How did ancient Memphis get its name?

Memphis did not get its name in ancient times. The name Memphis was given to the city in the 4th century AD, more than 1,500 years after its founding. Here is a brief explanation of how Memphis, Egypt, got its name:

Origin of the Name Memphis:

-Greek Influences: When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in the 4th century BC, his Greek successors established a new capital city north of Thebes. This city was initially named "Ha-ka-Ptah" in ancient Egyptian, which referred to the worship of the god Ptah.

-Name Adaptation: Over time, the Greek settlers started to adapt and modify the Egyptian name. "Ha-ka-Ptah" became "Hephaisteion," which honored the Greek god Hephaestus, who was associated with metallurgy.

-Alternate Name: During the Roman period, the name "Mempe" or "Memphis" began to be used for the city. It is believed that this name was derived from the Egyptian "Men-nefer," which means "Enduring, Good Abode," or "Firm Foundation."

-Establishment as "Memphis: By the 4th century AD, the name "Memphis" had become widely accepted and recognized as the official name for the city.

So, while the ancient city had Egyptian names like "Ha-ka-Ptah" and "Men-nefer," the name Memphis was introduced and established during Greco-Roman times, reflecting the cultural influences of the period.