Latin Names for Boys

More often spelled ALBAN, Alben is an ancient and highly unusual name. Alben Barkley was Harry Truman's vice president.

Projects a feeling of openness and candor.

The name Pacificus has historical roots in Christian tradition, where it was adopted by several saints and religious figures for its peaceful meaning. Pacificus emerged during the early Christian era when virtue names in Latin were popular among the devout.

Sargent, as in Kennedy brother-in-law Shriver, is the more familiar and usable form of this name.

Grandmas will remember the old TV detective show; playmates won't. This is a name that has many variations in different cultures, from Columbus to Columba to Colum to Colm.

Rarely heard in modern times, it was used by Norman Mailer for the hero of his book The Deer Park.

Dalmatius is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the geographical region of Dalmatia along the Adriatic coast of present-day Croatia.

With the new fashion for occupational names, we may hear more of this one.

Appealingly peaceful and placid.

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 king and the philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. Tullio can be shortened to Tully, more properly an Irish surname with a tangled history of its own, while Tulio can be a substitute for Julio.

Most parents looking for an ancient Roman name would probably prefer something less generic, like, say, MAGNUS or CLAUDIUS.

One of the many rhythmically appealing Italian names newly up for consideration, with more substance than the modelly FABIO. Variations: FABIO, FABIAN, FABRIZIO

Ancient Italian martyr's name that's a rarity here and now.

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.

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.

Cute as a nickname, slight as a first.

This Late Roman name is little-used in modern times, though the feminine forms Feline and Felina are popular in Europe. While some relate it to the happy-go-lucky Felix, it actually has a cat-like meaning. St. Felinus is a legendary third-century martyr.

This Italian saint's name is one of the most unusual of the o-ending names.

One high-fashion brand that's actually a legitimate first name, though still linked to the tainted Adolph.