Nêmesis: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger".It derives from the Greek word "némein > Némesis".
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Nêmesis, drawn to its Greek heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Nêmesis
Quick facts about Nêmesis
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
némein > Némesis
How to Pronounce Nêmesis
Nêmesis is pronounced /ˈnɛm.ə.sɪs/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Nêmes-is
Say it like: "NÊMES-IS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Nêmesis is predominantly used in portuguese speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
portuguese
Frequently Asked Questions About Nêmesis
What does the name Nêmesis mean?
Nêmesis means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge.". The name comes from némein > Némesis. In its original form, the name derives from némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Nêmesis for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Nêmesis offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (PERSONIFIED CONCEPTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Nêmesis?
Nêmesis is a greek name. The name traces back to némein > Némesis. The original form némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to portuguese naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Nêmesis a boy or girl name?
Nêmesis is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Nêmesis has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Nêmesis?
Nêmesis is pronounced "/ˈnɛm.ə.sɪs/". This pronunciation follows gr language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Nêmesis is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Nêmesis can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root némein > Némesis influences how Nêmesis sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Nêmesis?
Nêmesis is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Nêmesis gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Nêmesis's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Nêmesis holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Nêmesis commonly used?
Nêmesis is used primarily in portuguese naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Nêmesis found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Nêmesis into their naming traditions. A child named Nêmesis will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Nêmesis is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Nêmesis?
Nêmesis carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (PERSONIFIED CONCEPTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “némein (νέμειν) Némesis (Νέμεσις),” meaning “to give what is due, retribution, righteous anger.” Nemesis, also called Rhamnousia / Rhamnusia (goddess of Rhamnous) at her sanctuary at Rhamnous, north of Marathon, was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Nêmesis originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Nêmesis sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Nêmesis often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In portuguese communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.