The name Pandora is Greek and is commonly explained as meaning “all-gifted” or “all-giving.”
It combines pan, meaning “all,” with dōron, meaning “gift.” In Hesiod’s story, the name reflects the gifts supplied by the gods when they create the first woman. Different gods contribute attributes or skills, so the name connects Pandora with the collective divine gifts that shape her identity.
The meaning is sometimes simplified as “gift of all,” but the Greek formation is better understood as referring to all gifts or to one who receives gifts from all. The name is therefore part of the myth’s wordplay and characterization, not merely a personal label.
Pandora’s name also helps distinguish the ancient myth from later popular retellings. In modern usage, “Pandora” can refer to companies, fictional characters, or moons, but the mythological name comes from Hesiod’s Greek vocabulary. The name is unrelated to the later English expression “Pandora’s box,” which arose from translation history.