Ἀφροδίτη

Alternative forms

 * (ICS2 327)

Etymology
The theonym is found in Homer and Hesiod (c. 8th century B.C.). Traditionally it has been viewed as a compound,, connecting the first part with , according to the legend of the goddess' birth. This has not been accepted by modern scholars.

There is no etymology generally accepted in scholarship. Some such as Beekes propose that the name in its entirety is a loan from a non-Greek language, of probable "oriental origin", possibly Cypriot (such as in the ). A connection to has been further proposed.

An older, now rejected proposal of a Greek etymology connects  with the verb  (Homeric ) and interprets the name as originating from an epithet of the dawn goddess.

Associated by the Romans with Venus, originally a goddess of less meaning and prominence.

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Proper noun

 * 1)  Aphrodite
 * 2) the planet Venus