Nephele is a name from Greek mythology, derived from the Greek word nephos meaning "cloud." In legend, Nephele was a cloud nymph created by Zeus from a cloud shaped to resemble his wife Hera, in order to expose the mortal Ixion's lust for Hera. After Ixion assaulted the cloud figure, Zeus punished him, and Nephele—as an immortal creation—gave birth to the race of Centaurs from that union. Etymology The name Nephele comes directly from the Ancient Greek νέφος (nephos), meaning "cloud" or "mass of clouds." It is related to the Latin nebula (fog, mist, cloud). In modern Greek, the name appears as Nefeli, and continues to be used as a given name. Mythology Nephele appears primarily in two myths that are sometimes conflated. The first, as described, involves her creation by Zeus as a cloud-image of Hera to test Ixion. After Ixion assaulted her, Nephele became the mother of the Centaurs. In the second myth, Nephele is the mother of Phrixus and Helle by Athamas. She is sometimes considered a separate figure—a cloud nymph or goddess of clouds—but both stories associate her with clouds and divine intervention. Notable Bearers As a mythological figure rather than a historical person, Nephele has no notable human bearers. However, her mythological role as the cloud mother of Centaurs and as a creation of Zeus has inspired artistic works and the name itself appears in poetry and later literature. Usage Today Nephele is rarely used as a given name in English-speaking countries and is mostly known through classical mythology. The modern Greek form Nefeli is more common in Greece and Cyprus since the late 20th century. Both forms are used for girls. Meaning: Cloud Origin: Ancient Greek Type: Given name (feminine) Usage regions: Greece (Nefeli); rare in other countries