Sesquipadelian's list "Popes and Antipopes" of 20 great name ideas: Ioannes - Novatianus!

Popes and Antipopes

Just interesting names Popes have had (whether given or chosen), as well as names related to the Popes. Not gonna include the obvious like Peter or John or John-Paul. While many early popes kept their given name, it was often latinized (similarly to how we call Christopher Columbus Christopher even though his first name was likely Cristoffa).

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 scholarly and ecclesiastical contexts during the Medieval and Renaissance periods when Latin was the language of academia and the Church. Many historical documents record notable figures under this Latinized version of their name. While rarely used as a birth name in modern times, Ioannes represents the foundation from which numerous international variations evolved, including Johannes (German), Juan (Spanish), Giovanni (Italian), and Ivan (Slavic). The name carries an air of classical erudition and historical significance, connecting its bearer to an ancient tradition spanning cultures throughout Europe and the Mediterranean world.

Popes and Antipopes

Ioannes

Jocundus

Liberius

Lioutio

Lioutsios

Liuprand

Liutprand

Liuzo

Lothair

Mammalus

Marcellinus

Mariozza

Mariuccia

Marozia

Melchiades

Militades

Natalius

Nikephoros

Novatian

Novatianus