Soter derives from the Greek epithet σωτήρ (sōtēr), meaning a saviour, a deliverer; initial capitalised Σωτήρ; fully capitalised ΣΩΤΗΡ; feminine Soteira (Σώτειρα). Soter has been used as:
- as a title of Gods: Poseidon Soter, Zeus Soter, Dionysus Soter, Athena Soteira and Hecate Soteira.
- as the name of a distinct mythical figure, Soter (daimon)
- any heroized leaders of Hellenistic dynasties, see hero cult:
- Ptolemy I Soter
- Antiochus I Soter
- Demetrius I Soter
- Rabbel II Soter
- Attalus I
- Seleucus III Ceraunus
- Ptolemy IX
- Diodotus I
- Strato II
- Strato I
- Menander I
- as a title of liberators (see also eleutherios)
- a title of Jesus of Nazareth, most particularly in the fish acronym
- Saint Soter, Pope and Martyr