Updated June 2020
Across 14 pages
of 14
Latin
"wood, forest"
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…
"strong one"
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…
"yellow hair"
A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
"faithful"
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…
"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.
"fortunate one"
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.
"joyous, festive"
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…
English, Welsh, and Spanish surname
"of the East"
For some, a name that will evoke the beauty of the national park in the Colorado Rockies.
"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…
Italian and Spanish from Latin
"blond, fair"
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…
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…
Latin, based on Roman clan name
Had a burst of popularity in 2000 when the controversial case of the Cuban boy Elián González was in the news; his name combined his parents': Elizabeth and Juan.
English and French from Latin
"enduring"
Durant's meaning signifies staying power, a good quality to impart to your child. Notables with the surname Durant include Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Will and Ariel Durant, most famous for their…
"lord, master"
Swaggering, cutting-edge choice equally appropriate for both genders. It's also very rare, given in the US in 2015 to only seven baby girls....and no recorded baby boys. Do you want to be the first?
"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…
Latin Place-name
Dalmatius is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the geographical region of Dalmatia along the Adriatic coast of present-day Croatia. The name gained limited recognition through…