Epaminondes

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Epameinṓndās (Ἐπαμεινώνδᾱς),” composed of two elements: “epí (ἐπῐ́)” (on, upon) plus “Ameínon (ἀμείνων)” (best). In turn, the name means “over, better, the best.” Epaminondas was a Theban general and statesman of the 4th-century BC who transformed the Ancient Greek city-state of Thebes, leading it out of Spartan subjugation into a preeminent position in Greek politics. Epaminondas was born into the Theban aristocracy in the late 5th century BC; estimates for the year of his birth vary widely. Cornelius Nepos claims that his father, Polymnis, had been left impoverished by his ancestors.