Popes and Antipopes

Pasquale

Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys…

Pelagius

Pelagius is a masculine name with ancient Greek and Latin roots, derived from "pelagos" meaning "sea" or "ocean." This rare name carries significant historical weight, most notably associated with…

Pepin

German

"awe-inspiring"

Most famous as the name of King Pepin the Short, this choice might feel somewhat belittling. The even-shorter form is Pippin, a name adopted for musical theater, and the Dutch form Pepijn is in that…

Pius

Latin

"pious"

Pius is the very definition of a religious name, used appropriately enough for several popes. Only a handful of baby boys receive this name every year. Despite the rise of similar ancient Roman names…

Plato

Greek

"broad-shouldered"

The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered…

Romano

Romano is a masculine name with Italian and Latin origins, meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' It refers to someone connected to Rome or the Roman Empire, carrying the gravitas of one of history's most…

Romanus

Latin

"from Rome"

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

Sergius

Latin, a Roman clan name

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

Sixtus

Latin from Greek

"sixth born"

The name of several popes and saints, Sixtus is certainly unusual but would have trouble making it in the modern world outside the Vatican. Even worse is its brother Sextus. Try making it through…

Stephanus

Latin

"crown, garland"

The ancient father of all the Stephen names. The modern Greek version is STEPHANOS.

Sylvester

Latin

"wood, forest"

This name of three early popes has been associated in recent years with a cocky cartoon cat ("Thufferin' thuccatash!") and the Italian Stallion hero of the Rocky and Rambo movies (who was born…