100 Latin Baby Names and Meanings

100 Latin Baby Names and Meanings

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The Latin language was originally spoken in the area around Rome by an ancient Italic tribe called the Latium. Centuries later, through the power and influence of Rome, the language became dominant in Italy and western Europe.

Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, Latin language and culture began to spread throughout all of Europe. In modern times, there are people of Latin descent in many European countries, particularly Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, and Romania.

The language and culture also spread to the Western hemisphere, particularly in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, in what is now called "Latin America." Latin words are plentiful throughout English-speaking countries as well, since Latin is one of the root languages of English.

With so many languages and cultures influenced by Latin, it is no wonder that many beautiful Latin baby names are used all over the world. Some of these are more common in modern times, and others are taken from ancient Roman times. Pay attention to the meanings as well, and maybe you can find inspiration for your baby’s name.

Popular Latin Baby Names: Meanings and Origins
Name Meaning Origin
Amy Beloved Latin
Anthony Priceless one Latin
Ariana  Very holy Latin
Ava  Like a bird Latin
Bennett Little blessed one Latin
Caroline Free woman Latin
Dante Everlasting Latin
Dominic Of the Lord Latin
Emma Universal Latin
Miles Soldier Latin

Popular Latin Baby Names for Girls

Here are some of the top Latin names for baby girls, as well as their meanings, famous namesakes, and other information.

Adamaris

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Noble of the sea
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Adamari
  • Famous Namesakes: Adamari Lopez (Puerto Rican actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Adamaris reached peak popularity in 2006 with 287 baby girls given that name.

Adrianna

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Person from Hadria (Northern Italy)
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Adriana, Adrianne, Adrienne, Adrian (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Adrienne Rich (poet), Adriana Lima (Brazlian model) 
  • Peak Popularity: The spelling Adriana hit its peak popularity in 2006 while the spelling Adrianna hit its peak popularity in 1997.

Allegra

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Joy
  • Famous Namesakes: Allegra Versace (Italian socialite)
  • Peak Popularity: This name is rare and has never appeared in the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the U.S.

Amanda

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Worthy of love
  • Famous Namesakes: Amanda Bynes and Amanda Plummer (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: In 1980, Amanda reached its peak popularity with 35,817 babies being names Amanda.

Amy

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Beloved
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aimee
  • Famous Namesakes: Amy Grant and Amy Winehouse (singers), Amy Irving and Amy Smart (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Amy was most popular in 1976 when 31,341 babies were named Amy.

Fun Fact: The musical documentary Amy won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2016. The film is centered around the life and career of the late British singer/songwriter, Amy Winehouse.

Angelica

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Messenger of God
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Anjelica, Anglesea, Angela, Angel
  • Famous Namesakes: Anjelica Huston (actor/author/former model), Angelica Pickles (animated character in Rugrats), Angelica Schuyler (historical figure and character in Broadway's Hamilton)
  • Peak Popularity: Angelica reached its peak popularity in 1996.

April

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Opening, 4th month
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aprilis
  • Famous Namesakes: April Bowlby, April Lee Hernandez, and April Rose Pengilly (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: In 1979, April reached its peak popularity with more than 10,000 babies named April.

Ariana

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Very holy
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ariane, Arianne, Arianna
  • Famous Namesakes: Ariana Grande (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: Ariana reached peak popularity in 2014.

Autumn

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Fall season
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Autum
  • Famous Namesakes: Autumn Reeser (actor), Autumn Phillips (British royal family)
  • Peak Popularity: In 2013, Autumn reached its peak popularity.

Ava

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Like a bird
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Avis, Aiva, Avah
  • Famous Namesakes: Ava Gardner (actor), Ava DuVernay (director), Ava Helen Pauling (civil rights activist), Saint Ava (Roman Catholic nun)
  • Peak Popularity: Ava hit peak popularity in 2020, when more than 13,000 babies in the U.S. were given the name.

Beatriz

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Bringer of joy
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Beatrice, Beatrix
  • Famous Namesakes: Beatriz (fictional lead character in Beatriz), Princess Beatrice of York (British royal family)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Beatriz hit its peak popularity in 1990.

Fun Fact: The critically acclaimed independent film Beatriz at Dinner stars Mexican actress Salma Hayek as the lead character.

Carmen

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Poem
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Karmyn, Carmin
  • Famous Namesakes: Carmen (lead role in Carmen), Carmen Miranda (singer/actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Carmen hit its peak popularity in 1968.

Fun Fact: The composer of Carmen, Georges Bizet of France, died before his work achieved international acclaim. Carmen has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in history.

Caroline

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Free/beautiful woman
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Carolyn, Carolina, Charles (masculine form)
  • Famous Namesakes: Caroline Kennedy (daughter of U.S. President John F. Kennedy), Carolina Herrera (fashion designer)
  • Peak Popularity: Caroline hit its peak popularity in 2018.

Cecilia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Blind to one’s own beauty
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cecelia, Cecily, Cecil (masculine form)
  • Famous Namesakes: Cecily Neville (Duchess of York), Cecilia Bowes-Lyon (Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Cecilia hit is peak popularity in 2020 when nearly 2,000 babies were given that name.

Celeste

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Heavenly
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Celina
  • Famous Namesakes: Celeste Holm (actor), Celeste (animated character in Babar)
  • Peak Popularity: Celeste hit its peak popularity in 2004 when more than 1,600 babies were given the name. In 2020, less than 900 newborns in the U.S. were named Celeste.

Clara

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Illustrious
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Claire, Clare, Clarissa
  • Famous Namesakes: Clara Bow (actor), Clara Burton (nurse), Clara Luper (civil rights activist), Clara Schumann (pianist)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Clara hit its peak in 1901, but the name Claire, a version of Clara hit its peak in 2016.

Crystal

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Mineral or brilliant glass
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Chrystal, Cristal, Krystal, Krystle
  • Famous Namesakes: Billy Crystal (actor), Crystal Gayle (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Crystal was most popular in 1982 when more than 19,000 babies were given the name.

Daniella

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: God is my judge
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Danielle, Daniela, Daniel (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Daniella Monet (actor), Danielle Steele (author), Daniel (prophet of the Bible)
  • Peak Popularity: Daniella hit its peak popularity in 2011.

Deanna

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Divine
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Diana
  • Famous Namesakes: Deanna Durbin (actor), Diana, Princess of Wales (British royal family)
  • Peak Popularity: Deanna was in the top 100 baby names in 1969 and in 1970 but has not been that popular since.

Donna

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lady, woman
  • Famous Namesakes: Donna Karan (fashion designer), Donna Mills (actor), Donna Summer (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Donna was ranked number five in 1960 when the name hit its peak popularity. More than 34,000 babies were named Donna that year.

Eleanora

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Unknown
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eleanor, Elinor
  • Famous Namesakes: Eleanor of Aquitane (queen consort of France and England)
  • Peak Popularity: Eleanora its peak popularity 1916 when nearly 200 babies were given the name. Meanwhile, Eleanor hit is peak in 2020 when it was ranked in the top 25 in the U.S.

Elysia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Heaven
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elise, Elisia, Elyse
  • Famous Namesakes: Elyse Knox (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: Elysia is a rare baby name and has not been ranked in the top 1,000 baby names since 1900.

Emma

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Universal
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Emme, Emmy
  • Famous Namesakes: Emma Stone, Emma Roberts, Emma Thompson, and Emma Watson (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Emma is extremely popular hovering in the top five since 2002. In 2008, it claimed the number one spot and then again every year between 2014 and 2018. In 2020, it held the number two spot as the most popular name in the U.S.

Emilia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: To strive, excel, or rival
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aemilia, Amelia, Emelia, Emily, Amilya, Emiliana, Amilia
  • Famous Namesakes: Emilia Clarke (actor), Amelia Earhart (aviator), Emily Ratajkowski (model)
  • Peak Popularity: Emilia hit is peak popularity in 2020 when it landed in the top 50 for baby names. Meanwhile, the variation Amelia secured the number six spot in 2020.

Estelle

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Star
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Stella, Estella
  • Famous Namesakes: Estelle (singer), Stella Kowalski (fictional character in A Streetcar Named Desire)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Estelle hit its peak popularity in 1911 while Stella hit its peak in 2018 landing in the top 50 in the U.S.

Felicity

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Happiness
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Felicia, Felice, Felix (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Felicity Huffman (actor), Felicity (fictional lead character in TV series “Felicity”)
  • Peak Popularity: Felicity hit its peak popularity in 2017.

Florence

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Prosperous, flowering
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Flora, Floria, Floriane, Florian (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Florence Nightingale (nurse), Florence Henderson (singer/actor), Florence Welch (singer in Florence + the Machine)
  • Peak Popularity: Florence hits its peak of popularity in 1902 when it held the number seven spot for names in the U.S. It was consistently in the top 10 between 1900 and 1906 until it slipped to top 15 in 1907 and stayed in that position through 1919.

Francesca

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Free
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Fransheska, Francheska, Fransisca, Frances, Francis
  • Famous Namesakes: Francesca Annis and Frances Farmer (actors), Pope Francis (head of the Catholic Church) 
  • Peak Popularity: Francesca hit the peak of its popularity in 1996.

Gloria

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Glory to God
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Glora
  • Famous Namesakes: Gloria Steinem (feminist activist), Gloria Gaynor (singer), Gloria Estefan (singer), Gloria Vanderbilt (fashion designer)
  • Peak Popularity: Gloria hit its peak popularity in 1925 and 1926 when it claimed a top 20 spot two years in a row.

Imogene

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Maiden, Innocent
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Imogen
  • Famous Namesakes: Imogen Heap (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: In 1927, Imogene hit is peak popularity in the U.S.

Fun Fact: It is widely believed that the name Imogene (or Imogen) was invented by playwright William Shakespeare.

Joy

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Happiness
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Joi
  • Famous Namesakes: Joy Behar (comedian/co-host of "The View")
  • Peak Popularity: Joy reached its peak in popularity in 1974 when nearly 3,000 babies were given the name.

Julia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Youthful
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Julie
  • Famous Namesakes: Julia Roberts and Julia Stiles (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Julia has regularly ranked in the top 50 for names, reaching its peak of popularity in 2001.

Fun Fact: The popular 1968 song, “Julia,” by the Beatles was written by John Lennon in honor of his mother Julia Lennon.

Laura

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Laurel
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lauren, Lara
  • Famous Namesakes: Laura Ingalls Wilder (author), Laura Nyro (singer), Laura Bush (U.S. First Lady), Laura Linney (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Laura has been a popular choice since 1900 when it was in the top 50 but its peak popularity was in 1969 when it claimed the number 10 spot in the U.S. It didn't slip out of at least a top 100 spot until 2002.

Letitia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Joy
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Leticia (Spanish), Letty (diminutive)
  • Famous Namesakes: Letitia Wright (actor), Letty (fictional character in The Fast and the Furious)
  • Peak Popularity: In 1964, Letitia hit its peak popularity with nearly 400 babies claiming the name that year.

Lilac

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Flower
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lily (English), Lila and Lilah (Persian)
  • Famous Namesakes: Lily Allen (singer), Lila Diane Sawyer (news anchor) 
  • Peak Popularity: The name Lilac is a rare name and has not been in the top 1000 names since 1900.

Livia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Envious
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Olivia (full form)
  • Famous Namesakes: Livia Drusilla (wife of Roman emperor Augustus), Olivia Newton-John (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: Livia hit its peak popularity in 2014 while the name Olivia claimed the number one spot in 2020.

Madelaine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Woman of Magdala
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Madeleine, Madeline, Madelyn
  • Famous Namesakes: Madelaine Petsch and Madeleine Stowe (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: While the name Madelaine is rare, the Madelyn spelling is more popular and peaked in 2015.

Madonna

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: My lady
  • Famous Namesakes: Madonna (Mother of Christ), Madonna (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: Madonna hit its peak popularity in 1933.

Fun Fact: Singer-songwriter Madonna is the best-selling female recording artist of all time.

Magdalene

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Woman of Magdala
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Magdalena (Spanish)
  • Famous Namesakes: Mary Magdalene (follower of Christ)
  • Peak Popularity: Magadalene hit its peak popularity in 1904 but has not been listed in the top 1,000 baby names since 1944.

Marcella

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Young warrior
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Marcello and Marcellus (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Saint Marcella (Roman Catholic saint), Marcella Albani (Italian actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Marcella hit its peak popularity in 1922 but has not been listed in the top 1,000 baby names since 2002.

Marina

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Of the sea
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Marin, Marianne, Marinel, Marion (Hebrew), Mariana (Spanish)
  • Famous Namesakes: Marina (singer/songwriter), Marion Cotillard (French actor)
  • Peak Popularity: Marina hit its peak popularity in 1994 when it was ranked at 218.

Miranda

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Admirable
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Maranda, Myranda, Meranda, Mirabella, Mira, Mirinda
  • Famous Namesakes: Miranda Richardson and Miranda Cosgrove (actors), Miranda Lambert (singer), Carmen Miranda (singer/actress), Lin-Manuel Miranda (actor/playwright/composer)
  • Peak Popularity: In 1995, Miranda hit its peak popularity.

Monica

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Advisor, truth
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Monika
  • Famous Namesakes: Monica (singer), Monica (fictional character in the TV series Friends)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Monica was in the top 100 baby names between 1964 and 1997, hitting its peak popularity in 1977 when it was ranked 39th in the U.S.

Portia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Roman Clan name
  • Famous Namesakes: Portia (fictional character in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice), Portia di Rossi (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Portia reached peak popularity in 1949.

Priscilla

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Ancient
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Pricilla, Prisca
  • Famous Namesakes: Priscilla Presley (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: Priscilla reached peak popularity in 1940.

Regina

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Queen
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Regis (masculine), Rex (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Regina Spektor (singer), Regina Hall and Regina King (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: Regina hit its peak popularity in 1967 when nearly 5,000 babies in the U.S. were given the name.

Rosalia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Rose
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rosalie, Rosalyn, Rosa, Rose, Rosalba
  • Famous Namesakes: Rosalia (Spanish singer)
  • Peak Popularity: In 1906, Rosalia hit its peak popularity.

Sabrina

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From the river Severn
  • Famous Namesakes: Sabrina the Teenage Witch (fictional TV character)
  • Peak Popularity: Sabrina hit its peak popularity in 1997 when it was ranked number 53 out of 1,000 baby names in the U.S.

Serena

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Serene, calm
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Serenay
  • Famous Namesakes: Serena Williams (champion tennis player)
  • Peak Popularity: In 2000, Serena hit its peak popularity.

Sylvia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Forest
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Silvia, Sylvana, Sylvie
  • Famous Namesakes: Sylvia Plath (writer)
  • Peak Popularity: Sylvia hit its peak popularity in 1937 when nearly 4,500 babies were given then name.

Tricia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Noble
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Trisia, Trisha, Patricia (long form)
  • Famous Namesakes: Tricia Helfer and Trisha Krishnan (actors), Trisha Yearwood (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: Tricia hit its peak popularity in 1971 but it has not ranked in the 1,000 baby names since 1994.

Valentina

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Strength, health
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Valentin, Valentine, Valentino, Valentini (all masculine forms), Val (diminutive)
  • Famous Namesakes: Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshskova (cosmonaut), Valentina de Angelis and Valentina Cervi (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: Valentina has ranked in the top 100 since 2017 and hit its peak in 2019.

Fun Fact: Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tershkskova was the first woman in space in 1963.

Victoria

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Winner, conqueror
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Viktoria, Viktorya, Victor (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Queen Victoria (Queen of the United Kingdom), Victoria Principal (actor), Victoria Beckham (singer in Spice Girls)
  • Peak Popularity: Victoria has consistently been a popular name choice since 1981 and hit is peak popularity in 1999 when it was ranked 16 in the U.S.

Fun Fact: Queen Victoria’s reign of 63 years was the longest of any of her predecessors until it was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.

Virginia

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Virginal, pure
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Virginie
  • Famous Namesakes: Virginia Madsen (actor), Virginia Woolf (author, critic), Virginia Apgar (scientist)
  • Peak Popularity: Virginia hit its peak popularity in 1921 when more than 19,000 babies were given that name.

Fun Fact: The Colony of Virginia was the first permanent English colony in the New World.

Vivian

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Alive
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Vivien, Vievienne, Vivianne, Vivaan, Vivi and Viva (both diminutive)
  • Famous Namesakes: Vivian Vance, Vivian Dandridge, and Vivien Leigh (actors), Vivienne Westwood and Vivienne Tam (fashion designers), Vivienne Jolie-Pitt (daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt)
  • Peak Popularity: Vivian hit peak popularity in 1920 when more than 4,000 babies were given that name.

Popular Latin Baby Names for Boys

Here are some of the top Latin names for baby boys, as well as their meanings, famous namesakes, and other information.

Amadeus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Love of God
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Amadis
  • Famous Namesakes: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (composer)
  • Peak Popularity: Amadeus is a rare name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 baby names since 1900 and beyond.

Fun Fact: The motion picture drama Amadeus won the Academy Award for Best Picture (as well as 7 other Academy Awards) in 1985. The film is a fictionalized biographical drama about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Anthony

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Unknown, priceless one
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Antony, Antonio, Antonia (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Anthony Hopkins, Anthony LaPaglia, and Anthony Michael Hall (actors), Marc Anthony (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: Anthony is a popular name that has consistently ranked in the top 50 since 1900. It reached its peak popularity in 2008 when it was ranked number seven.

Atticus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Of Attica
  • Famous Namesakes: Atticus Finch (fictional hero of To Kill a Mockingbird)
  • Peak Popularity: Atticus only recently became a popular baby name and reached its peak popularity in 2020.

Augustine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Great
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: August, Augusta
  • Famous Namesakes: Saint Augustine of Hippo (philosopher, early father of the Christian church)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Augustine reached its peak popularity in 1906.

Fun Fact: The city of St. Augustine, Florida is widely considered to be the oldest European-established city in the continental United States.

Aurelius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Golden
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aurelia (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor)
  • Peak Popularity: Aurelius is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Belvedere

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: A beautiful sight
  • Famous Namesakes: Belvedere (animated Looney Tunes character), Mr. Belvedere (fictional TV character)
  • Peak Popularity: Belvedere is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Bennett

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Little blessed one
  • Famous Namesakes: Tony Bennett (singer), Joan Bennett (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Bennett has been increasing in popularity. In 2021, it broached the top 100 for the first time when it ranked 90.

Cadence

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Rhythm
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kadence, Kaidence, Caydence, Cadance, Caydance, Kaidance
  • Peak Popularity: Cadence is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names for boys since 1900. For girls, this name hit its peak popularity in 2007.

Caesar

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Thick head of hair
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: César, Cesar, Zésar, Cesare, Sezer
  • Famous Namesakes: César Millan (The Dog Whisperer), Gaius Julius Caesar (Roman political leader)
  • Peak Popularity: Caesar reached its peak popularity in 1904 but it has not been ranked in the top 1,000 baby names since 1922.

Fun Fact: Julius Caesar was the first historical Roman to be officially deified.

Cassius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Vain
  • Famous Namesakes: Cassius Clay (champion boxer, aka Muhammad Ali)
  • Peak Popularity: Cassius first became popular in 1964 and then was not ranked again until 2008 and then hit its peak popularity in 2020.

Fun Fact: Champion boxer Cassius Clay (who later took the name Muhammad Ali, following his conversion to Islam) was nicknamed “The Greatest” and was one of the most significant sports figures of all time.

Constantine

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Constant, Loyal
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Constance
  • Famous Namesakes: Constantine the Great (Roman Emperor), Constantine Maroulis (singer), Michael Constantine (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Constantine hit peak popularity in 1919, but has not been ranked since 1970.

Fun Fact: Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.

Cornelius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Horn
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cornelia (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Cornelius the Centurion (Roman centurion)
  • Peak Popularity: Cornelius reached its peak popularity in 1904, but has not been ranked since 2008.

Curtis

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Courteous, courtly 
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kurtis, Curt, Kurt
  • Famous Namesakes: Curtis Stone (chef), Curtis Conway (American football player), Curtis Sliwa (radio host), Curtis Mayfield and Kurt Cobain (singers)
  • Peak Popularity: Curtis reached peak popularity in 1963 when more than 5,000 babies were given this name.

Dante

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Everlasting
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Donte
  • Famous Namesakes: Dante (Italian poet)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Dante reached peak popularity in 1997.

Dominic

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Of the Lord
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dominik, Dominick, Dominica (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Dom DeLuise and Dominic Chianese (actors) 
  • Peak Popularity: Dominic reached peak popularity in 2015, but has been ranked in the top 100 since 2002.

Galileo

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Person from Galilee
  • Famous Namesakes: Galileo Galilei (Italian astronomer)
  • Peak Popularity: Galileo is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Fun Fact: Galileo Galilei has been given many nicknames, including "father of observational astronomy," "father of modern physics," "father of the scientific method," and "father of modern science.”

Hercules

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Glory to Hera (associated with strength, power)
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Herakles
  • Famous Namesakes: Hercules (Roman god)
  • Peak Popularity: Hercules is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Fun Fact: There have been over 30 motion pictures based on the legend of the mythological Hercules. He has been depicted by actors including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as well as an animated Disney character.

Horatio

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Man of time
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Horace
  • Famous Namesakes: Lord Horatio Nelson (admiral), Horatio (fictional character in Hamlet)
  • Peak Popularity: Horatio is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Jerome

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Holy name
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jeremiah, Jeremy
  • Famous Namesakes: Saint Jerome (Latin priest), Jerome Kern (composer), Jerome Robbins (choreographer)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Jerome reached peak popularity in 1939 but has been steadily declining since then.

Fun Fact: The 2019 song “Jerome,” by Lizzo, won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Josephus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: God Will Increase
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Joseph (Hebrew), Jose (Spanish)
  • Famous Namesakes: Flavius Josephus (historian), Joseph (figure in Genesis of the Bible), Saint Joseph (husband of Mary, mother of Christ)
  • Peak Popularity: Josephus is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Juno

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Goddess of Marriage & Childbirth
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: June, Junia, Junius (masculine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Juno (fictional lead character in the movie Juno)
  • Peak Popularity: Juno is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Fun Fact: The motion picture Juno won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2008.

Justus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Just, fair
  • Famous Namesakes: Justus von Liebig (scientist)
  • Peak Popularity: Justus reached peak popularity in 2002.

Kato

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Good judgment
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cato
  • Famous Namesakes: Kato (fictional character in TV series The Green Hornet)
  • Peak Popularity: Kato is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Fun Fact: The fictional character Kato was portrayed by a number of actors, most notably the late actor/martial artist Bruce Lee.

Leviticus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Referring to the Descendants of Levi
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Levi
  • Famous Namesakes: Book of the Bible, Levi Strauss (businessman)
  • Peak Popularity: Leviticus is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900. However, the name Levi reached peak popularity in 2020.

Lucius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Light
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lucious, Lucilius, Lucian, Lucien,
  • Famous Namesakes: Lucian of Samosata (satirist), Lucian Grainge (CEO of Universal Music Group), Lucious Lyon (fictional lead character in Empire)
  • Peak Popularity: Lucius reached peak popularity in 1902, but it has not been in the top 1,000 baby names since 1968.

Marcus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Warlike
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Marc, Markus, Mark
  • Famous Namesakes: Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor, philosopher), Mark Wahlberg (actor), Mark Twain (author)
  • Peak Popularity: Marcus reached peak popularity in 1964 with nearly 6,000 babies given that name.

Martin

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Servant of Mars (God of War)
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Martina (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights activist), Martin Sheen (actor), Martin Lawrence (comedian/actor)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Martin was in the top 100 baby names from 1900 to 1970, reaching peak popularity in 1963.

Maximilian

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Greatest
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Maximus, Max (diminutive), Maxima (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Maximilian Schell (actor), Max Rockatansky (fictional lead character in Mad Max)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Maximilian did not break into the top 1,000 baby names until 1986 and reached its peak popularity in 2013.

Miles

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Soldier
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Myles
  • Famous Namesakes: Miles Davis (jazz composer/musician), Miles Standish (pilgrim/settler)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Miles reached peak popularity in 2020.

Fun Fact: Jazz trumpeter/bandleader/composer Miles Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was described by Rolling Stone as "the most revered jazz trumpeter of all time, not to mention one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.”

Montana

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Mountain
  • Famous Namesakes: Joe Montana (American football champion player), Tony Montana (fictional lead character in Scarface)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Montana reached peak popularity in 1995 (male) and in 1998 (female).

Nero

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Powerful
  • Famous Namesakes: Nero (ancient Roman emperor)
  • Peak Popularity: Nero is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Nova

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: New
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Novah
  • Peak Popularity: The name Nova hit peak popularity in 2020 but has only been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 2017.

Octavian

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Eighth
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Octavio, Octavius, Octavious, Octavia (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Octavian “Augustus” (ancient ruler of Rome), Octavia Spencer (actor)
  • Peak Popularity: Octavian is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Paul

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Humble, small
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Paolo, Pablo, Paula (feminine), Paola (feminine)
  • Famous Namesakes: Paul McCartney (singer in The Beatles), Paul Anka (singer), Paul Revere (folk hero), Paul Newman and Paul Walker (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: Paul has been a consistently popular name since 1900 hitting peak popularity in 1931 when more than 12,000 babies were given the name.

Pluto

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Roman God of the underworld
  • Famous Namesakes: Pluto (dwarf planet), Pluto (animated Disney character)
  • Peak Popularity: Pluto is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Prince

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Royal son
  • Famous Namesakes: Prince (singer/musician/composer), Prince Jackson (son of Michael Jackson)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Prince hit peak popularity in 2019.

Fun Fact: Singer/songwriter/producer Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is considered by Rolling Stone to be one of the greatest musical artists of all time.

Quentin

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Fifth
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Quintin, Quinton, Quinn
  • Famous Namesakes: Quentin Tarantino (filmmaker)
  • Peak Popularity: Quentin hit peak popularity in 1919.

Remus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Oar
  • Famous Namesakes: Remus (mythical founder of Rome)
  • Peak Popularity: Remus is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Romulus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Citizen of Rome
  • Famous Namesakes: Romulus (mythical founder of Rome)
  • Peak Popularity: Romulus is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Fun Fact: In Roman mythology, the story of twin brothers Romulus and Remus tells the events that led to the founding of Rome.

Rufus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Red-haired
  • Famous Namesakes: Rufus Sewell (actor), Rufus Wainwright (singer)
  • Peak Popularity: Rufus hit peak popularity in 1902 but has not been ranked in the top 1,000 baby names since 1988.

Fun Fact: Rufus is one of the most influential funk bands of all time and also helped launch the musical career of lead singer Chaka Khan.

Thiago

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Supplanter
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tiago
  • Peak Popularity: Thiago reached peak popularity in 2020 and has only ranked in the top 1,000 baby names since 2012.

Tiberius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Of or near the Tiber River
  • Famous Namesakes: Tiberius (second Roman emperor)
  • Peak Popularity: Tiberius is a rare baby name that has not been ranked in the top 1,000 names since 1900.

Vincent

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Victorious
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Vince, Vin, Vinny (all diminutive forms)
  • Famous Namesakes: Vincent Van Gogh (artist), Vincent D'Onofrio, Vince Vaughn, Vincent Kartheiser (actors)
  • Peak Popularity: Vincent has been a consistently popular name and reached peak popularity in 1966.

Virgil

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Unknown
  • Famous Namesakes: Virgil (Roman poet), Virgil Tibbs (fictional character in In the Heat of the Night)
  • Peak Popularity: Virgil hit peak popularity in 1907.

Xavier

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: The new house
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Xzavier
  • Famous Namesakes: Saint Francis Xavier (Catholic missionary)
  • Peak Popularity: The name Xavier has been in the top 100 baby names since 2001 hitting peak popularity in 2009.
1 Source
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Social security administration. Popularity of name.

Additional Reading

By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, an international bestselling author of books on mental strength and host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. She delivered one of the most popular TEDx talks of all time.