Quick answer
Medusa is a girl name meaning "to protect, to rule over".
Pronunciation: English /mɛ.ˈdu.sə/.
Meaning and history
This name comes from the Greek Μέδουσα (Medousa), which was derived from μέδω ( medo ) meaning "to protect, to rule over". In Greek myth this was the name of one of the three Gorgons, ugly women who had snakes for hair. She was so hideous that anyone who gazed upon her was turned to stone, so the hero Perseus had to look using the reflection in his shield in order to slay her.
Notes and context
Usage: greek mythology | Ancient Greek: Μέδουσα