Kadmos: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient".It derives from the Greek word (kékasmai > Kádmos) (qadmon).
The name Kadmos carries a rich history rooted in Greek culture. Derived from "(kékasmai > Kádmos) (qadmon)", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Greek-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Kadmos
Quick facts about Kadmos
Origin
Greek, Phoenician
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
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 and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
(kékasmai > Kádmos) (qadmon)
How to Pronounce Kadmos
Kadmos is pronounced /ˈkad.mos/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Kad-mos
Say it like: "KAD-MOS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Kadmos enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including turkish, swedish, estonian, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
turkishswedishestoniangerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Kadmos
What does the name Kadmos mean?
Kadmos means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus.". The name comes from (kékasmai > Kádmos) (qadmon). In its original form, the name derives from kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Kadmos for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Kadmos's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Kadmos?
Kadmos has greek and phoenician origins. The name traces back to (kékasmai > Kádmos) (qadmon). The original form kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its greek roots, Kadmos spread to become common in turkish, swedish, estonian, german. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Kadmos a boy or girl name?
Kadmos is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Kadmos has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Kadmos?
Kadmos is pronounced "/ˈkad.mos/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Kadmos is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in turkish, swedish, estonian, 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 Kadmos can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (kékasmai > Kádmos) (qadmon) influences how Kadmos sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Kadmos?
Kadmos is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Kadmos offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Kadmos'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 and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Kadmos holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Kadmos commonly used?
Kadmos spans multiple cultures, including turkish, swedish, estonian, and 1 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Kadmos found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Kadmos, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Kadmos into their naming traditions. A child named Kadmos 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, Kadmos is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Kadmos?
Kadmos carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY. 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 and Phoenician “kékasmai (κέκασμαι) Kádmos (Κάδμος) (qadmon),” meaning “one who excels, from the east, ancient.” Kadmos was a Phoenician prince, the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix, and Europa. He was initially sent by his royal parents to seek out and escort his sister Europa back to Tyre after she was abducted from the shores of Phoenicia by Zeus." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Kadmos 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 Kadmos sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Kadmos often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In turkish 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.