Aurelius

Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, it has joined Augustus as an ancient Roman name that feels usable today. Slightly mystical and magical with a golden hue, Aurelius is grounded by its similarity to other popular options like August, Atlas, and Elias.

In ancient Roman history, the name is associated with Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, the last of the so-called "Five Good Emperors." He is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers. He granted his name en masse to citizens of the empire who didn't have one, making Aurelius a common and default nomen (family name) towards the later years of the empire.

Rarely used in the US before the 2000s, Aurelius began to climb in 2010, perhaps because model Elle Macpherson was back on the runway and hosting Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model, reminding parents of her son's name. Alternatively, its rise may have more to do with its appearance in the popular series, The Hunger Games.

Aurelius made its debut to the US charts in 2025 when it was given to 230 boys compared to 190 the year prior. In joined its variants Aurelio and Aurelia, both of which also rose up the ranks.

Musician Sean Ono Lennon and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl named their son Aurelius in 2026.

Pronounced aw-REE-lee-us.

As of October 2026, Aurelius ranked #991 in US births in 2025 SSA, Nameberry popularity #182.