The Greek Alphabet: A Guide to the Letters Behind the Legacies
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From Alpha to Omega — the symbols that define the Divine 9
If you've ever watched a step show, attended a yard celebration, or admired the gleaming letters on someone's ring, you already know that Greek letters are more than just an alphabet. For millions of members of Black Greek-Letter Organizations (BGLOs), these ancient symbols carry the weight of brotherhood, sisterhood, legacy, and lifelong commitment.
Whether you're a new initiate, a proud alumnus, or simply curious about the traditions behind Divine 9 organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, or Zeta Phi Beta, this guide breaks down the Greek alphabet — and the powerful meaning behind the letters that define them.
The Greek Alphabet, Letter by Letter
The Greek alphabet has 24 letters, each with a name, an uppercase form, and a lowercase form. Here's the full lineup:
| # | Name | Uppercase | Lowercase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpha | Α | α |
| 2 | Beta | Β | β |
| 3 | Gamma | Γ | γ |
| 4 | Delta | Δ | δ |
| 5 | Epsilon | Ε | ε |
| 6 | Zeta | Ζ | ζ |
| 7 | Eta | Η | η |
| 8 | Theta | Θ | θ |
| 9 | Iota | Ι | ι |
| 10 | Kappa | Κ | κ |
| 11 | Lambda | Λ | λ |
| 12 | Mu | Μ | μ |
| 13 | Nu | Ν | ν |
| 14 | Xi | Ξ | ξ |
| 15 | Omicron | Ο | ο |
| 16 | Pi | Π | π |
| 17 | Rho | Ρ | ρ |
| 18 | Sigma | Σ | σ |
| 19 | Tau | Τ | τ |
| 20 | Upsilon | Υ | υ |
| 21 | Phi | Φ | φ |
| 22 | Chi | Χ | χ |
| 23 | Psi | Ψ | ψ |
| 24 | Omega | Ω | ω |
The Divine 9: Where Greek Letters Come Alive
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) — commonly known as the Divine 9 — is made up of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, each named with a combination of two or three Greek letters. These letters aren't chosen randomly; they represent the founding principles, values, and missions of each organization.
Here's a look at all nine organizations and the letters that represent them:
🔴 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (ΑΚΑ)
Founded: 1908, Howard University — the oldest Black Greek-letter sorority in the United States
Letters: Alpha (Α) · Kappa (Κ) · Alpha (Α)
Colors: Salmon Pink & Apple Green | Symbol: Ivy Leaf
AKA women — known as Sorors — wear their pink and green with unmatched pride. The letters AKA are instantly recognizable at HBCU homecomings, graduate chapter events, and service initiatives nationwide. For many Sorors, wearing an AKA ring is a daily reminder of their commitment to "Service to All Mankind."
🔵 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (ΑΦΑ)
Founded: 1906, Cornell University — the oldest Black Greek-letter fraternity in the United States
Letters: Alpha (Α) · Phi (Φ) · Alpha (Α)
Colors: Black & Old Gold | Symbol: Great Sphinx of Giza
Alpha men, or "Alphas," carry a legacy that predates all other Divine 9 organizations. The Sphinx symbolizes strength, wisdom, and the timeless nature of the fraternity's mission. An Alpha ring — especially one engraved with the iconic Sphinx — is one of the most sought-after pieces of fraternal jewelry in the BGLO world.
🔵 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (ΚΑΨ)
Founded: 1911, Indiana University
Letters: Kappa (Κ) · Alpha (Α) · Psi (Ψ)
Colors: Crimson & Cream | Symbol: Diamond
"Kappas" — also known as Nupes — are famous for their stepping, their canes, and their unmistakable crimson and cream. The Diamond symbolizes achievement and aspirational excellence. Kappa fraternity rings often feature the diamond symbol and are treasured as symbols of achievement by brothers across the country.
🟣 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated (ΩΨΦ)
Founded: 1911, Howard University — the first BGLO founded at an HBCU
Letters: Omega (Ω) · Psi (Ψ) · Phi (Φ)
Colors: Royal Purple & Old Gold | Symbol: Lamp
The "Ques" are known for their fierce brotherhood, their brand, and their unwavering loyalty. The Omega Psi Phi ring is among the most iconic in fraternal jewelry — the bold purple and gold, the Omega symbol, and the Lamp of Knowledge make it instantly recognizable. Many brothers seek out custom Omega rings to honor their line and their chapter.
🔴 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (ΔΣΘ)
Founded: 1913, Howard University
Letters: Delta (Δ) · Sigma (Σ) · Theta (Θ)
Colors: Crimson & Cream | Symbol: Fortitude (Elephant)
Deltas are known for their public service programs and their powerful sisterhood. The Elephant symbolizes strength and determination. Delta Sigma Theta rings and jewelry are among the most popular in the BGLO sorority world, with Sorors proudly wearing their crimson and cream from initiation day through life.
🟣 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (ΦΒΣ)
Founded: 1914, Howard University
Letters: Phi (Φ) · Beta (Β) · Sigma (Σ)
Colors: Royal Blue & Pure White | Symbol: Dove
Sigmas were founded on the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service, with an intentional sister relationship with Zeta Phi Beta. Phi Beta Sigma rings often incorporate the Dove symbol and the royal blue and white color scheme that makes their letters stand out on any campus.
🔵 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (ΖΦΒ)
Founded: 1920, Howard University
Letters: Zeta (Ζ) · Phi (Φ) · Beta (Β)
Colors: Royal Blue & Pure White | Symbol: Dove
Zetas share a constitutional bond with Phi Beta Sigma — the only Divine 9 fraternity and sorority founded as sister and brother organizations. Zeta Phi Beta rings and jewelry reflect the Sorors' dedication to scholarship, service, sisterly love, and finer womanhood.
🔴 Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated (ΣΓΡ)
Founded: 1922, Butler University
Letters: Sigma (Σ) · Gamma (Γ) · Rho (Ρ)
Colors: Royal Blue & Gold | Symbol: Poodle
SGRhos bring "Greater Service, Greater Progress" to campuses and communities worldwide. Founded by seven school teachers in Indianapolis, the sorority has grown into a global organization. Sigma Gamma Rho rings are a beautiful way for Sorors to carry their letters — and their mission — wherever they go.
🔵 Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated (ΙΦΘ)
Founded: 1963, Morgan State University — the youngest of the Divine 9
Letters: Iota (Ι) · Phi (Φ) · Theta (Θ)
Colors: Charcoal Brown & Gilded Gold | Symbol: Centaur
Iotas — known as "Iota men" — built their organization from the ground up during the Civil Rights era with a focus on Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood. The Centaur symbolizes the dual nature of man — intellect and strength. Iota Phi Theta rings are a proud display of a growing, powerful legacy.
Why Greek Letters Matter Beyond the Yard
For members of the Divine 9, Greek letters are far more than a name. They are a covenant. When a new member crosses the burning sands and earns their letters, they're stepping into a lineage that stretches back over a century — one built on the principles of service, scholarship, sisterhood, and brotherhood in the face of systemic inequality.
Wearing those letters on a ring, a lapel pin, or a pendant is an act of identity and pride. It says: I belong to something bigger than myself.
Custom Greek Letter Rings for Divine 9 Members
At FraternityRings.com, we specialize in handcrafted fraternal jewelry for all nine Divine 9 organizations. Whether you're an Alpha man looking for a bold Sphinx ring, an AKA Soror searching for the perfect ivy leaf design, or a Que Dawg wanting custom Omega Psi Phi rings engraved with your line number — we've got you covered.
Every ring is made to order with a 25–30 day production timeline, ensuring quality and personalization that mass-produced jewelry simply can't match.
Have questions about customizing your Greek letter ring? Contact our Customer Relations Team — we'd love to help you honor your letters the right way.