Iphigenia
Female nameGreek
✨ Meaning
Iphigenia comes from the Greek elements 'iphi,' meaning by force or strong, and 'genes,' meaning born, giving a sense of 'strong-born' or 'born to strength.' It is one of the longest and most formal names to survive from Greek myth, and its five syllables give it an unmistakably classical shape that has kept it in the theatre far more often than in the nursery.
🌍 Origin
In Greek tradition Iphigenia is the daughter of Agamemnon, whose story was dramatised by Euripides in two surviving tragedies and retold by writers from Racine to Goethe. The name is used in Greece today and appears rarely elsewhere, chosen almost exclusively by parents with a strong classical or literary attachment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Iphigenia mean?
Iphigenia means 'strong-born,' from the Greek 'iphi' (by force, strong) and 'genes' (born).
How is Iphigenia pronounced?
In English it is if-ih-juh-NY-ah, with the stress on the fourth syllable.
Who was Iphigenia in Greek myth?
The daughter of Agamemnon, whose story Euripides dramatised in two surviving tragedies and which many later writers retold.