In Hesiod’s Pandora story, the name Pandora means “all-gifted” or “all-giving.”
The name comes from Greek elements commonly understood as pan, meaning “all,” and doron, meaning “gift.” Hesiod’s naming emphasizes that Pandora receives contributions from many gods rather than being made by a single divine craftsman alone.
The name’s meaning has generated discussion because an epithet resembling “all-giving” can also be connected with an earth goddess in Greek religious language. In the Pandora myth, however, the name is tied to the gifts bestowed on the newly created woman.
Pandora is sometimes described as the first woman in later summaries, but the wording and emphasis vary among ancient sources. Her name remains central to the myth’s theme: divine gifts may appear attractive while concealing dangerous consequences.