By Emma Waterhouse · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Greek
"immortal"
A weighty Greek name borne by several early saints and patriarchs of Alexandria.
Greek variant of Ramses, Egyptian
"begotten by Ra, the Sun God"
Percy Bysshe Shelley got the name for one of his most famous poems -- a sonnet about the insignificance of man's labors in the vastness of time -- from the Greek name for Ancient Egyptian pharaoh…
Spanish
"desired one"
Desiderio was the full name of the Cuban bandleader who famously Loved Lucy. There was also a Saint Desiderio. Major attraction: the great nickname Desi.
Sebastiano is the Italian form of Sebastian, a name with ancient Greek and Latin origins. Derived from 'Sebastianos,' meaning 'from Sebastia' (an ancient city), or associated with the Greek…
Feliciano is a masculine name of Latin and Italian origin derived from "felix" meaning "happy," "fortunate," or "lucky." This melodious name carries a naturally joyful connotation and has been used…
Italian variation of Emmanuel, Hebrew
"God is with us"
A fresh, Italianized take on the Hebrew classic Emmanuel. But beware of the similarities to the feminine name Emmanuelle.
Greek mythology name
"god of Nysa"
Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen…
Valeriano is a distinguished masculine name with Latin and Italian roots, derived from the Roman family name Valerius, meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' This extended form of Valerian adds a distinctly…
Italian
"gold"
Italian variation of Aurelius.
"eighth"
A more elaborate spin on the handsome Italian name Ottavio, from Latin Octavius.
"of perfect appearance"
A dramatic name which – fittingly – belonged to an Ancient Greek playwright, known as the father of comedy.
Bonaventura is a masculine name with Latin origins, meaning 'good fortune' or 'good luck.' Composed of 'bona' (good) and 'ventura' (fortune), this name carries auspicious connotations of prosperity…
German variation of Jerome
"sacred name"
This cognate of Jerome (of all things), familiar via the Dutch painter of fantastical scenes, H. Bosch, would appeal only to the most audacious, intrepid, attention-seeking baby namer. It is,…
Napoleone is the original Italian form of the more familiar Napoleon. This distinguished masculine name has ancient Greek origins, derived from 'napos' (valley) and 'leon' (lion), essentially meaning…
Nahuatl, Native American
"feathered snake"
The creator god of the sky, wind, and knowledge in Aztec mythology, also associated with the morning star. In Mesoamerican myth Quetzalcoatl is also a mythical hero from whom almost all Mesoamerican…
Gaulish
"king over warriors"
An ancient Gaulish king with a cumbersome name and history. Vercingetorix was the leader of the Arverni tribe, who united the Gauls in a revolt against Roman forces during Julius Caesar's Gallic…
Feminine form of Cornelianus, Late Roman, Latin
"horn"
This elaborate form of Cornelia derives from the Late Roman family name Cornelianus, borne by a 2nd century rhetorician, Sulpicius Cornelianus. It might appeal to those who don't want to choose…
Variation of Cornelius, Late Roman, Latin
This elaborate form of the already striking Cornelius comes from a Late Roman family name, and was born by rhetorician Sulpicius Cornelianus in the 2nd Century.
Greek mythology
"queen who liberates and frees; the redeeming mistress; queen of deliverance"
The name of one of the Nereids (sea nymphs), an Egyptian princess, and a daughter of King Priam of Troy in Greek mythology, Lysianassa is a bold, lyrical feeling name of Greek origin. Derived from…
Spanish and Italian form of Athanasius, Greek
Fanciful and elegant, Atanasio is a rare option that could work as an elaborate alternative to the more popular Antonio, Alessio, or Alonso. It is the Spanish and Italian form of the Greek…
