As aficionados of names, we know that choosing the right name for your baby is no small feat. In fact, it can be one of the most important decisions you make as a parent.
If you’re looking for something unique and meaningful, you might consider an ancient name. Ancient names have been around for centuries and come with a wealth of history, culture, and symbolism.
From Egyptian pharaohs to Greek gods, these powerful names can add instant gravitas to any little boy. Plus, ancient names often have timeless appeal, meaning they won’t sound outdated or clichéd in a few years.
Today, we’ve compiled a list of 50 ancient names for boys, complete with their meanings and origins. So if you’re ready to give your son a name that is both special and steeped in history, look no further than our list of ancient baby names.
50 Ancient Names For Boys With Meaning
1. Achilles (Greek)
Meaning: “Pain” or “Lament”
Achilles is a strong and heroic name from Greek mythology. He was the greatest warrior in Homer’s Iliad and the center of much of its action.
2. Aurelius (Latin)
Meaning: “Golden”
Aurelius is a regal name from Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin word aureus, which means golden. The name was popular among Roman emperors, including Marcus Aurelius.
3. Leonidas (Greek)
Meaning: “Son of a lion”
Leonidas is a powerful and noble name from Greek mythology. He was the king of Sparta and a brave warrior.
4. Caius (Latin)
Meaning: “Rejoice”
Caius was a popular name in ancient Rome. It was the name of several Roman emperors, as well as other important figures in Roman history.
5. Hector (Greek)
Meaning: “Holding fast”
Hector was a prince of Troy and the greatest defender of the city in Greek mythology. He was a noble and brave warrior, respected by all.
6. Maximus (Latin)
Meaning: “Greatest”
Maximus is a strong and commanding name with Latin roots. It was the name of a famous Roman general, as well as the main character in the film Gladiator.
7. Aeneas (Greek)
Meaning: “Praised”
Aeneas was a hero in Greek mythology and the leader of the survivors of Troy. He was considered to be the legendary founder of Rome.
8. Augustus (Latin)
Meaning: “Venerable” or “Great”
Emperor Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, and the name comes from the Latin word for great or venerable.
9. Osiris (Egyptian)
Meaning: “God of the afterlife”
Osiris is one of the most important gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. He is the god of death, resurrection, and the afterlife.
10. Julius (Latin)
Meaning: “Youthful”
Julius was a name with a lot of Roman heritage. The most famous Julius is Julius Caesar, one of the most well-known leaders in history.
11. Atticus (Greek)
Meaning: “Man of Attica”
Atticus was a name of Greek origin. The most famous bearer of the name was the father of the famous Roman philosopher, Cicero.
12. Perseus (Greek)
Meaning: “Destroyer”
Perseus was the Greek mythological hero who killed the Gorgon Medusa. He also saved Andromeda from a sea monster.
13. Valerius (Latin)
Meaning: “Strength, health”
Valerius is a strong and noble name with Roman roots. The name was quite popular in ancient Rome and was used by many Roman noblemen.
14. Tiberius (Latin)
Meaning: “Of the Tiber River”
This ancient Roman name is connected to the great Tiber River in Rome. The name was used by many Roman emperors and other men of power.
15. Cassius (Latin)
Meaning: “Vain” or “Empty”
Cassius was a famous Roman senator and one of Julius Caesar’s murderers. It is a strong name that symbolizes courage and rebellion.
16. Severus (Latin)
Meaning: “Stern” or “Serious”
The name comes from the Latin word severus, which means strict or serious. It often evokes a sense of leadership and authority.
17. Cyrus (Persian)
Meaning: “Sun” or “Lord”
Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. The name is associated with royalty, wisdom, and great leadership.
18. Demetrius (Greek)
Meaning: “Follower of Demeter”
Demetrius is an ancient Greek name that has a connection with the Greek goddess Demeter. Demeter was the goddess of agriculture and harvest.
19. Leander (Greek)
Meaning: “Lion-man”
Leander was a name from Greek mythology. The name evokes a strong sense of bravery, strength, and leadership, as it was the name of the man in the tragic love story of Leander and Hero.
20. Orpheus (Greek)
Meaning: “Darkness”
Orpheus was a legendary musician in Greek mythology. He could charm anything with his music, even inanimate objects like trees and rocks.
21. Antonius (Latin)
Meaning: “Priceless”
Antonius is an ancient Roman name, most famous for Marcus Antonius, a Roman general and politician. He was part of a powerful political group called the Roman triumvirate.
22. Solomon (Hebrew)
Meaning: “Peaceful”
Solomon was the king of Israel and was known for his wisdom and fair judgment. He ruled for over 40 years.
23. Socrates (Greek)
Meaning: “Wise”
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who is still studied and admired to this day. He is most famous for his contributions to ethics and epistemology.
24. Thaddeus (Aramaic)
Meaning: “Courageous heart”
Thaddeus was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He was known for his bravery and his strong faith.
25. Rufus (Latin)
Meaning: “Red”
Rufus was a Roman name that was given to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It evokes a strong sense of vitality and energy.
26. Leonidas (Greek)
Meaning: “Son of a lion”
Leonidas was the name of the famous Spartan king. He was a brave and noble warrior, best known for his leadership at the Battle of Thermopylae.
27. Balthazar (Hebrew)
Meaning: “God protects the king”
Balthazar was one of the 3 magi, or wise men, that traveled to visit the newborn Jesus. The name has regal and divine connotations.
28. Ezekiel (Hebrew)
Meaning: “God strengthens”
Ezekiel was a prophet whose writings are regarded as having great wisdom and power. The name is from the Bible.
29. Hercules (Greek)
Meaning: “Glory of Hera”
Hercules was a powerful and courageous Greek god. He is most famous for his incredible strength, which he demonstrated in a series of famous labors.
30. Titus (Latin)
Meaning: “Title of honor”
Titus was an ancient Roman name that symbolized honor and respect. It was used by a Roman emperor who expanded the Roman Empire and presided over the destruction of Jerusalem.
31. Alaric (Germanic)
Meaning: “Ruler of all”
Alaric was the king of the Visigoths that infamously sacked Rome in 410 AD. The name evokes a sense of power and strong leadership.
32. Aeneas (Greek)
Meaning: “Praised”
Aeneas was a Trojan hero and the legendary founder of the Roman people.
33. Caius (Latin)
Meaning: “Rejoice”
A name from Roman history, it was the name of several emperors and important figures in Roman history.
34. Ptolemy (Greek)
Meaning: “Warlike”
Ptolemy was the name of several ancient Egyptian kings. Ptolemy I was the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty and is the most famous Ptolemy.
35. Augustus (Latin)
Meaning: “Great, venerable”
Emperor Augustus was the first emperor of Rome and is credited with bringing the Roman Empire into a period of peace and prosperity.
36. Darius (Persian)
Meaning: “Possessor of good”
Darius was a king of Persia and one of the most successful and influential emperors in history.
37. Berenice (Greek)
Meaning: “Bringer of victory”
Berenice was the name of several ancient queens. The name symbolizes strength and triumph.
38. Ulysses (Latin)
Meaning: “Wanderer”
Ulysses is a name most famous from Homer’s Odyssey. Ulysses (or Odysseus in Greek) is a symbol of endurance and the will to return home after going through hardship.
39. Cicero (Latin)
Meaning: “Chickpea”
Cicero was a famous Roman orator and statesman. The name symbolizes eloquence and wisdom.
40. Gaius (Latin)
Meaning: “Happy, joyful”
Gaius was a common name in ancient Rome. The most famous bearer of the name is Emperor Caligula.
41. Philo (Greek)
Meaning: “Loving”
Philo is a Greek name that expresses a sense of love and kindness. The most famous Philo was a famous Greek philosopher.
42. Julius (Latin)
Meaning: “Youthful”
Julius was a famous ancient Roman name, most famous for Julius Caesar. The name has a long tradition of leadership and power.
43. Claudian (Latin)
Meaning: “Lame”
Claudian was a family name in ancient Rome. The Claudians were one of the most powerful Roman families and included several emperors, like Claudius.
44. Zeno (Greek)
Meaning: “Gift of Zeus”
Zeno was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the school of Stoicism. His name evokes a sense of wisdom and divine favor.
45. Rufinus (Latin)
Meaning: “Red-haired”
Rufinus is a rare Roman name. The name is associated with figures of authority and power.
46. Aurelius (Latin)
Meaning: “Golden”
Aurelius is a name most famous for Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and philosopher. The name evokes a sense of wisdom and great wealth.
47. Seneca (Latin)
Meaning: “Old”
Seneca was a Roman philosopher most known for his Stoic philosophy. The name symbolizes wisdom acquired through age and experience.
48. Tiberius (Latin)
Meaning: “Of the Tiber”
Tiberius is an ancient Roman name that is connected to the Tiber River in Rome. It was used by several emperors and other men of power.
49. Aemilius (Latin)
Meaning: “Rival”
Aemilius was a common family name in ancient Rome. The name is associated with historical figures and strong leadership.
50. Lucius (Latin)
Meaning: “Light”
Lucius is a name that was found in Roman history. It is associated with nobility and strong leadership.
These 50 ancient names for boys not only carry a sense of history and power but also offer timeless meanings that reflect strength, wisdom, and resilience. Whether you choose one for its historical significance or its beautiful meaning, these names have a lasting legacy that will serve your son well throughout his life.
If any of these ancient names stand out to you, or if you have other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below!
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