Athena or Athene, What’s The Real Name?

Ancient Greek relief of Athena (ΑΘΗΝΑ), goddess of wisdom and war.

Ever noticed how sometimes she’s called Athena, and other times Athene?

If you’ve wondered which one is correct... or if there’s even a difference at all! well, you're not alone!

You’ve probably seen the goddess’s name written both as Athena and Athene. The question is... are they both correct, or is one the “real” name?

The answer is that both forms are legitimate; the difference lies in history, dialect, and language traditions.

In ancient Greece, her name varied depending on the time period and the region. In Homer’s epic poetry, she appears as Ἀθήνη (Athḗnē), which we render in English as Athene. Later, in Classical Athens, the name was written as Ἀθηνᾶ (Athēnâ), the form that eventually gave us the modern “Athena.” So Athene is the older, more poetic form, while Athena is the streamlined version that became standard in Athenian and later Roman-influenced contexts.

When Greek mythology entered Latin and then English literature, Athena became the more common spelling, especially in academic and popular works in English. However, in German and certain other European languages, Athene remained the preferred form, which is why you may still encounter it in art history books, scholarly texts, and older translations.

It’s important to note that the difference is purely linguistic. Both names refer to the same goddess, the wise and strategic warrior, protector of Athens, and patron of crafts. Whether you choose “Athena” or “Athene” depends on your audience and style. In most modern English writing, “Athena” will be more familiar, while “Athene” can lend a classical or literary touch.

So, in short: both are authentic, both are historically accurate, and the choice is yours. The goddess herself hasn’t changed! It's only the way her name has been written over the centuries.

author: the museum of time

11 august 2025, lastest update