Latin Names

  1. Benigno
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "kind, wellborn"
    • Description:

      From the root that gives us "benign," Benigno is not as accessible in English-speaking cultures as such names as Bruno and Benicio. Filipino Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., went by his nickname Ninoy.
  2. Albinia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, fair"
    • Description:

      The original male name Alban is a lot sleeker and more usable.
  3. Monico
    • Origin:

      Male variation of Monica, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "advisor"
    • Description:

      Dashing and highly unusual variation does the feminine original one better by sounding both more modern and more usable. Or you can spell it Monaco and call it a place name.
  4. Albia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Description:

      A rarely heard ancient Latin names for girls that has a not-so-appealing brand name feel. Try Alba instead.
  5. Renate
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to be born again"
    • Description:

      Common French and German alternative to Renata.
  6. Domini
    • Origin:

      Latin variation of Dominic
    • Description:

      Most distinctive of the Dominic-related girls' names.
  7. Aquilo
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "eagle"
    • Description:

      Common Roman name mentioned in the Bible that has a crisply attractive sound.
  8. Baptista
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the baptized one"
    • Description:

      Probably too evangelical for mass importation.
  9. Reseda
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the fragrant mignonette blossom"
    • Description:

      A town in the San Fernando Valley: slightly better than Encino or Tarzana.
  10. Colombia
    • Origin:

      Place-name and Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      Colombia is a South American country name, with a rhythmic sound and peaceful connotations. The Irish Colm, Scottish Callum, and Columba are all attractive relatives of Colombia (or Columbia, if you're thinking of the college).
  11. Nicasius
    • Description:

      Nicasius is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek word 'nike' meaning 'victory.' This distinguished and scholarly-sounding name has ancient roots and religious significance, as it was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs, including a 5th-century bishop of Rheims. Though extremely rare in contemporary usage, Nicasius offers rich historical depth and a sophisticated, classical quality. The name has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, remaining an exceptionally uncommon choice that might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with historical gravitas. Nicasius offers several appealing nickname options, including Nic or Cass. Its rarity combined with its classical roots makes it a name of quiet distinction for those drawn to names with ancient heritage.

  12. Pelí
    • Origin:

      Latin and Basque
    • Meaning:

      "happy"
    • Description:

      Cute as a nickname, slight as a first.
  13. Fortunata
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Latin
    • Meaning:

      "luck, fate, wealth"
    • Description:

      Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.
  14. Horatia
    • Origin:

      Latin feminine variation of Horatio
    • Description:

      Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer.
  15. Gardener
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of the garden"
    • Description:

      One of the most pleasant and evocative of the hot new occupational names. Related name: Gardner, as in Ava.
  16. Quartilla
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "fourth"
    • Description:

      Octavia has the numerical meaning doubled (eighth) and is much more user-friendly.
  17. Quirina
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Quirinus, Roman mythology name
    • Description:

      Quirina is the feminine form of Quirinus, the name of the Sabine god of war. This is one mythological name that has not traveled to the modern world -- we've found no babies ever name Quirina or Quirinus in the US -- but with this newly-trendy class of names, anything is possible.
  18. Ormanda
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "mariner"
    • Description:

      Has a medieval, slightly fusty but romantic feel.
  19. Digna
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "worthy"
    • Description:

      Seems to cry out for another syllable.