Cato

Meaning- (Intelligent, Shrewd, All Knowing, Wise, Good Judgement, 2^nd Century Roman Statesman)

Origin- (Latin, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation- (cah-toe, kAI-toh)

Gender-(Male, Uni-Sex)

So I was looking for more unique names and came across this rather old but still very unused and unique name of Cato. Then I remembered I had heard this in the Hunger Games movies and was like well might as well add it. I do like the meanings and the age of the name but it’s a little too short and harsh sounding for me to want to use it in a novel or to even see it much in a novel. It would maybe do well as a secondary characters name or even a surname. I do think it would be cool paired with a surname ending in O I have one in mind but keeping to myself incase I decide to use it, lol!  

Aelia

Meaning: (Solar, Sun, Helios, Feminine form of Aelius which was the family name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian)

Origin: (Greek, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (IE-lee-a, ai-eh-l-y-ah)

Gender: (Female)

I was looking up sun related names of the past and came across this one and I like how it looks with the Ae at the beginning as I tend to see these names being almost alien looking lol. I love the history of this name and how it can fit in different eras. I can see a beautiful dark beauty being named this. I also love the way it sounds when said, just so beautiful.  

Aeliana

Meaning: (Sun, feminine form of Aelianus)

Origin: (Latin, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (ee-lee-AHN-a, ie-lee-AHN-a)

Gender: (Female, Uni-Sex)

I have the name Eliana *see on list of posts* already on here and actually love it a lot and Anthony and I would love Eliana to be the name of a future daughter we hope to have some day. Now when I saw Aeliana I think it is lovely and very much fits in a historical novel. Its really pretty. I prefer Eliana but I like Aeliana for a character lol.

Cassian

Meaning: (Empty, Hollow, From the Roman family name Cassianus, which was derived from CASSIUS. This was the name of several saints, including a 3rd-century martyr from Tangier who is the patron saint of stenographers and a 5th-century mystic who founded a monastery in Marseille.)

Origin: (Latin, English, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (KASH-ən (English), KAE-SH-ahN )

Gender: (Male)

I saw this name the other day and I think it is a very attractive rare name that has great possibilities and I’d love to see it used a bit more often. The meanings are interesting and its history is very old and so this could be used in virtually any era which I love as well. It would make a great alternative to the female Cassia which I have seen of late and like as well.

Camillus

Meaning: (Priest’s Assistant, Temple Servant, Altar Server, the Honorable Born, and Young Ceremonial Attendant.)

Origin: (Latin, Ancient Roman, Etruscan)

Pronunciation: (kə-MIL-əs (English), ca-mi-llus)

Gender: Male, Possibly Uni-Sex

I’ve been looking for a knife for when I go camping and hiking off the beaten track and I saw a cheap knife that had this as its name. I didn’t buy it as it was as cheaply made as the price entails so I’m still looking but I did really like the name. Well rather I really quite loved it. It reminds me of names like Carnelian / Cornelian *see on list of posts* as it has this cool unique ancient look about it that is rare now a days.

The meanings are all really great and do fit into the ancient world really well but would also do well I think in the modern era or even the future. I think this names meanings could fit well to describe the job of the character as this is one of those names that is occupational and if described in the story it could fit well. It kind of reminds me of YA Novels where the characters jobs were preordained in their society so this could fit and with the unique YA Novel character names now a days it could fit really well also.

Nickname Options: Cam, Mill, Millus, Millie (Female), Milly (Uni-Sex but may look more Feminine), Cami (Female), and Miles.

Lucrezia

Meaning: (Succeed, Italian form of Lucretia: Feminine form of the Roman family name Lucretius, possibly from Latin lucrum "Profit, Wealth". In Roman legend Lucretia was a maiden who was raped by the son of the king of Rome. This caused a great uproar among the Roman citizens, and the monarchy was overthrown. This name was also borne by a saint and martyr from Spain.)

Origin: (Italian, Ancient Roman, Roman Mythology, Latin)

Pronunciation: (loo-KRE-tsyah, loo-KREET-see-uh, to know how to pronounce this name then go to this site and run your cursor over the name to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=lucrezia+&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

My list is backed up for a while so I am finally getting to these names. Back during NaNoWriMo 2015 I had posted about it and a fellow blogger Apolla 13 commented about her experience with it and then told me a bit about the story she chose to write about. So for all of my posts for March I will be doing some of the names of her characters for the story she wrote for NaNoWriMo 2015 as I really like many of these names and have yet to add them so I am adding them now.

Lucrezia I do believe was Apolla 13 main characters mothers’ name. It has a very foreign unique prettiness about it. The meanings are very pretty and make the name have even a wealthier noble look and feel to it than it already did. The long history of use and the stories behind some who were named this are interesting but a bit sad at times.

When I saw the name I thought it was an old name of perhaps Latin or Italian Origin and I was right but I am afraid some might not see it that way though from the naming forums I saw with ones discussing this name were positive. I however am afraid some might not know how to pronounce it or may believe it was made up in the current era and see that as bad without knowing the names long history.

I can see a noble woman being named this. It has a very ethereal look and feel to it when said as well. All in all this is a lovely name and I would love to see it used more often if appropriate, I think only the right character and author can pull this name off in the right way.

Drusa

Meaning:  (Feminine form of Drusus: Roman family name, also sometimes used as a praenomen, or given name, by the Claudius family. Apparently the name was first assumed by a Roman warrior who killed a Gallic chieftain named Drausus in single combat. Drausus possibly derives from a Celtic element meaning "Strong".)

Origin: (Ancient Roman, Celtic, Gaelic, Latin, Old Greek)

Pronunciation: (droos-uh, DRUW-Sah)

Gender: Female, Possibly Uni-Sex

My list is backed up for a while so I am finally getting to these names. Back during NaNoWriMo 2015 I had posted about it and a fellow blogger Apolla 13 commented about her experience with it and then told me a bit about the story she chose to write about. So for all of my posts for March I will be doing some of the names of her characters for the story she wrote for NaNoWriMo 2015 as I really like many of these names and have yet to add them so I am adding them now.

Drusa is a very interesting name but makes me think Druid a bit when I see it so I think magic and so not thrilled by that but Drusa has nothing to do with Druid I just see that when I see Drusa. The meaning and long history of use and the reason for the name is very interesting and the name does seem as the meaning says Strong.

I can see an Empress or a baddy character being named this. It has a superior air to it which is interesting and likable in a very hoard power over you kind of way. Of course that is my thoughts on the look of the name. It could be used in many different genres and for different types of characters but the air I get from the name is very dangerous and lethal, lol! But I love that as I am always looking for bad like female character names!

Priscilla

Meaning: (Ancient, Old, Little Old Woman, It has been used as an English given name since the Protestant Reformation, being popular with the Puritans. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow used it in his poem “The Courtship of Miles Standish” (1858). Short form is Prisca.

**below copied from Insight Book Vol. 2 Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses** The shorter form of the name is found in Paul’s writings, the longer form in Luke’s. Such a variation was common in Roman names. Priscilla was the wife of Aquila, with whom she is always mentioned. The two showed fine Christian works and hospitality not only to individuals but also to the congregation by having congregation meetings in their home in both Rome and Ephesus.

Because of Emperor Claudius’ decree, Aquila and his wife left Rome and went to Corinth in about 50 C.E. Not long after their arrival Paul joined them in tent making. (Ac 18:2, 3) They traveled on with Paul to Ephesus, remained there for a time, and were instrumental in ‘expounding the way of God more correctly’ to the eloquent Apollos. (Ac 18:18, 19, 24-28; 1Co 16:19) Returning to Rome for a time (Ro 16:3-5), they later traveled back to Ephesus. (2Ti 4:19; 1Ti 1:3) Their personal contact with Paul extended from about 50 C.E. to Paul’s death, some 15 years later, during which association they “risked their own necks” for the apostle’s soul.)

Origin: (English, Ancient Roman, Biblical, Italian, French)

Pronunciation: (pri-SIL-ə (English), pree-SHEEL-lah (Italian), PRih-SIHL-ah (English))

Gender: Female

This name always had an old world feel to me but also it reminds me of Elvis Presley’s wife Priscilla. The meanings do coincide with the old feel I get but I could see this being on a younger character. Also with the long history of use it would do well in a historical fiction novel. A good nickname could be Cilla, Pris, Prissy, and Prisca. It also has a great biblical background so that is nice.

Laelia

Meaning: (Orchid, Happy, Lunar, feminine form of Laelius, a Roman family name of unknown meaning. This is also the name of a type of flower, an orchid found in Mexico and Central America.)

Origin: (Latin, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (lay-LEE-ah, LIE-lee-a, Lail-lee-uh)

Gender: Female

I was looking up middle name options for a secondary characters two daughters middle names and I wanted it to be an Orchid or flower name. I went with Lunaria *see on list of posts* as one of the daughter’s middle names and the second daughters middle name I made it Laelia. This name reminds me of a Hawaiian name for some reason and so makes me think of an exotic beautiful Polynesian character. It has a nice long history of use as well.

I would love to see this name used more often and with authors of Young Adult novels almost always using unique or rare names and using nature related names this would work, just look at Katniss.

Clelia

Meaning: (Heaven, Sky, Moon, Light, Shine, Fame, associated with the root of the verb cluere "to have renown, fame," and the name therefore means "illustrious, famous." From Greek Kleio. Modern Italian form of Cloelia, the feminine form of Cloelius, a Roman family name. A feisty heroine from legendary Roman history who after having been given by the Romans to the Etruscans as a hostage, escaped by swimming the River Tiber back to Rome. She was returned, but out of admiration, the Etruscans released her along with other hostages. French novelist Mlle. de Scudéry (17th-century) retold her story. The name was borne by Saint Clelia Barbieri (19th century), patron saint of those mocked for their faith.)

Origin: (Italian, Ancient Roman, Old Greek)

Pronunciation: (KLEH-lee-ə, KLey-LIY-aa- or KLey-LYAH, kle-lee-ah)

Gender: Female

I totally forget where I heard or saw this. I should have written it down as to where I saw it but unfortunately I didn’t. It sort of looks like someone was going for Cleo or Chloe but went another direction with it. The meanings are beautiful and the name spelling has an overall unique rare look in the modern era at least. It seems pretty and for some reason it seems a bit preppy to me. It is also an interesting and cool history of the variant names. The pronunciation is also easier than I thought when I was able to see the pronunciation. If you see the name first it may take a while to hit on the correct pronunciation. The pronunciation’s also rolls off the tongue and the roof of ones mouth interestingly. 

Camilla

Meaning: (Alter Server, Helper to the Priest, Free-born, Noble, Derived from the Latin Camilla (Virgin of Unblemished Character), Camilla was a huntress in Greek Mythology who fought along side men in battle in the Aenied. The poet Virgil claimed she was so fast she could run across the Sea without getting her feet wet and run across a field of Grain without bending any of the plants. Feminine form of Camillus. Was popularized in the English speaking world by Fanny Burney’s novel ‘Camilla’ (1796). Camilla is the name of the Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Prince Charles of the United Kingdom)

Origin: (Latin, Scandinavian, Ancient Roman, Roman Mythology, Greek Mythology, Finnish, French, Italian, English)

Pronunciation: (kah-MIL-ə, ka-MEEL-ah, ke-MIL-ə (English), kah-MEEL-lah (Italian)

Gender: Female

I was watching a movie called The Quite the other day with actress Camilla Belle. Then last night I saw another movie Camilla Belle was in when she was younger. So I decided to add this name. This name has many great nicknames and it is very pretty. I do think this name is used a bit too much which might deter some from using it for one of there characters. I like this name because of the Greek Mythology it was definitely cool to read about.

Seneca

Meaning: (Old, Place of Stones, From the Old Latin word Senectus, The name of Ancient Roman Orator and father of Seneca who was a Philosopher, Dramatist, and Advisor to Nero.)

Origin: (Latin, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (SEH-neh-ka, SEN-a-ka, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Seneca to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=+seneca&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I heard this the other day when I was watching an interview on T.V with an actor that was in the Hunger Games Movie. Apparently a character in the book / movie is named Seneca (I have not read the books or watched the movie). I like the name and I have chosen it for a last name of one of my characters. I think it would be cool as a first name and just because it's in The Hunger Games doesn't mean you can't use it on your character.

Felix

Meaning: (Happy, Lucky, Favored by Luck, The Lucky One, Fortunate, Prosperous, Successful, The name of three popes and numerous saints. Feliciano is a Spanish and Italian form. Linked in America with cartoon character Felix the Cat, and Felix Unger from "The Odd Couple". American physicist Felix Bloch. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages, though it has been more popular in continental Europe.)

Origin: (Latin, Spanish, German, Dutch, Biblical, Ancient Roman, English, Scandinavian)

Pronunciation: (FEE-liks, FEEL-iks, FE-liks (German), FAY-liks (Dutch), FEE-liks (English)

Gender: Male

I can't remember where I heard this the other day but I have been hearing this lately and I realized I keep putting off adding it to my blog so finally I am adding it. It has a great meaning and it has a cool look. It's short and easily pronounced. It has been around a long time so it can be in stories set in the past but has a futuristic look which I think makes this a super cool name.

Cornelius

Meaning: (Horn, From "cornu". A famous Latin clan name, often used under the Roman Empire. Biblical: Cornelius was a Roman centurion who was baptized by Peter. Another famous bearer of the name was Railroad millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt. In England it came into use in the 16th century, partly due to Dutch influence.)

Origin: (Latin, Dutch, German, Biblical, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (kor-NEEL-yus, korn-NEEL-ee-us, kohr-NEE-lee-əs, kər-NEE-lee-əs (English), kawr-NAY-lee-us (Dutch), kawr-NE-lee-uws (German), Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Cornelius to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=cornelius&submit=Submit )

Gender: Male

I was reading my bible the other day and I read this name and remembered how much I liked this name. So I decided to add it here. It is a name I don't hear too often right now. It might seem to be a really old name but I think it is really cute. It has a freshness to it.

Aurelia

Meaning: (Golden, Golden Haired, Feminine form of Aurelio. Name of several minor early saints. Revived as a given name in the 17th century. A name derived from aurum (gold)

Origin: (Latin, Ancient Roman, Italian, Polish, Romanian)

Pronunciation: (aw-REEL-yah, oh-REE-lee-ə, ow-REL-yah)

Gender: Female


I think this name is absolutely beautiful. The only downfall is I have seen so many people pronounce it several different ways. But other than the pronunciation issues this is a beautiful name with a beautiful meaning and it is so classic but seems still fresh and modern.