What does the Greek name Pandora literally mean in English?

The Greek name Pandora literally means “all-gifted.”

The name comes from the Greek elements pan, meaning “all,” and dōron, meaning “gift” or “present.” It reflects Hesiod’s account in which several gods give Pandora qualities, clothing, ornaments, or skills. The name therefore describes the collection of divine gifts associated with her creation, rather than identifying the vessel she carries or predicting what happens when it is opened.

The meaning also helps explain why Pandora’s myth has been interpreted in different ways. In the story, divine gifts can be beautiful and desirable while also carrying danger. Hesiod’s narrative connects Pandora with the troubles that enter human life, but the name itself is not a Greek word for evil or disaster. Translators may render it as “all-gifted,” “all-giving,” or with a similar phrase, depending on how they understand the Greek grammar and context. “All-gifted” is the conventional English gloss.