In Greek mythology, what was Prometheus’s name commonly interpreted to mean?

In Greek mythology, Prometheus’s name is commonly interpreted to mean “forethought.” The interpretation contrasts with the name of his brother Epimetheus, whose name means “afterthought” or hindsight.

The contrast is especially important in the Pandora story. Prometheus recognizes the danger of accepting gifts from Zeus and warns Epimetheus against doing so. Epimetheus nevertheless accepts Pandora, allowing the myth to connect his name with a decision whose consequences become clear only later.

Prometheus is best known across Greek mythology for helping humanity and stealing fire from the gods. In some traditions he is also credited with shaping humans, although details differ among ancient authors. The name-based contrast between Prometheus and Epimetheus is a recurring interpretive feature, but “forethought” describes the Greek name rather than every action attributed to Prometheus in every myth.