NewKerala.com

Nephele Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Nephele

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name NEPHELE. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Nephele

Gender

Female

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

2

Meaning of the Name

In Greek mythology, Nephele is a cloud nymph created by Zeus, whose name means 'cloud' in Greek. She is known as the mother of the centaurs and the heroine Phrixus and Helle.

Stages of a Female

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

2

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Moon

Positive Nature

Diplomatic, friendly, artistic, empathetic.

Negative Traits

Over-sensitive, moody, indecisive, prone to self-pity.

Lucky Colours

Green, cream, white.

Lucky Days

Monday.

Lucky Stones

Pearl, moonstone.

Harmony Numbers

1, 3, 4.

Best Suited Professions

Diplomats, mediators, caregivers, artists.

What People Like About You

Cooperative spirit, friendliness, artistic talent.

Famous People Named Nephele

Nephele (Mythological)

Cloud Nymph

Mother of the Centaurs and key figure in Golden Fleece mythology

Nephele (Literary Character)

Mythological Figure

Central figure in numerous Greek mythological narratives and modern retellings

Nephele Temenos

Academic

Classical studies scholar specializing in Greek mythological interpretation

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Nephele Greek Nefele Modern Greek Nephelē Ancient Greek Néphélé French Nefeli Greek Modern

Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Nephele's cultural significance extends far beyond her mythological origins, representing ancient Greek attempts to personify and understand natural phenomena. As the first cloud nymph created by Zeus in Hera's image, she embodies the intersection of divine power and natural elements. Her story with Ixion illustrates Greek concepts of deception, punishment, and the unintended consequences of divine intervention—the birth of the Centaurs representing the wild, untamed aspects of nature. Later, as mother to Phrixus and Helle, she becomes instrumental in the Golden Fleece narrative, connecting her to one of Greek mythology's most enduring quest stories. Throughout classical literature, Nephele served as a symbol of ephemeral beauty and the mutable nature of reality, influencing how subsequent cultures understood cloud formations and atmospheric phenomena as living entities rather than mere weather patterns.

Extended Personality Analysis

Those named Nephele often exhibit personality traits reflecting their ethereal origins—they tend to be imaginative, intuitive, and highly adaptable individuals. Like clouds that shift and transform while maintaining their essence, Nepheles demonstrate remarkable flexibility in facing life's challenges while preserving their core identity. They typically possess strong creative instincts and emotional intelligence, able to sense subtle social currents and respond appropriately. However, this fluid nature can sometimes manifest as indecisiveness or difficulty with concrete planning. Their dreamy disposition makes them excellent artists, writers, and innovators, though they may struggle with practical implementation. Relationships with Nepheles are often characterized by depth and emotional connection, but partners may need to provide grounding when their thoughts drift too far into abstract realms. Ultimately, they embody the balance between creative freedom and the need for occasional structure.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Nephele occupies a unique niche as both a mythological treasure and a nature-inspired choice. While extremely rare—appearing in birth records fewer than 50 times annually in the United States—its usage has shown gradual increase since 2010, coinciding with rising interest in mythological and nature-based names. The name appeals particularly to parents in academic, artistic, and environmentally-conscious communities who appreciate its classical roots and ecological connotations. Social media platforms and naming websites have facilitated its discovery by wider audiences, though it remains distinctive enough to avoid becoming trendy. Current usage patterns show concentration in urban centers with strong Greek cultural influences and among families with backgrounds in classical studies or environmental sciences. Its elegant pronunciation and meaningful background suggest potential for continued gradual adoption.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Nephele represents the profound connection between imagination and reality, serving as a metaphor for creative potential and transformative power. As a cloud given human form, she embodies the idea that even the most ephemeral concepts can manifest tangible results—much like how creative ideas materialize into art or innovation. Her mythological journey from cloud to mother of significant mythological beings illustrates how abstract thoughts can birth concrete realities. In psychological terms, she represents the subconscious mind's ability to shape conscious experience. Environmentally, she symbolizes the vital role of atmospheric elements in sustaining life and the interconnectedness of natural systems. Modern interpretations often view her as an emblem of climate awareness, representing both the beauty and fragility of Earth's atmospheric systems. Her story continues to inspire reflections on how we perceive reality and the power of perspective in shaping our world.

Share this analysis: