By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 35 pages
of 35
Latin
"calm"
Appealingly peaceful and placid.
Latin, a Roman clan name
Rarely heard in modern times, it was used by Norman Mailer for the hero of his book The Deer Park .
"sixth born"
Just think about those inescapable "sexy" nicknames. The related Sixtus is not a huge improvement. Sextus was one of a handful of first names used by the ancient Romans, and was often given to a…
"wood, forest"
Woodsy name referring to the Roman tree god Silvanus.
With the rise of ancient Roman names, the now-obscure Silvius may be rediscovered. Sleek and silvery, Silvius was the name of several legendary kings and an early saint. It survives in the…
"from Syria"
This Italian saint's name is one of the most unusual of the o-ending names.
"I breathe"
Grandparents are sure to link this to disgraced Nixon vice president Spiro Agnew.
"crown, garland"
The ancient father of all the Stephen names. The modern Greek version is STEPHANOS.
"third"
Never as well known as that other Roman numeral name, Octavius, Tertius just might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a really obscure name with the patina of antiquity for her third son.…
Latinized form of German Tielo or Till
"people"
One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited it from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960s--just a sprinkling of baby boys…
Modern version of Roman family name Tullius, meaning unknown
Heard in both Italy and Spain, Tulio could make a more unusual alternative to Julio. Or with the rediscovery of many Roman names, you might want to go to the original Tullius, the middle name of the…
Modern form of Roman Tullius, meaning unknown
Both Tullio and Tulio are modern forms of the ancient Roman family name Tullius. Though its meaning is unknown, Tullius has an illustrious history with many noble bearers, including a sixth century…
"strength, health"
Valerius is an ancient Roman family name turned first name. While Valerius is more familiar as its derivatives Valerie and Valerian, the rise of Roman names ending in S for boys may inspire a revival…
"to fly"
Soaring, speedy choice.
A rarely heard ancient Latin names for girls that has a not-so-appealing brand name feel. Try Alba instead.
"mild, merciful"
With Clementine on the rise and Clemence and Clemency considered chic in Europe, this unusual Latinate option could be a fresh alternative. Clementia is another, more common, spelling.
Invented literary name or Latin
"strong, vigorous"
A character name that makes an appearance in Shakespeare's King Lear , Nerilla has hardly been heard in modern times. Fewer than five baby girls received the name in the US last year, which places it…
Latin, female variant of Sergius and Sergio
"servant"
Not as common as brother Sergio, but still quite frequently heard in the Hispanic community, as in Bolivian singer Sergia Llanos.
Latin, place name
The name of an area of Peru, this could be a possibilty for a springtime baby born under the sign of Taurus.
Latin, meaning obscure
An ancient Roman name rarely heard in modern times, though the related VARINA appears in Slavic families.
