Be-courteousmEnglish (Puritan) Referring to Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye courteous to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
BeezusfLiterature In the case of the character from Beverly Cleary's 'Ramona' book series, it originated as a nursery form of Beatrice (her real name), given to her by her younger sister.
BelisariusmGreek (Latinized), History From Greek Βελισάριος (Belisarios), probably of Illyric origin. This was the name of a famed Byzantine general and war hero who served the emperor Justinian. He was possibly of Slavic ancestry which has led to speculation that the name derives from Slavonic Beli-tzar "white prince" (the -sarius element being interpreted as coming from the old Slavic word tsesar or tsesari, which was derived from Caesar, thus giving Belisarius a "princely" connotation), but this etymology has since been discounted as somewhat dubious.
BeniosusmArthurian Cycle In the Icelandic Saga af Tristram ok Ísodd, a king who managed to wrest control of Tristan’s homeland, Spain, during the chaos that followed the defeat of Biríng, Tristan’s foster-father, at the hands of King Turnes of Africa.... [more]
BerenicianusmLate Roman Roman cognomen which was derived from the feminine first name Berenice. A bearer of this name was Gaius Julius Alexander Berenicianus, a Cilician prince from the 2nd century AD.
BertusmDutch (Latinized) Latinized form of Bert, as well as a short form of latinized Germanic names that contain the element beraht "bright", such as Albertus.
BibulusmAncient Roman Roman cognomen which was derived from the Latin adjective bibulus, which can mean "fond of drinking, drinking readily or freely, ever thirsty" (mostly in relation to alcoholic beverages), as well as "absorbent, porous"... [more]
BirillusmHistory (Ecclesiastical) Saint Birillus of Antioch was the first evangelizer and the first bishop of Catania in Sicily.
BitheridusmGermanic Bitheridus was a chieftain of the Alemannic Bucinobantes tribe who served in the Roman Army under Valentinian I.
BlaesusmAncient Roman Roman cognomen derived from Latin blaesus "lisping, stammering".
BlastusmAncient Greek (Latinized), Biblical, Biblical Latin Latinized form of Blastos. According to the Bible, Blastus was the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20), a mediator for the Sidonians and Tyrians, and was believed to be involved in the events that led to Herod's death.
BogumilusmPolish (Latinized) Latinized form of Bogumil, a famous bearer of this name was Bogumił Piotr who was Archbishop of Gniezno and also a hermit.
BombastusmGerman (Swiss) Possibly descended from Latin bombax meaning "cotton" or "indeed (interjection)" or from German Bombast meaning "pompous language".
BonifaziusmMedieval Latin, German (Rare) Variant of Bonifacius, itself a variant of Bonifatius; the name originally meant "good fate" (from Latin bonum "good" and fatum "fate"), but folk law altered the meaning to "well-doer" or "doer of good deeds" (from Latin bonum and facere "to do")... [more]
BrandusmArthurian Cycle, Literature The lord of La Dolorous Garde before Lancelot conquered it. When the Saxons invaded Britain at the beginning of Arthur’s reign, Brandin joined them against Arthur. Niniane, the Lady of the Lake, was briefly his paramour and taught him some enchantments that he applied to his castle.... [more]
BriseusmGreek Mythology Possibly derived from Greek βρίθω (britho) or (vritho), which can mean "to be laden with, to abound" as well as "to be heavy". In Greek mythology, Briseus was the father of Briseis.
BritannicusmAncient Roman Latin byname meaning "of Britain". This was one of the bynames of Emperor Claudius after the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD. Claudius also gave it to his son, Britannicus (full name Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus; 41-55 AD).
BroadusmEnglish Meaning unknown. This was the middle name of John Watson, American psychologist and founder of Behaviorism.
BromerusmAncient Greek (Latinized), History Latinized form of the Greek given name Βρόμερος (Bromeros), which might possibly have been derived from Greek βρομέω (bromeo) meaning "to buzz". Also compare Greek βρόμος (bromos), which can mean "any loud noise" as well as "stench, bad smell"... [more]
BrosiusmGerman (Archaic) Short form of Ambrosius (see Ambrosios). This name is now rather archaic and one is more likely to come across it in German-speaking areas as a surname, rather than a first name.
BrutulusmMedieval Latin Appears to be a diminutive form of the Latin name Brutus, which means "heavy" or "dull". Notably associated with figures such as Lucius Junius Brutus, the traditional founder of the Roman Republic, and Marcus Junius Brutus, one of Julius Caesar's assassins.
ByzantinusmLate Roman Means "from Byzantium", with Byzantium being the latinized form of Greek Byzantion, which itself was ultimately derived from the personal name Byzas... [more]
ByzantiusmLate Roman Latinized form of Greek Byzantios, which essentially meant "from Byzantium" (see also Byzantinus). This was the name of an archbishop of Bari (Italy) from the 11th century AD.
CacusmGreek Mythology (Latinized), Roman Mythology Derived from Greek κᾰκός (kakos), meaning "bad". In Greek and Roman mythology, Cacus was a giant and the son of Vulcan. He was killed by Hercules after terrorizing the Aventine Hill before the founding of Rome.
CadariusmMedieval Hungarian Cadarius was a nobleman in the Kingdom of Hungary who served as Judge royal in 1146, during the reign of Géza II of Hungary.
CadenusmLiterature Invented by author Jonathan Swift for his 1726 poem Cadenus and Vanessa. The name is an anagram for the latin word decanus, meaning Dean, because he was the dean of St... [more]
CaeculusmRoman Mythology Derived from the Latin adjective caecus meaning "blind" combined with the Latin masculine diminutive suffix -ulus. Also compare the related name Caecilius.... [more]
CaelusmRoman Mythology Means "sky" or "the heavens" in Latin (related to the word caelum). Caelus is the Roman god of the sky, the equivalent of the Greek god Uranus.
CalasanctiusmVarious (Rare) Latinised form of the Spanish surname Calasanz borne by the Catholic saint Joseph Calasanz (1556-1648), who is also known as Joseph Calasanctius, probably influenced in part by Latin sanctus meaning "sacred, holy".
CalchusmGreek Mythology Latinized form of Greek Κάλχος (Kalkhos). This was the name of a king of the Daunians, who unsuccessfully courted Circe.
CalliopiusmAncient Greek Related to (or derived from) Calliope, meaning "beautiful voice". This was the name of a Greek rhetor and official of the Roman Empire.
CalobrusmArthurian Cycle This is the name of a character appearing in Perlesvaus, an Old French Arthurian romance who is the cousin of Perceval and son of Calobrutus.
CalobrutusmArthurian Cycle This is the name of a character appearing in Perlesvaus, an Old French Arthurian romance who is one of Perceval’s eleven paternal uncles.
CalonymusmLate Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of Kalonymos. A known bearer of this name was Calonymus of Alexandria, a Byzantine naval commander from the 6th century AD.
CalpurnianusmAncient Roman Roman cognomen which was derived from Calpurnius. Bearers of this name include Roman consul Marcus Pupius Piso Frugi Calpurnianus (1st century BC) and Roman politician Marcus Antius Crescens Calpurnianus (3rd century AD).
CalpusmAncient Roman Likely derived from the Latin root "calpus", which means "pale" or "fair". It may also have been used as a variant of names that are associated with calvus, meaning "bald" in Latin.
CandidianusmLate Roman Roman cognomen which was derived from Candidus. A known bearer of this name was Gaius Valerius Candidianus, the illegitimate son of Roman Emperor Galerius (4th century AD).
CanethusmGreek Mythology Etymology uncertain, but it may be linked to κανθός (kanthos) meaning "eyelid, corner of the eye".
CaniniusmAncient Roman From the Roman nomen Caninius, which is derived from Latin caninus "dog-like, of a dog" (which in turn is derived from Latin canis "dog").
CanopusmAncient Greek (Latinized), Astronomy The name of the second-brightest star in the night sky. It is possibly derived from Greek Κάνωβος (Kanobos), of uncertain meaning, possibly related to Arabic جَنُوب (janub), meaning "south"... [more]
CanthusmGreek Mythology Derived from κανθός (kanthos) meaning "eyelid, corner of the eye".
CantianusmLate Roman Extended form of Cantius. This was the name of a saint from the 4th century AD, who was martyred along with his brother Cantius and sister Cantianilla.
CantidiusmLate Roman Possibly derived from Latin cantidus, which in turn may have been derived from Latin cantus "(a) singing, song". This was the name of a saint who was martyred in Antioch (the exact year remains unknown).
CantiusmLate Roman Derived from Latin cantus "(a) singing, song". This was the name of a saint from the 4th century AD, who was martyred along with his brother Cantianus and sister Cantianilla.
CapaneusmGreek Mythology (Latinized) Latinized form of Greek Καπανεύς (Kapaneus), which is possibly derived from Greek καπάνη (kapanē) meaning "chariot". It could also have been derived from Greek κάπη (kapē) meaning "crib, manger" or even from Greek κᾶπος (kapos), which can mean "plot of land, garden" as well as "breath"... [more]
CapitolinusmAncient Roman Derived from Latin capitolium (related to Late Latin capitellum "small head, top of column", from which we derived our current word 'capital'), which is ultimately derived from Latin caput "head"... [more]
CaprasiusmLate Roman Possibly derived from Latin capra meaning "(she-)goat". A bearer of this name was Caprasius of Agen, a French saint from the early 4th century AD.
CarminiusmLate Roman Roman nomen gentile which was probably derived from Latin carminum "song, poem", which is a Late Latin form of carmen "song, poem" (see also Carmen)... [more]
CarneiscusmAncient Greek Ancient Greek philosopher of the Epicurean school. His only surviving writing is on the subject of the death of a friend.... [more]
CarteriusmLate Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of Karterios. This name was borne by at least two saints, namely Carterius of Caesarea (4th century AD) and Carterius of Sebaste (4th century AD).
CarusmAncient Roman, History Derived from Latin carus "dear, beloved." This name was borne by a Roman Emperor from the 3rd century AD.
CarviliusmAncient Roman Roman nomen gentile of unknown meaning. This name was borne by several Romans from the 3rd century BC. Please note that this name most likely has a different etymology than the identical-looking name of the Celtic king of Kent (England) from the 1st century BC, whose name was latinized.
CarystusmGreek Mythology (Latinized) Latinized form of Karystos. In Greek mythology, Carystus is the name of a rural demi-god that is native to the Greek island of Euboia. He also lent his name to the ancient Euboian city-state of Carystus.
CastriciusmAncient Roman From a Roman nomen gentile, which was probably ultimately derived from Latin castrum "fortress, camp, castle" (see also Castrinus).
CatharinusmDutch, English (Archaic) Masculine form of Catharina. In 2010, there was a total of 2153 bearers of this name in all of The Netherlands. A known bearer of this name was Catharinus P. Buckingham (1808-1888), an American soldier, author and industrialist.
CatullusmAncient Roman Derived from the Ancient Roman cognomen Catullus with uncertain meaning. Possibly it comes from the Gaulish catu meaning "battle" with the diminutive suffix -ullus. In alternative it comes from Latin catulus meaning "cub, whelp".
CatuvolcusmOld Celtic (Latinized), History Latinized form of Catuvolcos. A bearer of this name was Catuvolcus, one of the two kings of a Gaulish tribe called the Eburones. In 54 BC, he committed suicide by poisoning himself.
CeioniusmAncient Roman Nomen of uncertain origin and meaning. The nomen resembles other Etruscan names, such as Cilnius, and the family does not appear in history before the first century. The historian Aelius Spartianus wrote that they came from Etruria, or perhaps from the town of Faventia, which was itself of Etruscan origin.
CelerinusmLate Roman, History (Ecclesiastical) Derived from the Latin word celer, meaning "quick, swift", followed by the masculine diminutive suffix -inus. This was the name of an African martyr, revered for his suffering while imprisoned by Emperor TrajanDecius in Rome... [more]
CeleusmGreek Mythology (Latinized) Latinized form of Greek Κελεός (Keleos), which is derived from Greek κελεύω (keleuō) which can mean "to command, to order" as well as "to urge (on), to drive on". In Greek mythology, Celeus was the king of Eleusis.
CelidoniusmJudeo-Christian-Islamic Legend Probably a Latinized form of the Greek Χελιδόνιος (Chelidonios), which was derived from χελιδών (chelidon) "a swallow". In Christian tradition this name is sometimes ascribed to the unnamed "man born blind" whose sight Jesus miraculously heals (in the Gospel of John 9:1-12), and the form Celedonius belonged to an early saint, martyred c.300.
CenfusmAnglo-Saxon Old English name, in which the first element is cene "bold, keen". This name was borne by a king of Wessex who ruled briefly, during 674; he was succeeded by his son Aescwine.
Cereusm & fEnglish From the genus name of a type of night-blooming cacti found from California to Chile, from Latin cereus "waxen, waxy", which was also used as a substantive to mean "a wax-light, -taper" ("particularly those brought by clients to their patrons as presents at the time of the Saturnalia"), and so called because the cactus' shape "suggests a candle."
CethegusmLate Roman A Roman cognomen of unknown meaning. One bearer of this name was Gaius Cornelius Cethegus who was a consul of the Roman Republic in 197 BC.
CharaxusmAncient Greek (Latinized, Rare) Possibly derived from Greek χάραξ (charax) meaning "vine prop, pointed stake, pole", as well as "bandage" and "bream (fish)". Alternatively, it could derive from χαράσσω (charasso) meaning "to sharpen; to engrave, carve, write"... [more]
CharidemusmAncient Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of Charidemos. This name was borne by a Greek mercenary leader from the 4th century BC, who was put to death by Darius III of Persia.
CharinusmTheatre A character in 'Pseudolus', a play by the ancient Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, one of the earliest examples of Roman literature.
CheirisophusmAncient Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of the Greek name Χειρίσοφος (Cheirisophos) which possibly meant "cunning in his handicraft", derived from χείρ (cheir) meaning "hand" and σοφός (sophos) "skilled, clever"... [more]
ChlorusmLate Roman Latinized form of the Greek word khlôros "pale green" (see also Chloris). This name was borne by a Western Roman emperor from the 3rd century AD.
ChrysanthusmAncient Greek (Latinized), History (Ecclesiastical) Latinized form of Chrysanthos. Saints Chrysanthus and Daria (3rd century – c. 283) are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyrs list, and a church was built in their honour over their reputed burial place in Rome.
ChrysippusmAncient Greek (Latinized), Greek Mythology (Latinized) Latinized form of Chrysippos. In history, this name was most notably borne by Chrysippus of Soli, a Stoic philosopher from the 3rd century BC. In Greek mythology, this was the name of a divine hero with a very tragic story.
ChrysotelusmLate Greek (Latinized), History (Ecclesiastical) Latinized form of Χρυσότελος (Chrysotelos), which should be a corruption of the rare name Χρυσοτέλης (Chrysoteles), which consists of the Greek elements χρυσός (chrysos) meaning "gold" and τέλος (telos) meaning "purpose, result, completion".... [more]
ChrysusmGreek Mythology Chrysus (Khrysos; meaning "gold") in Greek mythology is a minor god and the personification of gold.
CincinnatusmAncient Roman From Latin cincinnatus meaning "curly-haired". Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (519–430 BC) was a consul of the Roman Republic.
CirrusmEnglish (Rare) Possibly named for the cirrus cloud or from the Latin word, meaning "a lock of hair, tendril, curl, ringlet of hair," that the word originates from.
CisseusmGreek Mythology (Latinized) Derived from the Greek verb κισσόω (kissoô) meaning "to wreathe with ivy", from κισσός (kissos) "ivy". It is the name of several characters in Greek mythology.
CitrusfEnglish Refers to a genus of flowering trees that produce fruits.
CiusmGreek Mythology (Hellenized) While the exact etymology of this name isn’t entirely clear, it's most likely to be derived from kῖος (kῖos) meaning unknown. In Greek mythology, Cius was one of the Argonauts, the heroes who sailed with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece.
ClateusmAncient Roman Saint Clateus (died 64 AD) was an early Christian martyr. He was an early bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Brescia, Italy and was martyred during the persecutions of Christians by Nero.
ClaviusmVarious (Latinized, Rare) From Latin clavis "key". The use as a given name is transferred from the humanist surname Clavius (originally Clau or Schlüssel) borne by Christopher Clavius, a 16th-century Jesuit, astronomer, and mathematician.
ClementinusmLate Roman Longer form of Clementius. This name was borne by Sextus Catius Clementinus Priscillianus, a Roman consul and senator from the 3rd century AD.
CleonymusmAncient Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of Kleonymos. Bearers of this name include the generals Cleonymus of Athens (5th century BC) and Cleonymus of Sparta (3rd century BC).
ClériadusmLiterature, French (Rare, Archaic) The hero of the 15th-century French prose romance Cleriadus et Meliadice. A known bearer was Antoine Clériadus de Choiseul-Beaupré (1707-1774), a French cardinal.