Dike is the Greek goddess of justice, moral order, and fair judgment, one of the Ὥραι (Horai), the daughters of Zeus and Themis. Her name derives from the Greek word dikē (δίκη), meaning "justice, custom, order." In classical mythology, Dike oversaw the justice of mortals and reported injustices to Zeus. She is often depicted holding a set of scales, symbolizing balance, and sometimes a sword. During the Golden Age of humanity, according to Hesiod in his Works and Days, Dike remained close to humans, but as corruption spread she withdrew to the heavens—possibly becoming the constellation Virgo. This myth emphasizes the decline of human morality and divine retribution.Etymology and OnomasticsThe name Dike is directly borrowed from Greek Δίκη, semantically equivalent to Latin Iustitia. In Greek religion, Dike was a deified abstraction, a concept central to the ordering of society. The name rarely occurs as a personal name in antiquity; it was primarily cultic. As a given name in modern times, Dike has seen sporadic use, especially among families valuing Hellenic heritage or mythological associations.Notable BearersAside from the goddess, the name Dike in English functions as a rare surname or place name, from Old English dīc ("ditch" or "embankment"), unrelated to the Greek deity. Historical figures include the American suffragist Dike (e.g., Samuel W. Dike, 19th-century clergyman), though these carry the topographic surname rather than the mythological first name.Cultural SignificanceDike remains prominent in Greek art and literature, often juxtaposed with Hybris (arrogance). The concept of dikē fundamentally shaped Ancient Greek political thought, as the term appears in Plato's Republic in defining justice. Modern neo-pagan and New Age circles occasionally revive Dike as a witch name or artistic pseudonym. The name has virtually no Christian usage, where justice is personified by God rather than an independent goddess.Meaning: justice, order, customOrigin: Greek (mythological)Type: Goddess nameUsage Regions: Ancient Greece; infrequent modern revival