In the mythology of Pandora’s box, the Greek name Pandora most commonly means “all-gifted.”
The name comes from Greek elements commonly interpreted as pan, meaning “all,” and dōron, meaning “gift.” The name reflects the myth’s account that Pandora received qualities or gifts from several gods. Hesiod’s story presents her as a divinely fashioned woman equipped with attributes supplied by the Olympians.
Modern translations sometimes explain the name as “all-giving,” because the Greek can support a related interpretation. “All-gifted” is especially common in discussions of the myth because Pandora is described as receiving gifts from all the gods.
The name should not be confused with a description of the jar itself. Pandora is the woman in the story, while the vessel is the pithos that she opens. The later phrase “Pandora’s box” combines these two elements into a familiar expression about an action that releases unforeseen troubles.