Popes and Antipopes

Hilary

Latin from Greek

"cheerful, happy"

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

Honorius

Ancient Roman name

This early name of emperors and popes survives in modern forms such as Honor, used for both genders.

Innocent

Latin

"harmless, innocent"

Innocent, the name of thirteen popes, is rarely heard in a secular setting, where its loaded meaning could open the door to ridicule.

Ioannes

Ioannes is the ancient Greek and Latin form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." This classical variation has been used throughout history, particularly in…

Lando

Portuguese, Spanish, Italian

"land"

A lively nickname with the cool -o ending, Lando has been racing up the UK charts following Lando Norris's Formula 1 debut in 2019. Appearing in the Top 1000 for the first time in 2020, a more recent…

Leone

Italian variation of Leo or Leon

"lion"

An Italian spin on the current European darling Leon, though the final e makes it a tad feminine to the American sensibility.

Linus

Greek

"flax"

Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be…

Lucius

Latin

"light"

Lucius is an old Roman clan name that has lots of religious and literary resonance, yet is still vital today. It was the name of three popes, appears in several Shakespeare plays, and, like all the…