In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Pandora’s name is Pandora, traditionally interpreted as meaning “all-gifted.”
The name combines the Greek elements pan, meaning “all,” and doron, meaning “gift.” Hesiod’s story emphasizes that the gods collectively supplied her with attributes, making the name especially appropriate within the poem’s narrative. Pandora receives beauty, skills, charm, speech, and deceptive qualities from different divine figures.
The name does not mean that Pandora herself gives everything to others. It refers to her relationship with the gods’ gifts, and interpretations of the exact wording have varied among scholars. Some ancient discussions also associated the name with the earth receiving gifts from all gods.
Modern usage usually treats “all-gifted” as the standard gloss. It is therefore more precise than describing Pandora simply as the first woman, a phrase often used in summaries but not the literal meaning of her name.