Euphemia

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Euphēmía (Εὐφημία) Euphḗmios (Εὐφήμιος),” composed of two elements: “eû ‎(εὖ)” (well) plus “phēmí ‎(φημί)” (speak, say, agree, affirm, assert). In turn, the name means “one who speaks well (good speech).” The name can also have the meaning of “what we are talking about in the right way. The Great Martyr Euphemia, known as the All-praised in the Orthodox Church, is a Christian saint, who was martyred for her faith at Chalcedon, 304–307 AD. Euphemia lived in the 3rd-century AD. She was the daughter of a senator named Philophronos and his wife Theodosia in Chalcedon, located across the Bosporus from the city of Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul). From her youth, she was blessed with virginity.