During times of the Roman Republic, Latin was the language to write and speak. Its linguistic power not only influenced nations, but Latin also inspired the Romance languages — including French, Italian, and Spanish. And, while one likely won't hear Latin spoken on the streets today, we can still carpe diem with this ancient tongue, thanks to beautiful Latin baby names — and we can keep the tradition alive.
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These Latin baby names for boys are too delicious to pass up. Not only are they unusual, but they're true classics as well. Latin is the root of the English language, which means it's the root of many of our favorite baby boy names, anyway. But what about a name for the parents who truly wants to pick a Latin name? Baby Name Wizard let us know that there are some great Latin boys' names out there. Latin names give one the sense of intelligence, honesty, and justice (possibly because of Latin's connections to law and medicine). So for the parents who want a name that is stable, honorable, and true, these Latin baby boy names are sure to be the best!
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Image via Paul Hakimata Photography/Shutterstock
JULIUS
Julius is a name that suggests perpetual youth for its owner, since it comes from the Latin for "youthful" or "downy-bearded." It's also the name of an early pope, and basketball fans, of course, associate it with the legendary Julius Erving, also known as "Dr. J."
DANTE
"Everlasting" is the meaning of this Latin name, and it certainly characterizes the work of its most famous bearer. The Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote his Divine Comedy 700 years ago, and it's still read today. Of course, the name also just has a nice flair to it.
MAGNUS
Like its fellow Latin companion, Max, Magnus is another "great" name. Literally. It too means "great" in Latin, and apparently the Scandinavians agree, as royalty for no less than seven Norwegian monarchs and four Swedish kings have borne the name.
BENEDICT
Having a Benedict in the family is a blessing. The name comes from the Latin for "good" and "well-spoken," and itself means "blessing." Among the famous Benedicts are a founder of the monastic movement, St. Benedict, and recent theater, television, and film star Benedict Cumberbatch.
CORNELIUS
The name of a powerful clan in ancient Roman times, Cornelius is derived from the Latin "cornu," meaning "horn" (as in the "horn of plenty," known as a cornucopia). The name's most famous American owner was the 19th century railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, after whom Vanderbilt University is named.
MAX
Max was originally a shortened form of Maximilian, but it's definitely not short on appeal. It comes from the Latin meaning "greatest," but despite this exalted meaning, Max carries a much more down-to-earth feel. Of course, if he turns out to be a physicist, like Max Planck, that's OK too.
AMADEO
This sweet, Latin-derived boys' name is variously translated as "God's love" or "lover of God." Amadeo is also an aptly musical-sounding alternative spelling of Amadeus, the middle name of classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
SILAS
Silas is a name with a simple, quiet feel, one that evokes the calm of nature. And with good reason. The name comes from the Latin "Sylvanus," who was the Roman god of trees, and was used to identify people who lived in, or worked among, woods, and forests.
ADRIAN
Though Adrian has sometimes been used as a name for girls, it comes to us originally as a name for boys. It means in Latin, simply, "from Hadria," a town in northern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. A perfect choice for that any potential water baby boy, perhaps?
VINCENT
Parents seeking a boy name that communicates confidence don't need to look any farther than Vincent. Derived from the Latin word meaning "to conquer," Vincents have made their mark as athletes and actors, artists, and musicians.
ANTON
Deriving its inspiration from the Latin family name Antonius (the same source for the name Anthony), Anton means "priceless." And what newborn baby boy isn't? It is without a doubt a wonderful baby name for any families most valuable new addition, their new son.
EMILIO
Doesn't the name Emilio make the aunt, uncle, and grandparent in each of us want to grab someone's chubby wubby cheeks? (Hopefully, it's a baby and not a grown adult.) Inspired by the Latin aemulus (rival), Emilio screams "I'm a cutie pie!" Seriously, this is a name to keep on any short list.
LAWRENCE
Hailing from the Latin Laurentius, which translates as "man from Laurentum," Lawrence is one of those traditional yet always fresh baby names that seems never goes out of style. It demonstrates again that old adage that it's foolish to mess with the classics.
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ROMAN
With a name like Roman, a little boy lays claim to the history and culture of a city more than 2,000 years old. Who knows where that might lead him (though gladiatorial battles and chariot races and unlikely these days). Hailing from the Latin Romanus (a Roman), Roman comes from the name Roma (or Rome), Italy's capital.
LEO
Needless to say, the any baby with a name Leo may come out like a lamb but goes forth with a loud roar. Latin for "lion," this three-letter baby name is ferocious and strong. It's even strong enough to stand alone in evoking the name of a certain famous actor (DiCaprio, of course). Enough said.
QUINCY
Yay for boys' names that start with the letter "Q." (Aren't they fun? They're also unlikely to get much first-letter company when the teacher calls the roll at school!) From the Latin Quintus (the fifth), Quincy is an adorable baby name idea for any son.
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MARCELLO
Boy, oh, boy, do we love the name Marcello! The Latin Marcellus is a diminutive form of Marcus, which is believed to have its root in Mars, the name of the Roman mythological god of war. Another theory is that it's derived from mas (manly). Either way, it's a strong, bold name!
AUGUST
Fans of the late days of summer will likely get a kick out of August. Latin for "great," this baby name is a wonderful combination of gravitas and warmth — not to mention heat! Just perfect for the ray of sunshine that describes any family's baby coming home.
FELIX
Who wouldn't love to have a cheerful boy? Well, that's exactly the temperament that's conveyed by a fun and easygoing name such as Felix. It comes from the Latin for "happy," but felix also means "lucky," too. What traits could go better together?
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NOEL
Prounced both NOHL or noh-EHL, Noel is a popular French name, but has strong Latin roots. Commonly associated with Christmas, Noel comes from the Latin natalīs diēs, which means "natal day" or "birthday."
PASCHA
While many of us are familiar with the name Paul (it's a perennially popular standard), Pascha also originates from the Latin Paulus (small). This name is a terrific reminder that good things often come in small packages, even if they keep us up at night sometimes.
QUENTIN
Whether a baby boy is the fifth-born child or not, Quentin (from the Latin word quintus, meaning "fifth") is another "Q" name that offers great possibilities. It's positively regal, and appropriate regardless of birth order.
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RENE
It may or may not help a baby boy follow in René Descartes' footsteps and become a philosopher and mathematician. Just the same, Rene is a popular French name, that has its origins in Latin. Pulling inspiration from renātus (born again), Rene is a beautiful baby name to bestow on any child.
MARCIN
Hey, baby Marcin! Drawing inspirational vibes from the Latin Martinus (meaning "of Mars," the war-like god of ancient Roman religion and mythology), Marcin is a playful name that will put a smile on any face.
TERENCE
Come on, what mom (or dad, for that matter) wouldn't love to have a baby son who was "soft" or "tender?" That's the meaning of the Latin terenus, the word which provides the source for the baby name Terence.
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VICENTE
Pronounced bee-SEHN-tay, Vicente is a strapping name that continues to stand the test of time. Derived from the Latin Vincentius (conquering), Vicente also pulls inspiration from the Latin word vincere which means "to conquer."
BENNETT
Though it is more often encountered as a surname, don't dismiss the idea that Bennett makes just as good a first name for a little boy too. Latin for "blessed." Bennett is a fun alternative for Benedict (also a Latin name on this list).
LORENZO
Like the traditionally popular name Lawrence, which is also on this list, Lorenzo is also derived from the Latin Laurentius, which many believe derives from laurus (laurel). But this version passes to us from Spain and Italy.
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MAURICIO
Inspired by the Latin Maurus (Moor), Mauricio is a strong baby name that has a bit of oomph to it. It has the same source as the English name Maurice, But this version comes to us with more of a Romance language tinge, through Spain and Portugal.
CECIL
Cecil comes from Caecilius, (also the source for the girls' name Cecilia). This Latin family name that is thought to be derived from the Latin word caecus (blind, dim-sighted) suggests sturdiness and clearness of temperament, along with a sense of adventure.
GIULIANO
Pronounced jyoo-lee-Ah-no, Giuliano is a trendy — and Italian — variation of the Latin name Julius, which suggests youthfulness and playfulness. Those who enjoy baby names with a twist will likely get a kick out of this one.
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