Euadne

Euadne is a Greek name, a direct transliteration of the Ancient Greek Εὐάδνη, and a variant of Evadne. The name combines the prefix εὖ (eu), meaning "good", with the possible Cretan Greek element ἀδνός (adnos), meaning "holy". Thus, the overall meaning is often interpreted as "well-holy one" or "pleasing one".

Mythological Figures

In Greek mythology, several figures bear this name. One Evadne was a daughter of Strymon and Neaera, who married Argus, the king of Argos, and became the mother of Ecbasus, Peiras, Epidaurus, and Criasus. Another Evadne was the daughter of Poseidon and Pitane. Raised by Aepytus of Arcadia, she fell in love with Apollo and bore him a son, Iamus. According to some accounts, she left the child in the wilderness, but he was later discovered and raised by Apollo's care.

The most famous Evadne is the wife of Capaneus. When Capaneus was struck down by a lightning bolt from Zeus for his arrogance during the war of the Seven Against Thebes, Evadne, in her grief, threw herself onto his funeral pyre and died. This story is depicted in various classical texts, including Euripides' The Suppliants.

Notable Bearers

In more recent history, the name has been used sparingly; a notable bearer was the French poet Édouard d'Eli

• Meaning: "good holy" or "pleasing one"
• Origin: Greek
• Type: Given name (feminine)
• Usage: Greek mythology, Classical literature