Iphigenia: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate)".It derives from the Greek word "îphi > Ī́phidos génos / gennáō > Īphigéneia".
Iphigenia has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Greek roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate)" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Iphigenia
Quick facts about Iphigenia
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
îphi > Ī́phidos génos / gennáō > Īphigéneia
How to Pronounce Iphigenia
Iphigenia is pronounced /ˌɪf.ɪˈdʒɛn.i.ə/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Iphig-en-ia
Say it like: "IPHIG-EN-IA"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across latin, and german speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
latingerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Iphigenia
What does the name Iphigenia mean?
Iphigenia means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène.". The name comes from îphi > Ī́phidos génos / gennáō > Īphigéneia. In its original form, the name derives from îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος) génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω) Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Iphigenia for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Iphigenia offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Iphigenia?
Iphigenia is a greek name. The name traces back to îphi > Ī́phidos génos / gennáō > Īphigéneia. The original form îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος) génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω) Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its greek roots, Iphigenia spread to become common in latin, german. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Iphigenia a boy or girl name?
Iphigenia is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Iphigenia has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Iphigenia?
Iphigenia is pronounced "/ˌɪf.ɪˈdʒɛn.i.ə/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Iphigenia is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in latin, german, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Iphigenia can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root îphi > Ī́phidos génos / gennáō > Īphigéneia influences how Iphigenia sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Iphigenia?
Iphigenia is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Iphigenia gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Iphigenia's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Iphigenia holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Iphigenia commonly used?
Iphigenia is common in latin and german naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Iphigenia found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Iphigenia into their naming traditions. A child named Iphigenia will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Iphigenia is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Iphigenia?
Iphigenia carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Īphigéneia (Ῑ̓φῐγένειᾰ)”, composed of two elements: “îphi (ἶφι) Ī́phidos (Ἴφιδος)” (strong, might) plus “génos (γένος) gennáō (γεννάω)” (to beget, give birth to, to bring forth, produce, generate). In turn, the name means “strong-born, mighty, a strong race.” Iphigenia is a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology, whom Agamemnon is commanded to kill as a sacrifice to allow his ships to sail to Troy. In Attic accounts, her name means “strong-born, born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring. One of the feast days is for Marie-Françoise-Gabrielle-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène (Iphigenia of St. Matthew), professed religious of the monastery of Sacramentine Bollène, born on September 23, 1761, in Bollène." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Iphigenia originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Iphigenia sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Iphigenia often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In latin communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.