduring power of the soul.

21. Mutemwia (Moot-em-wee-ah): The principal wife of Thutmose IV, Mutemwia's name translates to "Mut in the divine bark." Mut was a mother goddess.

22. Horemheb (Hor-em-heb): Meaning "Horus is in jubilation," Horemheb's name invokes the falcon-headed god associated with kingship and protection.

23. Tauret (Tow-ret): Named after the hippopotamus goddess of childbirth and fertility, Tauret's name signifies "the great one."

24. Montuhotep (Mon-too-ho-tep): This name means "Montu is satisfied." Montu was a warrior god associated with Thebes.

25. Meresankh (Mehr-es-ankh): A name often given to princesses, Meresankh means "she who loves life." It reflects the celebration of life in Egyptian culture.

26. Pepi (Peh-pee): Short for pharaohs named after the sun god Ra, Pepi means "of the house of Ra." It demonstrates reverence for the sun's life-giving energy.

27. Tuthmosis (Toot-mo-sis): With the meaning "born of Thoth," Tuthmosis carries a connection to the god of wisdom and writing.

28. Ankhesenamun (Ank-heh-sen-ah-moon): Famous as the wife of Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun's name translates to "her life is of Amun." Amun's influence was pervasive.

29. Amenemhat (Ah-men-em-hot): This name, meaning "Amun is at the front," highlights the importance of the god Amun in royal lineages.

30. Renpet (Ren-pet): Named after the goddess of the new year and fertility, Renpet's name means "year" or "time."

31. Nakht (Nahkt): A name associated with nobility, Nakht means "strong" or "mighty." It reflects the power that individuals held in Ancient Egyptian society.

32. Nubia (Noo-bee-ah): While not a personal name, Nubia refers to the region south of Egypt. The name carries a sense of mystery and importance.

33. Sobekneferu (So-bek-nef-eru): Egypt's first female pharaoh, Sobekneferu's name means "the beauty of Sobek." Sobek was the crocodile god.

34. Khaemweset (Kem-weh-set): A prince and scholar, Khaemweset's name translates to "he who appears in Thebes." Thebes held cultural significance.

35. Tuya (Too-yah): Queen of Seti I and mother of Ramses II, Tuya's name signifies "the great one." It reflects her influential role.

36. Meryt (Mehr-eet): Meaning "beloved," Meryt highlights the sentiment and affection expressed through names.

37. Seshat (Seh-shat): The name of the goddess of writing and record-keeping, Seshat's name translates to "the one who writes."

38. Nebetah (Neb-eh-tah): Sister of Khufu, Nebetah's name means "mistress of the house." It reflects familial and domestic roles.

39. Amunhotep (Ah-mun-ho-tep): A variant of Amenhotep, Amunhotep means "Amun is content." It emphasizes the deity's satisfaction.

40. Meritaten (Mehr-it-ah-ten): Daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, Meritaten's name translates to "she who is beloved of Aten." Aten was the sun disk god.

41. Neferkare (Nefer-kah-reh): A name for pharaohs, Neferkare means "beautiful is the soul of Ra." It conveys a connection to the divine.

42. Hapy (Ha-pee): Named after the god of the Nile's annual flooding, Hapy's name means "bull of the Nile." Nile floods were vital for agriculture.

43. Sneferu (Sneh-fer-oo): A name synonymous with pyramid-building, Sneferu means "to make beautiful." He was a pharaoh of the Old Kingdom.

44. Renenutet (Ren-en-yoo-tet): The cobra goddess of nourishment, Renenutet's name signifies "she who rears."

45. Nebetnehat (Neb-eh-neh-hat): A name often given to princesses, Nebetnehat means "lady of all women." It conveys a sense of prominence.

46. Kemet (Keh-met): The ancient name for Egypt, Kemet translates to "black land" due to its fertile soil along the Nile.

47. Sobekhotep (So-bek-ho-tep): This name pays homage to the crocodile god Sobek, signifying "Sobek is satisfied."

48. Baketmut (Bah-ket-moot): Meaning "soul of Mut," Baketmut emphasizes the deep connection between individuals and deities.

49. Menkaura (Men-kaw-rah): The pharaoh credited with building the third pyramid of Giza, Menkaura's name translates to "enduring life of Ra."

50. Mutnofret (Moot-no-fret): A queen's name, Mutnofret means "mother is beautiful." It extols the beauty of motherhood.

51. Mentuhotep (Men-too-ho-tep): Named after the god Montu, Mentuhotep's name means "Montu in contentment." Montu symbolized strength.

52. Tefnut (Tef-noote): The goddess of moisture and rain, Tefnut's name signifies "that which is spat out."

53. Amenemope (Ah-men-em-oh-pee): This name, meaning "Amun in the mouth," reflects the importance of divine influence in speech and thought.

54. Tiye (Tie-yeh): Queen of Amenhotep III, Tiye's name translates to "great." It reflects her significant role.

55. Nebetah (Neb-eh-tah): Sister of Khufu, Nebetah's name means "lady of all lands." It conveys her importance.

56. Itet (Ee-tet): A name associated with nobility, Itet means "the throne." It reflects positions of power.

57. Horus (Hor-us): Named after the falcon-headed god of kingship, Horus's name means "the distant one."

58. Meketaten (Meh-keh-tah-ten): Daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, Meketaten's name signifies "protected by Aten." Aten was the sun disk god.

59. Djedefre (Jed-ef-ray): The son of Khufu, Djedefre's name means "enduring like Ra." Ra was the sun god.

60. Tia (Tee-ah): Queen of Amenhotep II, Tia's name translates to "goddess." It reflects her divine connection.

61. Imhotep (Eem-ho-tep): A name synonymous with architecture and medicine, Imhotep means "the one who comes in peace."

62. Tetisheri (Tet-ish-eh-ree): The mother of Pharaoh Ahmose I, Tetisheri's name signifies "the noble one."

63. Khepri (Kheh-pree): Named after the scarab beetle god, Khepri's name means "he who comes into being."

64. Tiy (Tie): Queen of Amenhotep III and mother of Akhenaten, Tiy's name translates to "great." It highlights her importance.

65. Sobek (So-bek): The god of crocodiles and fertility, Sobek's name means "crocodile."

66. Harsiese (Har-see-eh-seh): A name for princes, Harsiese means "Horus, son of Isis."

67. Qetesh (Keh-tesh): The goddess of love and beauty, Qetesh's name signifies "sacred." It emphasizes her divine nature.

68. Ahmose (Ah-mose): Meaning "child of the moon," Ahmose reflects a connection to lunar cycles.

69. Hetepheres (Heh-teh-fair-ees): The mother of Khufu, Hetepheres's name translates to "offering to the gods." It highlights her religious role.

70. Neferure (Neh-fair-yoor): The daughter of Hatshepsut, Neferure's name means "beautiful companion." It celebrates the bond between mother and child.

71. Ay (Eye): Pharaoh Ay's name translates to "he who is strong." It reflects his position of authority.

72. Nefertum (Nef-er-toom): The god of lotus flowers and perfume, Nefertum's name means "beautiful one who comes."

73. Teti (Teh-tee): A pharaoh's name, Teti means "the father." It signifies the patriarchal role of the ruler.

74. Seneb (Seh-neb): Named after the god of health and protection, Seneb's name means "healthy" or "well-being."

75. Neithhotep (Neeth-hotep): Regarded as one of Egypt's earliest queens, Neithhotep's name signifies "Neith is satisfied."

76. Renpetnefer (Ren-pet-neh-fer): Meaning "beautiful year," Renpetnefer reflects the celebration of time and its cycles.

77. Anuket (Ah-nu-ket): Named after the goddess of the Nile's inundation, Anuket's name means "embracing lady."

78. Ankhesenpaaten (Ank-heh-sen-pa-ah-ten): Daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, Ankhesenpaaten's name translates to "her life is of Aten." Aten was the sun disk god.

79. Intef (In-tef): A name associated with nobility, Intef means "his father." It underscores lineage.

80. Nut (Noot): The goddess of the sky, Nut's name signifies "sky" or "heaven."

81. Nebetneferu (Neb-eh-nef-er-oo): This name, meaning "lady of perfection," highlights the pursuit of excellence.

82. Userkaf (Oo-ser-kaf): A pharaoh's name, Userkaf means "his soul is strong." It emphasizes inner strength.

83. Tadibastet (Tah-dee-bas-tet): Named after the goddess Bastet, Tadibastet's name means "daughter of Bastet."

84. Mutemwiya (Moot-em-wee-yah): Queen of Thutmose IV, Mutemwiya's name signifies "Mut in the divine bark."

85. Isetnofret (Ee-set-no-fret): A name often given to queens, Isetnofret means "the beautiful one is favored."

86. Akhenaten (Ah-ken-ah-ten): The pharaoh who introduced Aten worship, Akhenaten's name translates to "effective for Aten."

87. Weret-hekau (Wehr-et-heh-kow): Named after the goddess of magic, Weret-hekau's name means "great of magic."

88. Dedumose (Deh-doo-mose): Meaning "enduring is born," Dedumose reflects a hopeful sentiment.

89. Nebetnebhes (Neb-eh-neb-hes): A name for queens, Nebetnebhes means "lady of reverence."

90. Sobekemsaf (So-bek-em-saf): A pharaoh's name, Sobekemsaf means "Sobek in his glory."

91. Senet (Seh-net): Named after the goddess of board games, Senet's name signifies "game."

92. Shabaka (Sha-bah-kah): A pharaoh's name, Shabaka means "the one with strong arms."

93. Tausret (Tow-sret): One of Egypt's few female pharaohs, Tausret's name signifies "the powerful one."

94. Menkaure (Men-kaw-ray): Pharaoh credited with the third pyramid at Giza, Menkaure's name translates to "enduring like the soul of Ra."

95. Itet (Ee-tet): A name associated with nobility, Itet means "queen."

96. Amenemope (Ah-men-em-oh-pee): This name, meaning "Amun in the mouth," reflects the divine presence in speech.

97. Nebetneb (Neb-eh-neb): A name often given to princesses, Nebetneb means "lady of all ladies."

98. Sehetepibre (Seh-heh-teh-pi-breh): Meaning "pleasing to the heart of Ra," Sehetepibre reflects a desire for divine favor.

99. Iput (Ee-poot): Named after a royal princess, Iput's name means "pure one."

100. Akhetaten (Ah-khet-ah-ten): The city established by Akhenaten, Akhetaten's name translates to "horizon of Aten."

The names of Ancient Egypt resonate with meanings as diverse and profound as the civilization itself. From gods and goddesses to pharaohs and queens, each name encapsulates a unique story, a belief, or an aspiration. As we delve into these linguistic treasures, we gain a deeper appreciation for the people who once walked the banks of the Nile and the intricate web of meanings that still captivates us today.