'Aphrodite' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Αφροδίτη' (Aphrodítē), where 'ἄφρος' (áphros) meant 'foam' (referring to her mythic birth from sea foam).

'Aphrodítē' passed into Latin as 'Aphroditē' and then into Middle English (via Latin and sometimes Old French) before becoming the modern English proper name 'Aphrodite.'

Initially, it referred specifically to the goddess born from sea foam; over time the name retained that mythological meaning and also acquired poetic use to describe an extremely beautiful woman.