Not: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind".It derives from the Greek word "Nótos".
In Greek tradition, Not holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Not
Quick facts about Not
Origin
Greek
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 “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Nótos
Other Scripts
Russian / Ukrainian (Нот)
How to Pronounce Not
Not is pronounced /nɔt/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Not
Say it like: "NAWT"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across ukrainian, and russian speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
ukrainianrussian
Frequently Asked Questions About Not
What does the name Not mean?
Not means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them.". The name comes from Nótos. In its original form, the name derives from nótos (νότος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Not for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Not'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 (SKY DEITIES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Not?
Not is a greek name. The name traces back to Nótos. The original form nótos (νότος) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Not is written as Russian / Ukrainian (Нот). From its greek roots, Not spread to become common in ukrainian, russian. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Not a boy or girl name?
Not 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, Not has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Not?
Not is pronounced "/nɔt/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian / Ukrainian (Нот), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Not is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in ukrainian, russian, 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 Not can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Nótos influences how Not sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Not?
Not is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Not offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Not'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 “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Not holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Not commonly used?
Not is common in ukrainian and russian naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Not found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Not into their naming traditions. A child named Not 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, Not is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Not?
Not carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (SKY DEITIES). 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 “Nótos (Νότος),” meaning “the south wind.” In Greek mythology, Notus is the South Wind’s personification, son of the titan Astreus and Eos. He is depicted as an older man eternally full of water, very tall, and with his face reaching up to the clouds. The deities equivalent to the Anemoi in Roman mythology were the Venti (Latin, “winds”). These gods had different names but were otherwise very similar to their Greek counterparts, borrowing their attributes and being frequently conflated with them." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Not 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 Not sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Not often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In ukrainian 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.