Euphrosyne

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A goddess in Greek mythology who personifies mirth and good cheer ; a feminine first name of Greek origin
2. One of the three Graces, the deity of gladness and festivity in classical myth ; a woman's given name borrowed from Greek
3. The Greek minor goddess embodying joyfulness among the Graces ; a girl's or woman's personal name with Greek roots

Etymology: Euphrosyne is a proper name before it is anything else. In Greek myth, Euphrosyne was one of the three Charites, the Graces, daughters of Zeus, and her name comes from the Greek "euphrosunē," meaning mirth, good cheer or joyfulness. The Graces were goddesses of charm, beauty and gracious giving, and Euphrosyne was the one who personified cheerfulness. The name, with its Greek sense intact, was taken up as a personal name in Europe, and it is in that role that most English speakers meet it. Its meaning stays transparent: the first element "eu-" means "well" or "good," and the second part connects to the idea of the mind or spirit, so the whole name is a wish for a good-hearted, merry disposition.

Synonyms: mirth, gladness, joy