Sources for etymologies of Ancient Greek proper names and placenames?

Question

There are good etymological dictionaries for Ancient Greek: if you're searching for the origin of a word, you'll probably find information in Frisk, Chantraine, or Beekes. But if you're looking for the etymology of the name of a mythological figure, or an island, or a town, with those dictionaries you're usually out of luck. Some proper names have an entry, but most don't, and there doesn't seem to be any method to which ones are included. Google and etymological websites are rarely helpful. Are there any etymological works for Greek that focus on proper names? Specific journals that tend to publish such articles? Does anyone have any other tips for finding proposed etymologies for a name?

Answer 1

Babiniotis "Ετυμολογικό Λεξικό τής Νέας Ελληνικής Γλώσσας" is definetely a good source for personal and place names. The title refers to the modern Greek language, but includes etymologies on mythological names, ancient Greek names and placenames. Even biblical names are included. Here is a small sample:

Of course, it's purpose is not to cover all Greek toponymy as that would require a gigantic volume. It is simply a huge etymological dictionary including place and personal names.

For toponyms and their etymology there is a dedicated book which basically covers mainly the modern names. However, since so many places are called by their ancient name it might be of your interest. In some places he explains that place name A is of Slavic origin and then tells you what the ancient name was. It is a huge volume and a bit pricey. You can have a look here: Νεοελληνκά Οικωνύμια (Τοπωνύμια) and for a sample here

There is also this site where under the "Other" tab there is an index of Pre-Greek place names. Of course Pre-Greek means no etymology.

A collection of papers dedicated to personal names: Greek Personal Names: Their Value as Evidence

Possibly one of the best resources on Greek dialectology has a searchable database of personal names as well: ΘΕΤΙΜΑ

Answer 2

Pape–Benseler's 1911 dictionary of proper names is old, and its etymologies maybe disproportionately rely on the etymological guesses of Byzantine lexicographers; but it is comprehensive, and always a good starting point.