All about the name

Nemesis

Female

« Nemesis is an ancient Greek name meaning 'divine retribution', personifying the goddess who punished those guilty of hubris. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Nemesis is a unique and powerful female name with an ancient Greek origin. The name Nemesis was originally the personification of divine retribution in Greek mythology. She was the goddess who pursued those guilty of hubris, or pride against the gods, until they paid for their transgression. The name Nemesis comes from the ancient Greek word 'nemeso', which means 'to give what is due' or 'to assign'. This reflects the role of the goddess Nemesis in Greek mythology as she was tasked with balancing out the scales of justice and punishing those who overstepped their bounds. In Greek myth, Nemesis was often depicted as a winged woman holding a balance scale in one hand and a whip in the other. She appeared when people became too arrogant or proud, reminding them that they were still mortal and subject to fate. Throughout history, the name Nemesis has been associated with concepts of justice, punishment, and retribution. However, it has also been used as a title for powerful women throughout history who embodied these qualities in their own way. Today, Nemesis remains a unique and striking female name that carries a strong historical and mythological significance. Despite its ancient origins, the name Nemesis continues to be chosen by parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughters that reflects power, justice, and strength of character.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Nemesis since 1880

Total births
166
Total since 1880
Peak year
1996
14 births
in 2023
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-45%
vs previous 5 years