Agape

Agape is a feminine name derived from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agape), meaning "love"—specifically the highest, selfless, unconditional love often associated with divine love in Christian theology. Unlike eros (romantic love) or philia (brotherly love), agape denotes a profound, sacrificial love that transcends circumstances. The term was used by Homer as early as the 8th century BCE, conveying affection in contexts like greeting the dead, and later classical authors applied it to familial or spousal love. In the New Testament, agape becomes a central theological concept, signifying God's covenantal love for humanity and the mutual love between God and believers, which extends to love of neighbor.

Notable Bearers

The name Agape was borne by at least two early Christian saints:

• Saint Agape of Thessaloniki (or Agape of Macedon), who with her sisters Chionia and Irene was martyred under Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century. They were burned alive for refusing to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
• Another Saint Agape is venerated jointly with Saint Chionia in the Orthodox Church. Their feast day is April 16 (Julian calendar) or April 29 (Gregorian).

Linguistic Variants and Related Names

The masculine equivalents of Agape include Agapios (Greek) and Agapius (Latinized form). In modern Greek, the name Agapi is a direct descendant, preserving the meaning and theological resonance.

• Meaning: Love (divine, selfless)
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Type: First name (feminine)
• Usage regions: Among early Christians, and in modern Greece (as Agapi)