Procris is the Latinized form of the Greek name Πρόκρις (Prokris), which is probably derived from πρόκρισις (prokrisis) meaning “preference.” In Greek mythology, Procris was a daughter of Cephalus and Erechtheus, king of Athens, and she appears in various literary sources including Homer’s Odyssey, where she is among the dead spirits Odysseus encounters in the underworld. Etymology The name Procris likely originates from the Greek word πρόκρισις (prokrisis), which denotes a choice or preference. The linguistic root connects to the idea of being chosen or preferred, though the mythical story of Procris does not directly reflect this meaning. The name is also found in a variant form, Prokris, which more closely preserves the original Greek spelling. Mythological Background Procris was the third daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens, and his wife Praxithea. She married Cephalus, a hunter and the son of King Deioneus of Phocis. Their story is marked by tragedy: Cephalus accidentally killed Procris while hunting. The myth includes elements of fidelity testing and divine intervention, notably by the goddess Eos, who abducted Cephalus at one point. Sophocles wrote a play titled Procris (now lost), and the tale survived in several versions from ancient sources such as Pherecydes of Athens. Procris’s siblings include Creusa, Oreithyia, and others, forming a prominent Athenian royal family. Cultural Significance The story of Procris is part of a broader cycle of Greek myths involving tragic love and mistaken identity. Like many Greek legends, the tale served to explain misfortune and the fragility of human relationships. As a female mythological figure, Procris is often remembered for her fidelity and her untimely death, a recurring theme in Greek tragedy. Meaning: “Preference” Origin: Greek Type: First name Usage regions: Greek mythology, literary context