Chariclea

Chariclea is the Latinized form of the Greek name Charikleia and shares its meaning: "grace" and "glory," composed from the Greek elements charis meaning "grace, kindness" and kleos meaning "glory."

The name is most famously borne by the heroine of the ancient Greek novel Aethiopica, written by Heliodorus of Emesa in the 3rd century CE. That romantic tale centers on the love between Chariclea and Theagenes, and it became an influential work during the Renaissance, helping to revive the adventure-romance genre.

Though not widely used in most modern Western naming traditions, Chariclea finds continued use in literature and among enthusiasts of classical lore. Variants such as Chariklia appear in modern Greek and some related cultures.

• Meaning: Grace and glory
• Origin: Latin form of Greek Charikleia
• Type: First name, feminine
• Usage: Ancient Greek, literary