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Persephone Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Persephone

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

Name

Persephone

Gender

Female

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

4

Meaning of the Name

In Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, and queen of the underworld. Her name is often associated with spring growth and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Stages of a Female

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

4

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Uranus (Rahu)

Positive Nature

Strong sense of order, loyal, practical, and disciplined.

Negative Traits

Stubborn, overly serious, rigid, and prone to feeling restricted.

Lucky Colours

Blue, gray.

Lucky Days

Saturday.

Lucky Stones

Blue sapphire.

Harmony Numbers

1, 7, 8.

Best Suited Professions

Managers, engineers, accountants, organizers.

What People Like About You

Dependability, discipline, practicality.

Famous People Named Persephone

Persephone Brown

Australian actress

Known for roles in Australian television series and independent films

Persephone Swales-Dawson

British actress

Played Nico Blake in the long-running British soap opera Hollyoaks

Persephone Apostolou

Greek-American academic

Classical studies professor and author specializing in Greek mythology

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Persephone English Perséfone Spanish Perséphone French Persefone Italian Περσεφόνη Greek Proserpina Roman Kore Greek (epithet)

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Persephone stands as one of the most significant figures in Greek mythology, embodying the dual nature of life and death, growth and decay. As the daughter of Demeter, goddess of harvest, and Zeus, king of the gods, her abduction by Hades and subsequent role as Queen of the Underworld explains the seasonal cycle through the Eleusinian Mysteries. These ancient religious rites, celebrated for nearly two thousand years, promised initiates a blessed afterlife and deeper understanding of life's cyclical nature. Her story represents the fundamental human experience of loss, transformation, and renewal that resonates across cultures and centuries.

In artistic and literary traditions, Persephone has been reinterpreted countless times—from ancient pottery depicting her abduction to Romantic poetry exploring her symbolic significance. She appears in works by poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson, Swinburne, and modern feminist writers who recast her story as one of empowerment rather than victimhood. The Eleusinian Mysteries centered around her myth were so influential that they shaped Greek philosophical thought and later influenced early Christian concepts of resurrection and afterlife, demonstrating her enduring cultural impact across millennia.

Extended Personality Analysis

Those named Persephone are often perceived as possessing deep complexity and duality in their character. They may exhibit a gentle, nurturing side reminiscent of spring's bloom alongside a more serious, introspective nature reflecting their underworld associations. This name suggests someone who undergoes significant personal transformations throughout life, emerging stronger from challenges. They often possess innate wisdom beyond their years and demonstrate remarkable resilience in adversity. The Persephone personality typically balances light and shadow, capable of both joyful exuberance and profound depth, making them intriguing and multifaceted individuals who understand life's cyclical nature.

People with this name are frequently described as deeply intuitive with strong connections to nature and seasonal rhythms. They may show particular sensitivity to environmental changes and possess a natural understanding of growth cycles in both literal and metaphorical senses. Their dual nature allows them to comfort others during difficult transitions, having themselves navigated between different states of being. While they can appear mysterious or reserved initially, they reveal profound warmth and compassion to those they trust. This combination of qualities often makes them exceptional counselors, artists, or healers who help others through their own transformations.

Modern Usage & Popularity

Persephone has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity since the early 2000s, particularly among parents seeking mythological names with depth and historical significance. While still considered uncommon, its usage has steadily increased, ranking around #700 in the United States and showing similar growth in the UK and Australia. The name appeals to educated, literary-minded parents who appreciate classical references and strong female archetypes. Its popularity has been boosted by cultural phenomena like the Hadestown musical and Lore Olympus webcomic, which have introduced the myth to new generations. Contemporary usage often shortens to nicknames like 'Sephie,' 'Percy,' or 'Effie,' making the substantial full name more accessible for daily use. The name's four-syllable structure and classical roots place it alongside other revived mythological names like Athena, Aurora, and Calliope in modern naming trends.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Persephone symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth—a powerful metaphor for personal transformation and resilience. Her journey between the upper world and underworld represents the human capacity to navigate different aspects of existence: joy and sorrow, light and darkness, innocence and experience. She embodies the concept of necessary endings leading to new beginnings, making her name symbolic of hope during difficult transitions. The pomegranate seeds she consumed in the underworld signify commitment and the irreversible nature of certain choices. Ultimately, Persephone represents the integration of opposites—showing that depth and darkness can coexist with light and growth, creating a complete, multifaceted individual. In psychological terms, she embodies the process of individuation, where one acknowledges and integrates all aspects of self to achieve wholeness. Her story continues to inspire those navigating major life changes, offering a mythological framework for understanding personal evolution.

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