Why do Honor Societies names always take particular letters of Greek alphabet (e.g. Kappa Omicron Nu)?

Question

There are many honor societies in United States, and most of them use three letters of Greek alphabet. I wonder why a society picks certain letters to be its name, and why it has to be Greek.

Answer 1

I would think it came from the fact that Greece was the birthplace of philosophical thought - thus the studies that followed, as well as several advancements in mathematics. These guys were known to be scholars and give lectures and basically, attempt to make themselves more intelligent... like the student groups who name themselves after the different letters of the Greek Alphabet. They aren't merely letters, but they also stand for different Gods/Goddesses/Modes of Thought.

Answer 2

The use of Greek letters started with the first such organization, Phi Beta Kappa, which used Greek letters to hide their secret name.

Answer 3

I asked that same question, but I was asking about sororitied and fraternities. Ya, what is it about greek? Why not Roman, or Spanish? And why is it always three letters? I hope you get a good answer.

Answer 4

Iain N is correct. I think it is also an attempt to give the fraternities a sense of gravitas and hints at a long and ancient history, both of which are often lacking.

Answer 5

to sound more important, since who gives a hoot about a society with the name KON.

Answer 6

Maybe you should ask yourself why is it only in America that those fraternities flourish.