Quick facts
Last updated July 2026
What it means
“Anargyros is a Greek boy name meaning "poor" or "incorruptible," from a term meaning "without silver." It was used for saints who accepted no payment for their services.”
Anargyros is one of those Greek names with a serious, almost ringing sound: ah-nar-GEE-ros. It has weight. It feels old, principled, and unmistakably Greek, the kind of name that carries a story before a child is even old enough to ask about it. The name comes from the Greek term ἀνάργυρος, meaning "poor" or "incorruptible." Its pieces are wonderfully concrete. The first part, a, is a negative prefix, like "not" or "without." The second part comes from argyros, meaning "silver." So at its root, Anargyros means "without silver." That may sound stark at first, but in the Christian context it became deeply honorable. It referred to saints who would not take money for their healing or service. That background gives Anargyros a different feeling from many virtue names. It does not simply announce goodness. It points to restraint, fairness, and a refusal to be bought. For a parent, that can feel quietly powerful. You're giving a son a name tied to integrity, not showiness. In Greek, the name is written Ανάργυρος. It is masculine, and Greek name sources also record the feminine form Ανάργυρη. You may also see related forms in other languages, such as Anargyre in French or Anargyros in Latin-style usage, though the Greek form is the heart of the name. For families with Greek roots, Anargyros may feel familiar through church calendars and name-day traditions. For families outside that background, it will likely feel rare and distinctive. Either way, it is a name with a clear moral center: service without greed, strength without flash, and a sound that doesn't disappear in a crowd.
Why parents love it
Parents who love Anargyros are usually drawn to names with backbone. This isn't a light, breezy choice, and that's part of its beauty. It sounds Greek from the first syllable, and it carries a meaning you can actually explain to a child in a way that matters: "Your name is connected to people who helped others without asking for money." That kind of story can grow with a boy. At five, it might simply be a cool name that starts with Ana and has a big middle sound. At fifteen, it may feel like a reminder to stand firm when everyone else is chasing approval or reward. As an adult, Anargyros has presence on paper and in conversation. It is also rare. If you've been hearing the same handsome boys' names over and over, Anargyros offers something more specific. It works especially well for Greek families, Orthodox Christian families, or parents who want a name rooted in faith and integrity rather than popularity charts. A short middle name like Leo, James, or Theo can make it feel very wearable day to day.
Heritage
Anargyros has a strong place in Greek Christian naming culture because of its link to the Holy Unmercenaries, saints remembered for healing and serving without accepting payment. The meaning "without silver" is not just a poetic idea here. It connects directly to a religious tradition that honors generosity, humility, and care that is not treated as a transaction. Greek name days matter a great deal in many families, sometimes as much as birthdays. Sources list Anargyros name days on July 1 and November 1, and one Greek name-day source also lists June 28, depending on the saint or event being honored. July 1 is associated with Saints Cosmas and Damian of Rome, November 1 with Saints Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, and June 28 with Saints Cyrus and John. If your family celebrates name days, this gives the name a built-in yearly rhythm: candles, calls from relatives, sweets after church, or a small family meal. There is no broad taboo around the name, but parents should know that Anargyros is very culturally specific and religiously resonant. In an English-speaking classroom, it will need pronunciation help at first. That isn't a bad thing. A child can say, "It's ah-nar-GEE-ros, it means without silver," and suddenly the name becomes memorable in the best way.
Not enough popularity data to chart yet.
The name's history with saints who refused payment gives it a strong feeling of personal honor.
Anargyros is tied to service freely given, so generosity sits naturally inside the name.
Its long Greek sound feels grounded and serious rather than trendy or lightweight.
Because Anargyros is rare in the United States, it gives a child a name people are likely to remember.
Original
Ανάργυρος
Transliterations
James is short, familiar, and warm, which helps balance the length and Greek strength of Anargyros.
Elias keeps the Greek and biblical feeling while adding a smoother, lighter ending.
Leo gives the full name a crisp finish and makes the pairing easier in English-speaking settings.
Michael has broad Christian use and pairs naturally with a saintly Greek first name.
Theo feels affectionate and modern while still sitting comfortably beside Greek heritage.
Pair two names and see how they sound, flow, and feel together.
Generate a soothing personalised bedtime story starring your child.
Reveal the life-path and destiny numbers hidden in a baby name.
Playful, name-based personality sketch to share with friends.
No stories for Anargyros yet. Be the first!
