Latin Names

If you're looking for something truly poetic, this epithet of the Roman goddess of love and desire might be for you. Derived from the Latin vertere and cor, it means "turner or changer of hearts", in reference to her role in love and her ability to turn hearts to (and from) romance and derisre. 
 
Appearing in the name of a famous pre-Raphaelite painting, Verticordia is also the scientific name for a flower, more commonly known as a featherflower. An understandably rare option, it would make an intriguing name for a fictional character in particular, though nicknames Cora, Cordie, Vera, and Vita could ground it for real-life use too.

Verticordia

An elaborate form of Vesper, taken from the Latin word for evening, and used to describe a Christian evening prayer. This form may be more specifically tied to the Esperanto Vespera. 

Vesperia

Used by writer George R. R. Martin in his popular fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, this name was created for the character Victarion Greyjoy, a relative of Balon and Theon Greyjoy. Described as a fierce and powerful warrior with a calm demeanor, it seems likely that his name is based on Victor, Victorianus, Victorien, and similar, ultimately from the Latin word for a conqueror or a winner. 
 
While other names from the series (and subsequent adaptation Game of Thrones) such as Theon, Arya, and Cersei have been given to babies, Victarion has yet to appear in the US stats.

Victarion

A name associated with knowledge, curiosity, and wisdom, Vidia is an alternative spelling of Vidya, a popular name in India, Nepal, and Mauritius, where it is connected to the Hindu goddess Sarasvati. While this spelling is less popular, it is still recognizable. 
 
Occasionally used as a variation of either Ovidia ("shepherd, sheep") or Invidia, the Roman goddess of envy, it was notably used in the Tinker Bell movies, for a mean-spirited and conniving fairy, who learns to be kinder as the series progresses. According to one of the creators, it was the Roman goddess they had in mind when naming her.

Vidia

The original male name Alban is a lot sleeker and more usable. 

Albinia

A sleek and distinctive variation of Viola, adapted from a Judeo-Italian diminutive, Violine may appeal to those who love Violet, but also Celine, Evangeline, and similar. Less popular than Violaine, it is occasionally used in French speaking regions, notably in Haiti. 
 
Violine appears on a character in the 1903 opera La reine Fiammette by Xavier Leroux and is also used as a color name in French to describe an intense shade of purple. Additionally, it is one of the words for violin in German (pronounced as vee-O-lee-nuh), making it a musical choice too.

Violine

Ulyssia is an ultra-rare feminization of the stately presidential name Ulysses. It has only made the American charts one time — in 2003 when it was given to five baby girls.

Ulyssia

A rare botanical name, Caltha is a member of the buttercup family, sometimes known as the marsh marigold. Derived from Latin to mean "yellow flower", it could make an interesting alternative to Calista, Althea, Cathy, Calliope, or Alma. 

Caltha

An elaborate form of Delphina, also spelled as Delphinia. It is associated with the Greek city of Delphi. 

Delphinea

Elizabeth Holmes named the baby daughter she had during her trial for the Theranos fraud Invicta, perhaps symbolizing that her conviction does not mean defeat. Her Invicta goes by Ivy.
 
Invicta has been used in mottoes since ancient Roman times, including Roma Invicta, which means Rome Undefeated, and the motto of contemporary Kent, in England. Invicta combines two trends, for word names and Ancient Roman names, in one original name.

Invicta

Now that Courtney is becoming more unisex for babies, surname Fortney also seems like a viable name for a boy. It fits the trend for names with an -ey ending like Huxley and Finley, with an added dash of fortitude.

Fortney

A name with a rich history in Ancient Greece and Rome, Agrippina was the sister of Caligula and mother of Nero, who had her murdered. The original male version, Agrippa, can also used for girls. The name Agrippina arose in ancient times to further distinguish it as a feminine form of Agrippa.

Agrippina

A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman. 

Flavian

Fidelis has significant historical connections to Christianity, as Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen was a 17th-century Capuchin friar who was martyred. The name has been used across various European countries, particularly in Catholic families who value its religious significance. 

While never immensely popular in English-speaking countries, Fidelis maintains steady usage in parts of Africa, especially Nigeria. The name conveys strong virtues of trustworthiness and dedication, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with deep moral significance and classical roots.

Fidelis

Because the legendary Faust sold his soul to the devil, few parents would choose this for a child, although Fausto is commonly heard in Italy and Spain. 

Faust

A name from the ancient world that may get a mixed reception today. On the one hand, festive! On the other hand, fester. In the Bible, Porcius Festus was a Roman official who rubbed up against St Paul. In modern times, this name has had more love in African countries than anywhere else.

Festus

For some, a name that will evoke the beauty of the national park in the Colorado Rockies. 

Estes

Elvio is a barely-ever-used name that might just be a hidden gem. From the Latin family name Elvius, international bearers of the name include several footballers and the Paraguayan poet Elvio Romero. Parents today might see it as an alternative to more better-known Italianate names like Enzo and Elio. 

Elvio

What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general.  Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.

Hadrien

The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name. 

Hilary

Latin names are plentiful throughout English-speaking countries, as Latin is one of the root languages for English. Latin names include many of the most popular baby names in the Western world, including Lucy and Oliver, Julia, and Miles.

Latin names in the US Top 100 for girls include Ava, Clara, Lillian, Olivia, and Stella. For boys, Latin names in the US Top 100 include Dominic, Lucas, Julian, Roman, and Sebastian. In Rome, popular names include Cecilia, Viola, Christian, and Santiago.

Of course, many unique baby names have Latin origins too, such as Sidra, Domino, and Vesper. Latin was the language of ancient Rome, another source for fashionable modern names, such as Augustus, Cassius, and Octavia.

Browse all of our Latin baby names here, ordered by popularity on Nameberry. 

Latin names of origin in the Latin language, the language and culture of ancient Rome, including Latin names for boys and Latin names for girls, with meanings and popularity. (Page 43)