What does the name “Pandora” mean in the context of Greek mythology?

In the context of Greek mythology, the name “Pandora” means “all-gifted.”

The name comes from Greek elements commonly understood as pan, meaning “all,” and doron, meaning “gift.” It reflects the myth’s description of Pandora as receiving contributions from multiple gods rather than being given only one defining quality.

Hesiod’s account associates her with gifts supplied by the gods, including beauty, craftsmanship, speech, and other attributes. The name can also be interpreted in a related way as “all-giving,” which has led to variation in translations and scholarly discussions.

The meaning does not literally say that Pandora gave all the evils to the world. That is a later simplified interpretation of the narrative. The name primarily emphasizes the divine gifts used in her creation and presentation. Pandora’s role in the jar episode is connected to that creation story, but the name itself describes her relationship to the gods’ gifts.