FROM THE GENDER-NEUTRAL COLLECTION
Eris
AIR-iss
Mythic · Defiant · Celestial
ERIS MEANING & ORIGIN
Greek
strife; discord
Eris comes from the ancient Greek word eris, meaning “strife” or “discord.” In Greek mythology, Eris was the goddess of discord, whose famous golden apple helped set the events of the Trojan War in motion. The name was also given to a distant dwarf planet, discovered in 2005, adding an astronomical connection to its mythological history. Although traditionally feminine in mythology, Eris has a compact, surname-like sound that makes it an intriguing gender-neutral possibility.
Eris’s style
Eris has a reputation for causing trouble, which might be exactly what makes it so interesting.
There’s a wonderfully rebellious streak running through Eris. Its mythological namesake wasn’t invited to a wedding, so she tossed a golden apple into the celebration and started an argument that would eventually help spark the Trojan War. Not exactly the usual inspiration for a baby name, but I think that’s part of its appeal. Eris has never been about being agreeable. And yet, when you take away the mythology, the name itself is surprisingly gentle on the ear. It sits comfortably beside gender-neutral choices like Ellis, Arden, and Hollis, with the same tidy two-syllable structure and an ending that doesn’t feel especially masculine or feminine in modern English. The dwarf planet connection gives it another layer, particularly for parents drawn to astronomy but looking beyond the familiar Orion and Nova. I’d suggest Eris to someone who likes names with a little contradiction: something soft-sounding with a sharp history, ancient roots with a modern feel, and a story that’s far more interesting than its four letters suggest.
NAMES THAT GO WITH Eris
SIMILAR NAMES
Ellis
Aeris
Hollis
MIDDLE NAME IDEAS
Eris Bellamy
Eris Rowan
Eris Valentine
SIBLING NAMES
Eris & Auden
Eris & Cleo
Eris & Rune
Love this style of name? Let’s find yours.
If you’re drawn to names like this but haven’t found the right one yet, I’d love to help. Tell me a little about your style, and I’ll find a name that fits your family.
CURATED BY KELLY
10 YEARS RESEARCHING BABY NAMES