Latin Names

This name of the wife of Mark Antony (no, not Marc Anthony) in ancient Rome sounds a tad too anatomical for a modern girl.

This Late Roman name is little-used in modern times, though the feminine forms Feline and Felina are popular in Europe. While some relate it to the happy-go-lucky Felix, it actually has a cat-like meaning. St. Felinus is a legendary third-century martyr.

This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.

Probably too evangelical for mass importation.

Cute as a nickname, slight as a first.

If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.

Most often heard as an Italian surname, this might be an unusual yet musical option. While it's not among the traditional Italian names for girls, it can fill that role.

Balbo is more commonly seen as an Italian surname, but in the times of Milo, Otto, and Arlo, what's to stop parents from choosing this unusual name for their child. For aviation buffs comes the added interest of the term signifying the mass fly-by at the end of an airshow.

Has a medieval, slightly fusty but romantic feel.

Octavia has the numerical meaning doubled (eighth) and is much more user-friendly.

Embodies both color and operatic style.

Tatjana is an interesting twist on an already uncommon name, borne by German-born supermodel Tatjana Patitz. Note that as j is pronounced as y in German, the name is spoken just like sisters Tatiana and Tatyana.

Hail Britannia? We think not.

Both Tullio and Tulio are modern forms of the ancient Roman family name Tullius. Though its meaning is unknown, Tullius has an illustrious history with many noble bearers, including a sixth century king and the philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. Tullio can be shortened to Tully, more properly an Irish surname with a tangled history of its own, while Tulio can be a substitute for Julio.

Sargent, as in Kennedy brother-in-law Shriver, is the more familiar and usable form of this name.

Real name that sounds like a made-up combination of Dillon and Lillian.

Evokes a sympathetic feeling of generosity and charity.

Roman statesman and Caesar rival whose name, like other classical choices, was occasionally used for enslaved people. The Pompeo version could rise again.