Latin Names for Boys

A saint and surname often heard in Italy.

Unconventional nickname option that's best kept as a nickname.

Woodsy name referring to the Roman tree god Silvanus.

Appealingly peaceful and placid.

While patriot Thomas Paine is a worthy honoree, the mere association with the word 'pain' knocks this name out of bounds.

An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.

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

Roman statesman and Caesar rival whose name, like other classical choices, was occasionally used for enslaved people. The Pompeo version could rise again.

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.

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.

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.

The girls have Apple, Plum, Peaches, Cherry, and Berry: here's one variety of fruit suitable for a boy.

Phar-phetched.

Cute as a nickname, slight as a first.

Just think about those inescapable "sexy" nicknames. The related Sixtus is not a huge improvement.

Classic Italian name with celestial vibes.

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. 

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

Projects a feeling of openness and candor.