I just bought a home in Greece, and I need a name. I’d like it to have a classic Greek name with meaning – not just the name of the street or town. I just have one problem: I don’t speak Greek. What are some Greek words I can use for the name of my home?
Meraki
This is one of the most incredible words in the Greek language and relates to doing things with passion and with all your heart. It doesn’t have an exact translation in English but roughly means “the essence of ourselves.”
In reality, “meraki” is more closely related to doing something with all your soul, effort, and love.
In the context of a villa, it describes the way the home is decorated. In other words, you “put your whole soul” into the decorations.
Galini
Galini has a more straightforward translation, and literally means “calm.” The roots of the word are from ancient Greece, where Galene was one of the fifty Nereids – the so-called sea goddesses. She was depicted as a nymph and was known for her quiet and tranquility, because she could calm the seas. In ancient Greece, it was a common name for girls.
This name might be an ideal choice for a peaceful retreat in Greece.
Kefi
If you’ve ever seen the British-Greek comedy-drama film adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel ‘Zorba the Greek’, Zorba is the perfect example of a man with kefi. There is no direct English equivalent. English dictionaries will describe it as a feeling of joy and emotion combined with passion and enthusiasm.
For Greeks, kefi also includes the whole-body and soul experience while dancing and singing. It is a way to handle hardships while also having a carefree moment of bliss. Imagine a scene of Greeks smashing plates at a taverna on a summer night.
Kaloperasi
This word is a poetic way to say “having a good time.” Greeks might say “kaloperasa” with my family during holidays — “We had a good time” in other words. “Kalo” means “good”, and “perasi” is roughly “the passage of time.” We have a saying in Greek called (I ftohia theli kaloperasi). Essentially, it means you have to make the best of things. Or, translated otherwise: ‘When you’re down, you have to party!’
Parea
What is a parea? A Parea is a group of friends who get together to discuss experiences about their life, philosophies, values, and dreams for the future. It doesn’t have a defined size and can two, 10, 20, or 50 people. It’s even possible to get asked “Do you want to go parea to a movie?” This roughly translates to “do you want to go together?” Age is not a defining factor – you can have a parea of teenagers, or a parea of retirees.
Greeks have a strong sense of family and togetherness, and “parea” is just one example of how they support one another. In a parea, friends share experiences, grow together, and enrich their lives with shared interactions. The parea is a long-lasting circle and is one reason why the quality of life in Greece is so high.
“Villa Parea” may be an appropriate name for your home if you plan to host many guests.
Meraklis
This word is also not translated easily, because it represents a personality. A “meraklis” is a person who can enjoy life thoroughly and is drawn to the joys of life: the best food, the best music, the best experiences. He or she goes about what they do with love and zeal.
What About Words from Ancient Greek?
If you want to use an Ancient Greek word to describe your villa, you have many options. Some of the most popular words are thalassa (sea), ilios (sun), gi (earth), and ouranos (sky). These are some of the oldest words in the Greek language and have existed for 4,000 years.
Is the Greek Language the Oldest in The World?
The Greek Language is the oldest in Europe, dating back 4000 years. Besides two Chinese dialects, it is the only ancient language that hasn’t disappeared from use. Other languages are older, like Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian, but they all are no longer spoken. Of course, the Greek from the days of Ancient Greece lives on in another form. Nowadays it takes the form of modern Greek.
