Eros: passionate love or naughty boy?

What is it about?

The history of Greek personal names (PN) related to the theonym Eros is striking. Despite being one of the most important gods, Eros, along with Aphrodite, is largely absent from Greek proper names in the archaic and classical periods. Later, however, and especially under Rome, there is a remarkable increase in PN at Rome and Pompeii, as well as in Hispania. The reason for the absence of Eros in early Greek names is most likely the sense of the Greek term ἔρως as "passionate love," whereas its increased popularity in Hellenistic and Roman times reflects the more genial representation of the god of love in statues and reliefs as well as in proper names.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The study of proper names can give us some important information about habits, religious behaviour in ancient Greece and linguistic considerations related with the meaning of these names.