The name Pandora originates from Greek mythology, deriving its roots from the ancient Greek words "pan" meaning "all" and "doron" meaning "gift" or "endowed with". It can be translated to mean "all-gifted" or "all-endowed". The earliest known reference to the name comes from the famous Greek myth of Pandora's box, which first appeared in Hesiod's Works and Days, an ancient didactic poem written around 700 BC.

In the Greek myth, Pandora was the first woman created by the gods, crafted out of earth to punish mankind for Prometheus' theft of fire. She was given a famous jar (mistranslated as "box" in later times) filled with all the world's miseries, evils, and plagues. Her curiosity led her to open the jar, unleashing these misfortunes upon humanity, leaving only hope behind.

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Pandora was Pandora of Miletus, a Greek lyric poet who lived around 600 BC. She was renowned for her poetic works, though only fragments of her compositions survive today.

In the 5th century BC, Pandora was the name of a celebrated Athenian courtesan and companion of the poet Ariphrades. She was known for her wit, intelligence, and beauty, and was even depicted on ancient Greek vase paintings.

During the 3rd century BC, Pandora was the name of a Greek princess, daughter of the Spartan King Leonidas II. She married the Seleucid King Antiochus II, cementing an alliance between the two kingdoms.

In the 1st century AD, Pandora was the name of a Roman freedwoman who lived during the reign of Emperor Nero. She was a renowned actress and mime artist, praised for her performances in ancient Roman theaters.

In the 15th century, Pandora Malatesta was an Italian noblewoman and the ruler of Rimini, known for her patronage of the arts and her Renaissance court's cultural achievements.