Notus

Notus is the Latinized form of the ancient Greek Νότος (Notos), meaning "south wind." In Greek mythology, Notus was the god of the south wind and is one of the Anemoi (wind-gods), the sons of the dawn goddess Eos and the star-god Astraeus. His siblings include the more famous winds Boreas (north wind) and Zephyrus (west wind), as well as Eurus (east wind).

Etymology and Name

The Greek noun νότος (notos) originally referred both to the south cardinal direction and the south wind that blows from it. According to etymological research, the word may predate Greek civilization and is generally considered to be of pre-Greek origin. The name Notus is now a specifically modern usage referring to this mythological figure, and a variant is the original Greek Notos.

Mythological Role

In Hesiod's Theogony, Notus and his brothers are described as the children of Eos and Astraeus, born to continue the cosmic order. As the south wind, Notus was a desiccating, hot wind associated with the storms of late summer and early autumn. He was also considered a rain-bringer, and his presence often signified wet, misty weather. Unlike Boreas and Zephyrus, who feature in stories like the abduction of Oreithyia (by Boreas) or the wedding of Psyche (where Zephyrus carries her off), Notus appears only occasionally—and always purely as a meteorological force, with little to no narrative tales. For this reason he is the least individual of the major wind gods.

Modern Reception and Usage

Today, Notus is a rare given name, chosen primarily in Greece but also in secular and mythological contexts abroad. It reflects a trend toward classic ancient names without ties to Christianity. Usage as a given name, though atypical in antiquity (where such names were avoided for humans), emerged in the Renaissance and became more widespread from the 20th century onward.

Notable Bearers

The name is extremely unusual, and there are currently no widely documented real-world bearers; the name largely remains in mythological contexts. However, variants such as Notos may appear in modern popular culture (e.g., video games and fantastical literature) but demonstrate no resonance with historical figures.

Key Facts

• Meaning: south wind
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Type: Mythological / Nature name
• Associated season and effect: Summer‑autumn storms, showers