In Greek mythology, Hermes gave Pandora the name meaning “all-gifted.”
Hesiod’s Works and Days says that the herald of the gods bestowed Pandora’s name because each Olympian had given her a gift. Hermes is the Greek messenger and interpreter, so the naming fits his role as the divine god associated with speech, messages, and mediation.
The name is commonly explained from Greek elements meaning “all” and “gifts” or “gifting.” It describes the many divine qualities placed upon Pandora, but it also carries an ironic tone because the gifts are part of Zeus’s punishment of humanity.
Later retellings often compress the separate divine contributions into a single scene in which Pandora receives beauty, clothing, charm, speech, and other attributes. The name therefore does not mean that Pandora herself gives everything; it refers to the gods’ gifts to her, or to her being richly endowed.