Your baby is a real classic. Why not ensure that their name is, too, with one of these timeless Latin baby names? One thing those Ancient Romans knew about—apart from how to make concrete, underfloor heating, and the calendar still in use today—was how to name a baby.
While you may be hard-pressed to find a first-language Latin speaker wandering about in this day and age, you might be surprised at just how much influence this supposedly “dead language” has had on many of the words we speak today. If you’ve ever done something ad hoc, wanted an alibi, or made an e.g. of something, congratulations! You’ve been making good use of Latin language roots.
So, what are the Latin names? you ask. Let’s take a look.
Latin names and meanings
Quick preface: these names are divided into female and male names. Of course, Latin baby names are Latin baby names. If you think a name is perfect for your baby, that’s the name your baby should have.
Latin female names
- Adora. Okay, it’s not hard to tell that this name is full of love. It means beloved one in Latin. Need we say more?
- Ava. While this name took flight (quite literally—it means like a bird) centuries ago, it has recently been made popular with powerhouses like Ava DuVernay whipping up magic wherever they go.
- Beatrix. Meaning voyager or traveler, this name is sure to set your little one off on some exciting adventures. Added bonus: if your own childhood was decorated with Beatrix Potter characters, what a wonderful way to pay homage.
- Cara. This name has been doing the rounds for centuries—and it’s not difficult to see why. It means darling or loved one.
- Diana. Meaning divine woman, this regal name is one of those timeless classics that never seem to go out of fashion. Diana was the Roman goddess of hunting and childbirth.
- Gina. A shortened form of Regina which means queen, this is one of the best of the Latin baby names if you’re looking for a combo of classical charm and contemporary chic.
- Joy. Just. Pure. Happiness. It derives from the Latin gaudere which means rejoice.
- Lira. This lyrical name stems from the Latin Libra, meaning balance. Who doesn’t need a bit more of this in their life?
- Marcia. Meaning dedicated to Mars, this may just be one of the Latin baby names that come back into fashion as we continue to explore our neighboring planets.
- Minerva. This is the perfect name for a baby budding intellect. Meaning the mind, Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom.
- Nova. This is one of the Latin baby names that has recently been gaining in popularity. It means new. What a beautiful start to it all.
- Sylvia. Meaning spirit of the woods, this popular name is going nowhere. Sylvie offers an adorable alternative to this literary favorite.
- Tamia. If you’re looking for sheer cuteness, this may be a good option for you. Tamia means chipmunk and can of course be shortened to Tam.
- Terrah. The planet earth. That’s the meaning of this one—a tribute to the home your little one will be inheriting.
- Vivian. Alive! That’s what this name means.
➡️ Don’t miss our full list of Latin baby girl names
Latin male names
Looking for the best Latin boy names out there? Let’s take a look.
- Amadeus. This power name means Love of God—and, of course, is most closely associated with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When that toddler starts banging those pots and pans with a spoon, you’ll know you picked the right name for your musical genius.
- Benedict. Blessed is what this name means. And it can be shortened to all sorts of delightful versions: Bennie, Ben, Bendo. It’s a name that keeps on giving.
- Darius. This name just has a fabulous ring to it and has been around for millennia. It means possessing goodness. Nice.
- Felix. This is one of those Latin baby names that has everything. It’s sweet-sounding and packed with spirit. Lucky and happy are the meanings at the heart of this gem.
- Francis. Meaning free man, this name has had all sorts of iterations over the centuries and seems to fit every decade perfectly.
- Jovan. Majestic. Jove is another name for Jupiter, king of all the Roman gods.
- Maximilian. This is a BIG name to live up to. It means greatest. Enough said.
- Miles. This name, meaning soldier, never seems to go out of style. If you’re a jazz fan, this is of course a tribute to one of the all-time greats.
- Prince. Gaining popularity in the last few years, this name not only bears regal prestige but is also a tribute to a certain late, great musician.
- Remus. Remus was one of the mythical founders of Rome. Shortened to Remi? That’s a name that will age with charm.
- Quintin. The fifth child? Born on the fifth day? In the fifth month? In the fifth city you’ve lived in? Fifth is where Quintin is at. If you feel like going full Latin, it’s Quintinus.
- Santos. Send them out into the world with all the weight of the saints of ages behind them.
- Vincent. This is a winner of Latin baby names. Quite literally. From the Latin vincere, it means conqueror.
- Tor. Super, duper, incredibly praiseworthy. That’s what this name means. And you’ll no doubt agree with it when you meet your little one.
- Xavier. This is one of the more unique Latin names. Meaning new house, there’s a real freshness to it.
➡️ Don’t miss our full list of Latin baby boy names
Bonus Latin names
Footnote: bonus is a Latin word itself. It means good.
Bonus baby girl names
- Adrianna
- Allegra
- Amanda
- Angelica
- Camilla
- Cecilia
- Chrystina
- Claudia
- Constance
- Cornelia
- Daniella
- Destiny
- Donna
- Essie
- Felicia
- Gloria
- Isabel
- Laura
- Madelaine
- Maia
- Madonna
- Monica
- Portia
- Riva
- Rosabel
- Sabrina
- Selina
- Stella
- Tricia
- Valda
Bonus baby boy names
- Ajax
- Anthony
- Arbor
- Augustino
- Atticus
- Blaze
- Cicero
- Constantine
- Durant
- Emil
- Errol
- Hercules
- Horatio
- Julius
- Juno
- Julian
- Lorin
- Lysander
- Marcus
- Marcellus
- Octavio
- Paton
- Paul (If you’re asking, What is the most common Latin name? this may be your answer.)
- Pluto
- Roman
- Rufus
- Salvator
- Tarrence
- Tristin
- Victor
Bona fortuna!
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