Parthenope
/pɑːrˈθɛnəpiː/noun
Parthenope is a mythological Siren and the ancient name of the Greek settlement that became Naples.
Did you know?According to later Greek and Roman tradition, Parthenope died after failing to lure Odysseus and her body washed ashore where Naples was founded.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁per- / *h₃ekʷ-
“The name ultimately combines an inherited root associated with maidenhood and the ancient Indo-European root for “eye” or “to see”; the first element’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
παρθένος (parthenos)
““Maiden” or “virgin,” especially a young unmarried woman.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄψ (ops)
““Eye,” “face,” or visible appearance.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Παρθενόπη (Parthenopē)
“A proper name understood as “maiden-faced,” used for a Siren in later mythic tradition.”
Roman Antiquity
Latin
Parthenope
“The Latin form of the Siren’s name and the poetic name for the Greek city founded near her supposed tomb.”
Modern English
English
Parthenope
“A mythological name, an ancient name for Naples, and the name of various later cultural, astronomical, and geographic references.”