Anthony

Meaning: (Highly Praiseworthy, Priceless, of Inestimable Worth, from a Roman clan name. In the 17^th Century, the spelling Anthony was associated with the Greek anthos meaning flower. English form of the roman family name Antonius, which is of unknown Etruscan origin. The most notable member of the Roman family was the general Marcus Antonius (called Mark Antony in English), who for a period in the 1^st Century BC ruled the Roman Empire jointly with Augustus. When their relationship turned sour, he and his mistress Cleopatra were attacked and forced to commit suicide, as related in Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ (1606).

The name became regularly used in the Christian world due to the fame of Saint Anthony the Great, a 4th-century Egyptian hermit who founded Christian monasticism. Its popularity was reinforced in the Middle Ages by the 13th-century Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of Portugal. It has been commonly (but incorrectly) associated with Greek ανθος (anthos) "flower", which resulted in the addition of the h to this spelling in the 17th century.)

Origin: (English, Latin, Etruscan)

Pronunciation: (AN-thə-nee, AN-tə-nee)

Gender: Male

My boyfriend is named Anthony. The meanings are very strong and masculine and very noble! It has a great history of use and is a common enough name to be recognizable but not so common it’s over used or anything in literature! I really do love this name and not just because it’s my boyfriends name! My boyfriend has had a few women say his name is sexy in the last few months, lol! This is a name that could fit in many different genres and backgrounds!

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.

Gaius

Meaning: (Land, Rejoice, Happy, Probably the root of the word “Gay”, which used to mean “Jolly”. Also a biblical name, and the name of a Roman jurist in the Second Century. Caius is a variant that occurs in England. Gaius was a common Roman name, the most famous bearer being Gaius Julius Caesar, the great leader of the Roman Republic, and his adopted son Gaius Octavius (later known as Augustus), the first Roman emperor.)

Origin: (Latin, Etruscan)

Pronunciation: (GIE-us, GAY-us, GAYahS, G-eye-us)

Gender: Male

This is a strong good meaning name with an amazing long history behind it. It is a name I really do love. It’s not something you hear much now days but that might be a good thing.  In the bible Gaius was once a companion to Paul on his travels and I love all the names of the traveling companions of Paul’s ex. Timothy, Silas, Barnabas…..

Lavinia

Meaning: (Purity, Woman of Rome, Mother of the Romans, The name of the legendary mother of the Roman people. Her name may possibly be derived from Lavinium, the name of an Etruscan city more ancient than Rome. Daughter of King Latinus in Roman Mythology she was the last wife of Aeneas and was considered to be the mother of the Roman people, Lavinia is a feminine form of Latinus, (from Latium, the area surrounding and including ancient Rome). Classical name revived in the Renaissance, and again used in the 18th century. Lavinia's in Stories: Lavinia, an antagonist in the book and film "A Little Princess". Lavinia, character in "Theories of Rain," short story by Andrea Barrett. Lavinia, title-character of the book by Ursula Le Guin. Lavinia, the unfortunate daughter of Titus Andronicus in the Shakespeare play, "Titus Andronicus." Real Life Famous Lavinia's: Lavinia Fontana, 15th century Italian painter. Lavinia Dickinson - sister of poet Emily, who credited her for giving her encouragement and opportunity for her writing.)

Origin: (Latin, Etruscan, Roman Mythology)

Pronunciation: (la-vee-NEE-ah, lah-VIN-ee-ə)

Gender: Female

I heard and saw this name the other day when watching My Big Gypsy Wedding on T.V. One of the young brides was named Lavinia. I really liked the name and so when I looked up the meaning I liked the name even more. It has such a cool history behind it.

Ravenna

Meaning: (Raven, Place Name: A City in Italy famous for its Byzantine Mosaics. Currently the capital of the Province of Ravenna in Italy. It was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402 till 476 AD.)

Origin: (English, Italian, Etruscan)

Pronunciation: (r uh v EH n uh, ruh-ven-uh, ruh-vin-uh, ruh-VENN-uh, rah-ven-uh, Ruh-vehn-uh, Go to this site and run your cursor over Ravenna to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=ravenna&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I read this on the web the other day when I was looking up about the two Snow White films coming out in 2012. One of the characters was named this. Upon researching the name I found plenty of real and fictional characters named this and places named this. There was a lot of info on this name. When I saw it I thought it was a gorgeous name with an exotic look to it. It's like Raven but spiced up. I really like it.

Minerva

Meaning: (Intellect, Roman Goddess of Wisdom and War. Equivalent of Greek Athena. Believed to be derived from the Latin root mens (the mind, thought, intellect). Minerva is the name borne in Roman mythology by the goddess of wisdom, skill and invention. She is equated with the Greek goddess Pallas Athene. It has been used as a given name in the English-speaking world since after the Renaissance.)

Origin: (Latin, Etruscan, Roman Mythology, English)

Pronunciation: (mi-NER-və, mi-NER-vah)

Gender: Female

I have used this name before and though it doesn't suit all tastes in names I think it is a lasting name. It has an old fashioned look to it but I think it is still a wonderful name.