Pope names

Pius means devout or good in latin as an adjective. It's also the root word for piety, the Christian virtue of devotion and spirituality.
 
What does the name "Pius" mean in terms of papal names?

I am not certain what you are asking for. Interpretation of the name-term or implications concerning predecessors with the same name?

Pius is a Latin term for "devout", "dutiful", "loyal". The English term "pious" is a direct descendant. Pius as a term is better known in association with Antoninus Pius, Roman Emperor (reigned 138-161).

There have been so far 12 Popes using said name:

1) Pope Pius I (term c. 140-154). A native of Aquileia. In his case Pius was probably his birth name. He is regarded as the brother of Hermas, author of "The Shepherd of Hermas". The Book consisted of mandates and parables attributed to a Christian freedman. Indicating that both Hermas and Pius were probably Roman freedmen. Pius is known for his oppositions to Valentinians and Marcionites, two notable Christian factions of the 2nd century. Pius I has been declared a Saint.

2) Pope Pius II/Enea Silvio Piccolomini (term 1458-1464). He was famous as an author (erotic poet, comedy writer, historian, biographer, and autobiographer) and diplomat prior to his election to the Papal throne. As a Pope his lifelong dream was a) uniting the various Christian forces in a Crusade against the Ottoman Empire b) converting Mehmed II the Conqueror to Christianity. He failed on both efforts. Ge is however among the most famous of the Renaissance Popes due to his role as a patron of the arts and some impressive building projects. He was also a pioneer in modern urban planning.

3) Pope Pius III/Francesco Todescini Piccolomini (term 1503). A nephew of Pius II. He was also a diplomat with a lengthy career. He was old and frail when elected as a compromise candidate in the Papal Conclave of 1503. The Borgias and the Della Rovere, the most influential families at the Papal court, failed to elect any of their favorite candidates and settled on electing this old man. Pius served as Pope for 26 days before dying from an ulcer in the leg. His term is one of the shortest in Papal history.

4) Pope Pius IV/Giovanni Angelo Medici (term 1559-1565). A native of Milan. His family may have been distantly related to their namesakes of Florence but specifics are uncertain. He had been a favourite of Pope Paul III and served in several positions of authority since the 1530s. He is most notable for calling for new sessions of the previously inconclusive Council of Trent (1545-1563). He managed to have the Council produce all the basic rules of the Counter-Reformation Church, arguably redefining the Catholic Church in an age of Protestantism. The decisions of the Council have yet to be challenged. As a Pope he was one of the few Counter-Reformation Popes to have left behind notable building projects. But his contemporaries noted that Rome and the Papal States had ceased to serve as a culture center and there were no particularly notable artistic efforts there.

5) Pope Pius V/Antonio Ghislieri (term 1566-1572). The direct successor Pius IV. Another zealous reformer. Ge went a bit further in the strictness of the reforms. He tried to restore discipline and morality to the church by setting strict moral rules for all priests, Cardinals included. Incuding rules against nepotism and against sexual relations. He standardized the Catholic Holy Mass, establishing a form used continuously from 1570 to 1969. He was more eager than his predecessors to confront Protestants, trying to suppress the Huguenots in France and organize efforts against Elizabeth I of England. He continued the attempts of his predecessors to unite Christian forces against the Ottoman Empire. In his case this resulted in a new Holy League and the victory in the Battle of Lepanto (1571). Lesser known is that he also attempted to expel the Jews from the Papal States. He is considered one of the most successful of the Counter-Reformation Popes and is worshipped as a Saint.

6) Pope Pius VI/Giovanni Angelo Braschi (term 1775-1799). The first of the "Revolutionary Popes" (1775-1848). Not that any of them was a revolutionary. They were facing the effects of the French Revolution over wider Europe. He started his term in an anti-corruption campaign and attempts to improve the financial policies of the Papal States. Though he was himself accused of living in an extravagant lifestyle and spending money in unneccesary building projects. The primary challenges to his early rule were the ideas of the Gallicans and the Febronians. Both were Catholic movements opposing the authority of the Pope over national Churches. Gallicanism was the movement in France, Febronianism the movement in Germany and Austria. The French Revolution then resulted in the confiscation of all Church properties in France. Followed by French invasions of the Italian Peninsula. Rome itself fell in 1798. Pius spend the last year of his life as a wandering captive.

7) Pope Pius VII/Barnaba Niccolo Maria Luigi Chiaramonti (term 1800-1823). Direct successor to Pius VI. His term is largely defined by his relation to Napoleon I, Emperor of France. At times with Pius serving as a slavish vassal to Napoleon, at times attempting to oppose the policies of Napoleon and once even excommunicating him (in 1808). Once Napoleon was defeated, Pius was a strong advocate for humane treatment to the deposed Emperor and allowed the various members of the Bonaparte family sanctuary in the restored Papal States. His internal policies were conservative, reviving the Jesuit Order (persecuted in Catholic countries since the 18th century), re-establishing the Inquisition and even the Index Librorum Prohibitorum ("List of Prohibited Books").

8) Pope Pius VIII/Francesco Saverio Castiglioni (term 1829-1830). He had previously served in various high offices but was most noted for a modest way of living and absence of scandals in his personal life. As a Pope his efforts were devoted to writings against the perils religious pluralism and Bible translations not approved (controlled) by the Church. He was able to greet the effects the Catholic Emancipation in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (ending centuries of restrictions against Catholic subjects). His death was considered sudden. While suffering from recurring sores on his neck and body for years there was little indication of health problems. There were the typical rumors of poisoning, but in this case it is less than clear who would benefit from his death.

9) Pope Pius IX/Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti (term 1846-1878). He was considerate a moderate liberal when elected. A series of ultra-conservative Popes in the 19th century had done much to alienate the population of the Papal States, Italy and much of Europe. Pius IX was elected to help modernize the Papacy. However by that time anti-clericalism had become part of many "progressive" ideologies in Europe. A liberal Pope might have turned the tide in favor of Church during the 18th century Enlightenment, By the mid-19th century it was too late. His long reign experienced constant challenges to the very existence of the Papal States. Their territories were constantly reduced until they were finally annexed to the new Kingdom of Italy in 1870. He was the last Pope to reign as their monarch and spend the rest of his life in self-isolation. In theology, his legacy lies with establishing the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary as new Catholic dogma (1848) and with the decisions of the first Vatican Council (1869-1870). He died due to Bronchitis and resulting complications. He was beatified in 2000.

10) Pope Pius X/Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto (term 1903-1914). Son of a modest postman, Sarto spend much of his life as a provincial pastor before elevated to higher offices. He was morally conservative, fervant in his beliefs and notably outspoken. He was elected as a dark-horse candidate. A more popular candidate, Mariano Rampolla, had faced an imperial veto by Francis Joseph I, Emperor of Austria-Hungary and his candidacy flopped. His term resulted in reforms on two fronts. In the everyday life of the Pope, Pius disestablished various traditional ceremonies and ended the by-then traditional isolation of the Pope in his quarters by inviting personal friends. In theology, Sarto was strongly devoted to the concept of "restoring everythiong in Christ" and write works against the dangers of "modernism" and "relativism". In diplomacy, Pius was not much of a success. The relation of the Church with various secular governments (France, Italy, etc) became rather frigid. Pius suffered from a heart condition late in life and died of a heart attack. He was canonized as a Saint in 1954.

11) Pope Pius XI/Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti (term 1922-1939). A noted scholar and librarian with a keen interest in science. Ended the traditional isolation of the Popes (starting in the 1870s) and negotiated the creation of a new state for the Popes: Vatican City. Unusually, Ratti focused less on theology and more on social matters. His writings include criticisms of international capitalism and studies of labour relations. He turned the efforts of the Church towards missionary works in Asia and Africa, while starting attempts at cordial relations with the other Christian denominations. Diplomatically, Pius started re-established relations with the various European States, such as the Kingdom of Italy, the French Third Republic, the Soviet Union. Though his concordat with Nazi Germany has been criticized. In the last year of his life, Ratti started criticizing racism as a concept but died a few months prior to the start of World War II. Part of his legacy is the work of the Pontifical Academ of Sciences which he established in 1936.

12) Pope Pius XII/Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli (term 1939-1958). Cardinal Secretary of State (de facto Prime Minister) and direct heir of Pius XI. The last man of aristocratic ancestry to rise to the Papal throne. Politically , his reign is associated with trying to lead the Church through World War II and the early faces of the Cold War. He is credited with saving thousands of lives in World War II through establishing a network hiding political refuges. Though said network might have done the same for persecuted Nazis once the War was over. Theologically he is better known for establishing the Bodily Asssumption of Virgin Mary to the Heavens as a new Catholic Dogma (after centuries of informal belief). He helped developed the modern stances of the Church on the issues of Medical theology, family and sexuality, relation with science, stance on evolution. He died of a heart attack. He was declared Venerable in 2009.
 
That certainly hasn't stopped people before. And who says Hitler has to stay within either of those two pillars?

Well he's unlikely to become pope if he's a heretic. An RC pope, especially in the last couple of centuries, isn't a dictator who can do whatever he feels like. He is significantly constrained by tradition and institution. The right guy could do some serious innovation *within* constraints.
 
Perhaps a Revivalist faction? The time period Hitler lived in was one of massive change. Ideas that had been around for centuries were being abandoned in favor of new ideas, including having formerly democratic nations trying on fascism for size. The church was also undergoing massive changes at the time. Perhaps they undergo a different set of changes, especially if Hitler is able to reach a much wider audience that is down on it's luck. I don't think Hitler would have much trouble keeping those billion catholics happy. And by strict interpretation of the bible, I also meant not deviating from how christians are supposed to live.

This revivalist faction would need to develop far enough before Hitler's lifetime his entereing the priesthood for Hitler and this faction to gain enough clout within the hierchy of the Church so as to hold sway in a papal election.
 
I can't see Adolf Cardinal Hitler choosing the name Patrick as his regnal name if he became Pope.

I'm pretty sure he only saw the name and then posted a suggestion.

As for a name for Hitler as a pope...

I personally like Leo, considering that some of the previous popes with that name did things that would appeal to his ideology; Boniface, considering that that's the name of the patron saint of Germany; Paul, after Paul III of Counter-Reformation fame; Gregory, after Gregory V for advancing Germany and screwing France; and Adolphus, because of the fact that it's close to his name, and there are saints with that name.
 
Maybe you could do a saint that Hitler's mother had a particular devotion to? From what I remember, she was very religious.

That's why I second Leo(pold), as patron saint of Upper Austria where he was from.

But another idea: Old Malachy's prediction is about Petrus II Romanus. Now the popes avoid Petrus, although for another reason (only St Peter is allowed to bear this papal name). But since there was a pope Romanus... maybe there'll be a pope Romanus II in the future? Even better: His real birth name was Peter or such, but he had changed it for a reason in his past? Or even better: He was rechristened as a baby and doesn't know it, but his real name is Peter? See what I mean?
 
Even better: His real birth name was Peter or such, but he had changed it for a reason in his past? Or even better: He was rechristened as a baby and doesn't know it, but his real name is Peter? See what I mean?

The Popes and Antipopes avoid using Peter as an ordinal name. But nothing prevents someone whose birth name was Peter to rise to the throne. Examples include:

*Pope John IV/Pietro Campanora (term 983-984). Pietro is an Italian variation of Peter.
*Pope Sergius IV/Pietro Martino Buccaporci (term 1009-1012).
*Antipope Honorius II/Pietro Cadalus (term 1061-1064).
*Antipope Anacletus II/Pietro Pierleoni (term 1130-1138).
*Pope Innocent V/Pierre de Tarentaise (term 1276). Pierre is a French variation of Peter.
*Pope John XXI/Pedro Juliao (term 1276-1277). Pedro is a Spanish and Portuguese variation of Peter.
*Pope Celestine V/Pietro Angelerio (term 1294).
*Antipope Nicholas V/Pietro Rainalducci (term 1328-1330).
*Pope Clement VI/Pierre Roger (term 1342-1352).
*Pope Gregory XI/Pierre Roger de Beaufort (term 1370-1378).
*Pope Boniface IX/Piero Tomacelli (term 1389-1404). Piero is another Italian variation of Peter. Boniface was Pope in Rome during the Western Schism.
*Avignon-Pope Benedict XIII/Pedro Martinez de Luna y Perez de Gotor (term 1394-1423). Pope in Avignon during the Western Schism.
*Pisan-Pope Alexander V/Petros Philargos (term 1409-1410). Petros is a Greek variation of Peter. Pope in Pisa during the Western Schism.
*Pope Paul II/Pietro Barbo (term 1464-1471).
*Pope Alexander VIII/Pietro Vito Ottoboni (term 1689-1691).
*Pope Benedict XIII/Pietro Francesco Orsini (term 1724-1730).

16 Peters on the Papal throne. 17 if you also count semi-legendary founder Peter/Simon Cephas.
 
Question in linguistic and their 'rule name' then;

-Can new names be brought in, and not just "-" like Jean-Paul/John-Paul?

-Can those names be non-occidentals in theory, even? or 'latinised'?


So, could we have a chinese pope named like Confucius (not this one) in an ATL by example?
 
Question in linguistic and their 'rule name' then;

-Can new names be brought in, and not just "-" like Jean-Paul/John-Paul?

-Can those names be non-occidentals in theory, even? or 'latinised'?


So, could we have a chinese pope named like Confucius (not this one) in an ATL by example?

Though it hasn't happened in centuries (JP I aside), a pope could introduce a new regnal name. Matthew, Philip, or some other Latin words/names could come. Non-occidental/non-western names are not likely to be introduced, at least not any time soon. There's nothing to prohibit their use, except tradition, and that's difficult to change.
 
Though it hasn't happened in centuries (JP I aside), a pope could introduce a new regnal name. Matthew, Philip, or some other Latin words/names could come. Non-occidental/non-western names are not likely to be introduced, at least not any time soon. There's nothing to prohibit their use, except tradition, and that's difficult to change.

And probably occidentalised/latinised, yeah.

A pope called Amadeus, like a Patriarch named Theophilos, could be interesting. :p
 
Question in linguistic and their 'rule name' then;
-Can new names be brought in, and not just "-" like Jean-Paul/John-Paul?

Theoretically, yes. In practice, the last Pope to have used an original name was Pope Lando (term 913-914). There were also Antipopes Theodoric (term 1100-1101) and Adalbert (term 1102) who chose original names. Every other Pope or Antipope has named himself after one or more predecessors. Nothing particularly original in the last 909 years.

-Can those names be non-occidentals in theory, even? or 'latinised'?

Nothing prevents it but tradition. Not that all Papal names have pure Latin origins:

*Peter (Latin: Petrus). Derives from the Greek Petros (Πέτρος) of the Gospels. Which itself derives from the Greek term "petra" (πέτρα) for "rock, stone, boulder".

*Linus. Derives from the Greek name Linos (Λῖνος). The name in Greek mythology belongs to a famous musician, son of Apollo and one of the Muses. As a noun 'linos" described a certain form of dirge, "a mournful poem or piece of music composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person". Legend connects the creation of this song to the musician. Further etymology is uncertain, though a relation to the term "linon" (Greek: λίνον) for the plant flax and the fibers derived from it, has long been suggested. Another theory suggests a derivation from Alijan, a Semitic deity of vegetation for whom dirges were sung.

*Anacletus. From the Greek name Anakletos (Ανάκλητος). As a common name anakletos, means 1) someone recalled to service or 2) someone summoned/invited to return. From the verb anakalo (ανακαλῷ). Note that the name of this Pope is in some sources shortened to Cletus (Greek: Κλῆτος).

*Clement (Latin: Clemens). Latin for "merciful, lenient", with a secondary meaning of "mild, gentle". Connected to Clementia, Roman Goddess of mercy and compassion. "Like many other deified qualities, Clementia was used on coins as an attribute of the current Emperor, or to celebrate the virtues of some ancestor, usually for political gain. She was used to play up the kindliness of leaders, especially those who had acted mercifully to defeated enemies." See: http://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/clementia.html

*Evaristus. From Greek "Euaristos" (Ευάριστος) or " Eurarestos" (Ευάρεστος). Which literally means "well liked", pleasant, agreeable. The Greek term has the meaning 1) the one who fits the preferences of somebody, 2) causes satisfaction, entertainment, amusement. As an adjective it could mean choice (product) or "high quality". For example ευάρεστος οίνος (choice wine, high-quality wine). Note that the name of the Pope is in some sources shortened to Aristus (Άριστος), Greek for "excellent, the best". From which the term aristokratia (αριστοκρατία), aristocracy, also derives. Literally this related term means "rule of the best", the form of government where the (supposedly) most qualified individuals rule. In practice these "qualified individuals" tend to be people who have inherited their wealth and social position.

*Alexander. Derives from the Greek name Alexandros ("Αλέξανδρος"). Its actual meaning seems to be "Defender. Protector of men". As it derives from the verb "ἀλέξω" (alexō), which has two variant meanings: 1) "I keep off, turn aside" 2) "I guard, protect, defend, help", and the noun "ἀνήρ" (anēr), "man". As "Hera Alexandros", it was an epithet for the Goddess Hera.

*Sixtus. A variation and corrupted form of Xystus (Greek: Ξυστός). Derives from a Greek term for 1) clean-shaven, tonsured 2) something made smooth and/or polished by use of a knife or other special instrument. It was also a common Greek term for the wooden shaft of a spear, and an alternative term for the entire spear. Initially of Greek origin, this Papal name sounded vaguely like Sextus, a genuine Latin name, and might have eventually replaced it in use. Sextus was one of the typical numerical names used by Romans, meaning "Sixth". The feminine form was Sexta. Other such names were Primus/Prima (First), Secundus/Secunda (Second), Tertius/Tertia (Third), Quartus/Quarta (Fourth), Quintus/Quinta (Fifth), Septimus/Septima (Seventh), Octavius/Octavia (Eighth), Nonus/Nona (Ninth), Decimus/Decima (Tenth). It is thought that such names started as a way to count the order of birth of the children within a family but then became hereditary. Anothery theory suggests that the names could signify the month of birth of a child. But there are two difficulties with this idea. First, the names Quintus was extremely common, Septimus, Octavius, and Decimus were less common but used often enough, while Nonus and the rest where rare or used only by lower-class families. It seems unlikely that month of birth played a role in the frequency of the name. Secondly, people born in the 11th and 12th month should have been called Undecimus/Undecima and Duodecimus/Duodecima. These names are not attested in surviving sources.

*Telesphorus. From the Greek name/term "Telesphoros" (Τελεσφόρος), which means "Bringer of Results", "Bringer of Completion", "the accomplisher". It was also the name of a Hellenistic deity, a son of Asclepius associated with the healing process. While the Greek term is old, the God was not. It is theorized that the God was originally a Celtic deity introduced by the Galatians (Gauls) to Anatolia in the 3rd century BC. He was given a Greek name but what the original name was is anyone's guess.

*Hyginus. Latinization of the Greek name Hyginos (Υγίνος). Which itself derives from the term "hygeinos" (υγιεινός). Having the meanings of 1) healthy 2) something which benefits the health of a living organism 3) nourishing (when describing food). Another descendant of the term hygeia (υγεία), Greek for "health". There was also a personification of the concept in the Goddess Hygeia, a daughter of Asclepius worshipped alongside her father.

*Pius. Latin name-term for "devout", "loyal" and "dutiful". According to "An etymological dictionary of the Latin language" the name also had the meanings of : 1) "one who is kind, humane, and courteous, just and upright to all", 2) "one who treats with reverential regard his parents, relatives and country". Etymology uncertain, though a relation to Aeolian Greek Feios (Φεῖος) has been suggested. If so, it is a cognate to Ionian derived term "theios" (θείος) for 1) "one devoted/conscecrated to a deity" 2) "one protected by the gods" 3) "one who exceeds normal human standards, excellent, godlike". Ultimately deriving from "theos (θεός), Greek for "god". See: http://books.google.com/books?id=m2...esnum=1&ved=0CCsQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q&f=false

*Anicetus. Latinization of the Greek name-term Aniketos (Ανίκητος), which literally means "invincible". In more detail, the term has the meanings of 1) the one who has not been defeated (in battle), undefeated 2) the one who can not be defeated 3) indomitable. Derives from the term "nike" (νίκη) for "victory (in battle)", a meaning which later expanded to include victories in contests and legal trials. There was also a personification: Nike, Goddess of Victory. Supposed daughter of Pallas the Titan and Styx, the river Goddess of the Underworld. further etymology uncertain, though it could be an adaptation of the Egyptian term Nekh-t ("strength", "victory", "power").

*Soter. Derives from the Greek epithet-term "Soter" (Σωτήρ) for "saviour", "deliverer (from harm)". The term originally only applied to specific patron deities, such as Poseidon, Zeus and Dionysus. The feminine form Soteira (Σώτειρα) applied to patron Goddesses such as Athena and Hecate. In Hellenistic times, the term was applied to various kings in devotion from saving on city or another from the enemy. In Christian context, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, it is one of the most common titles applied to Jesus Christ. The term Kosmosoteira ("Saviour of the World") since Byzantine times is applied to Mary the Theotokos (Mother of God).

*Eleuterus. Name derives from the Greek term Eleutheros (Ελεύθερος) for "free". In more detail it has the meanings of 1) the one not depended on another person, independent 2) free from the power/authority of another (such as a slave master). Related to the term Eleutheria (Ελευθερία) for "freedom". They are cognates to the Latin terms "Liber" (free) and "Libertas" (Freedom). The name of the Pope is also rendered Eleutherius (Ελευθέριος), a term for the one acting with the dignity of a free man (instead of the lack of dignity attributed to slaves).

*Victor. Latin for "the one who conquers", "conqueror". From the verb "vinco" "vincere" which means "to win, to conquer". Related to the term Victoria (Victory) and the Goddess personifying it.

*Zephyrinus. Latin name deriving from a Greek term. It probably derives from Zephyrus/Zephyros (Ζέφυρος), the term for "the west wind" and the God who personified it. "The gentlest of the winds, Zephyrus is known as the fructifying wind, the messenger of spring." The derived term Zephyrios (Ζεφύριος) had the meaning of "western", the one coming or belonging to the west. Further etymology uncertain, though there was probably a relation to the term zophos (ζόφος) for "darkness", "gloom". The term was strongly connected both to the Kingdom of Hades (Underworld) and the west, the direction where the sun sets and the light disappears. Note that the west was also strongly associated with death in the cultures of the Ancient Egyptians and the Celts. The related term "zopheros" (ζοφερός) is Greek for "gloomy".

*Natalius. Name attributed to the first Antipope. Name derives from the Latin term natalis (dat of birth, birthday). Itself deriving from the term natus (born, arisen, made) and the verb "nascor" (I am born, I arise, I grow). They are cognates to the Greek gennao (γεννάω) "I give birth to". In Christian context it related to the celebration of "Natalis Domini" (Birthday of the Lord). Known in modern Italian as Natale, in French as Noël, and in English as Christmas. Note that the fenale form of the name, Natalia, has become far more common.

*Callixtus. A variant of the Latin name Callistus. Itself derived from the Greek term "kallistos" which has the meanings of 1) the best, 2) the most beautiful/handsome. It itself derives from the term kalos (καλός) which had two related but different meanings: 1) someone good, kind, kind-hearted, virtuous, righteous 2) someone with a handsome/beautiful external appearance. A relatively late development was that terms related to/deriving from the first meaning were written with a singular "l" (λ), while those deriving from the second meaning were spelled with a double "ll" (λλ). We have for example "kalosyni" (καλωσύνη) for "kindness" and "kallos" (κάλλος) for "beauty". Note that the female form of the name, Callisto/Kallisto (Καλλιστώ) for "most beautiful (woman)", seems to have been in use for centuries prior to the appearance of the male form.

*Hippolytus. Name of an Antipope. Latinization of the Greek name Hippolytos (Ιππόλυτος). Which itself derives from the terms "hippos" (ίππος) for "horse" and lyo (λύω) for "untie, release". The name itself literally means the one who sets horses loose. The feminine forms Hippolyta (Latin) and Hippolyte (Ιππολύτη, Greek) are strongly associated with the Amazons in Greco-Roman mythology.

*Urban (Latin: Urbanus). Derives from the Latin term "urbanus", from which the English "urban" derives. The original term had the meanings of 1) belonging to a city 2) originating in a city 3) fond of cities, devoted to cities 3) as an adjective: cultivated, polished, refined, elegant (positive qualities associated with cities and their residents) 4) as an adjective: bold, forward, impudent, shameless (negative qualities associated with cities and their residents). Urbanus derives from the term "urbs", Latin for "city". Further etymology is uncertain, though there have been suggestions that it is a cognate to Basque "uri/hiri" (township), Greek "labyrinthos" (labyrinth, building complex) and Sumerian "urbilum" (city located in the upper area). The Summerian term "Ur" for "city" might in itself be an ancestral form.

*Pontian (Latin: Pontianus). Also spelled Pontianos in ancient inscriptions. The name may be a toponymic, indicating origin from the island Pontia (modern Ponza). The name of the island itself has been translated as Latin "Land of Bridges", describing natural formations on the island which served as bridges. "Pons" is Latin for "bridge". Alternatively, the name may derive from the Greek term Pontus/Pontos (Πόντος) for "Sea". Better known from the term "Pontos Euxeinos" (Πόντος Εύξεινος, Hospitable Sea) for the area now called Black Sea and the coast areas surrounding it. People from there were also called Pontians. It is thought that both the Greek and the Latin term originate from an Indo-European term for "path, trail". But it gained a specific connection with walking trails in Latin and one with naval pathways in Greek. See:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponza and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontus

*Anterus. Latinization of Anteros (Αντέρως). The name literally means "love returned" or "counter-love". It was the name of the Greco-Roman God of Requited Love. He was the punisher of those who scorn love and reject the advances of others, the avenger of unrequited love. Note however that the name of this Pope has also been rendered Antherus/Antherus (Ανθηρός), a Greek term with the meanings of 1) flowering, blooming, efflorescent (literal meaning) 2) vigorous, robust, youthful (metaphorically) 3) financial term: flourishing, thriving. Typically to describe an economy. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anteros

*Fabian (Latin: Fabianus). Latin name. Possibly meaning "of Fabius", as in "belonging to Fabius". Fabius was the name of male members of the gens Fabia, one of the most ancient patrician families of Rome. It has been suggested that their slaves and freedmen took the name "Fabianus" instead of just adding "Fabius" to their names. The origins of the name Fabius itself were disputed. Pliny the Elder (23-79) suggested that the name had the meaning of "the one who cultivates beans". Since the Fabii were said to have a role in introducing the cultivation of faba (fava beans) in Rome. Otherwise the name may originate from the language of the Sabines and the meaning is unknown.

*Cornelius. Latin name. Name used by the male members of the gens Cornelia, one of the most distinguished family lines in Roman history. Branches of the family using the names "Maluginensis", "Cossus", "Scipio", "Lentulus", "Rufinus", "Sulla", "Dollabella", "Blasio", "Cethegus", "Merula", "Cinna", "Balbus" produced a large number of consuls and generals. The name has been suggested to derive from the term "corneus" ("0f horn", "hard as a horn", "having the color of a horn"). If so it further descents from the Latin term "cornu" (horn, antler). Which had connotations of power, strength, and might.

*Novatian (Latin: Novatianus). Name of an Antipope. Name also rendered Novatus. Probably both variations derive from the Latin term "novatus" (renewed, changed, transformed). Deriving from the verb "novo" (I renew, refresh, alter, change) and the adjective "novus" (new, fresh, young,recent). A cognate to the Greek "neos" (νέος), Old High German "niuwi", Old English "nīwe". Middle English "newe" and modern English "new". See: http://books.google.com/books?id=Ly...Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q="novatus" renewed&f=false

*Lucius. A Latin name. Actually the most common of all known Roman personal names. It seems to derive from the Latin term "lux" (light) and might have the meaning of "bright, shining". The poetic explanation "Bringer of Light" has also been used, though that would equate it with "Lucifer". It is commonly thought to derive from an Indo-European term for "white, light, bright" as there are several known cognates. Alternatively, it might instead derive from the Etruscan term "Lauchum/Lauchme" (king, ruler). Which the Romans typically transferred in their writings as "Lucumo". The vern "Lucair" (to rule) might have been an influence in the popularity of the name.

*Stephen (Latin: Stephanus). Derives from the Greek "Stephanos" (Στέφανος) from the Book of Acts. The noun "stephanos" is Greek for "crown, wreath, garland". It derives from the verb stepho (στέφω) which originally meant "I encircle" as the wreaths formed a circle. Later, the same verb gained the meaning of "I crown (someone else)". Further etymology is uncertain, though possible cognates in Sanskrit have been noted.

*Dionysius. Latinization of the Greek name Dionysios (Διονύσιος), which literally means "of Dionysus". Dionysus being the Greek God of grape harvest, winemaking, wine, ritual madness and ecstasy. Best known as the patron deity of theater. The name of the God is already attested in Mycenaean Greek as "di-wo-nu-so". The Dio- part of the name might be a prefix meaning "tou Dios" (του Διός), literally "of Zeus". Zeus written "di-we" and "di-wo" in Mycenaean, with this god considered father of Dionysos in classic mythology. Pherecydes of Syros (6th century BC) suggested that the second element of the name derives from the term nũsa, an archaic word for "tree". As trees were important in the worship of this deity. A possible meaning of "Zeus' Tree"? See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysus and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus

*Felix. Latin name. Originally a cognomen (nickname) meaning "favored by luck" or "the lucky one". With a secondary meaning of "being happy" as a result of this luck. Later appears as a personal name. The term is considered to derive from an Indo-European term for "fertile, fruitful".

*Eutychian (Latin: Eutychianus). Latin name of Greek origin. Probable derives from the name-term Eytyches (Ευτυχής) which means "lucky", "happy", "successful". Equivalnt to the Latin "Felix". Produced by the term ey-/eu- (εθ-) for good and "tyche" (τύχη) for "luck", "fate", "fortune". Tyche was also the name of the Goddess personifying the concept of good luck. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyche

*Caius. Name also rendered Gaius. Caius and Gaius were two variations of the same Latin name. A very common Roman personal name. There are different theories of its origin. One theory considers it derived from the Latin verb "gaudere" (to rejoice, to be glad). Another considers it derives from the Etruscan element "Cae"/"Cai", the meaning unknown. Lastly, another theory considers its similarity to the Greek term Gaia (Γαῖα), Goddess of the Earth. Which would render the meaning of the name Gaius as "Man of the Earth", "farmer".

*Marcellinus. A variation of Marcellus, a common Roman name. Itself a diminutive form of the name Marcus. All three names ultimately derive from the worship of Mars, Latin God of War. Who is probably an adaptation of Maris, an Etruscan God. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_(mythology) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maris_(mythology)

*Marcellus. Same origins as "Marcellinus". See above.

*Eusebius. Latinization of the Greek name Eusebios (Ευσέβιος). Which derives from the term eusebes (ευσεβής), which had the meanings of : 1) the one loyal to his duties 2) someone deeply respectful and loyal to his parents, teachers, etc 3) the one who reveres God and follows his commandments, "pious". The meaning is identical to the Latin "Pius". Derives from the element ey-/eu- (ευ-) for "good" and the term sebas (σέβας) for "respect".

*Miltiades. Name also rendered Melchiades. The first name is a Latinization of Μιλτιάδης. The Greek name derived from the term "miltos" for "red ochre" (a reddish paint). Ochre containing unhydrated hematite ("the blood-red stone"). Miltos was later used as a synonym to erythros (ερυθρός), Greek for "red". The name Miltiades has been suggested to mean "red-haired", since some of the earliest known users were of partial Thracian origin. The Greeks associated red hair with their Thracian neighbours. The element "Melch" in the second name is probably the Semitic word for "king, chieftain". Often turns up as an element in Hebrew and Arab namews, with the variants of "Malik", "Melekh" (proper Arab and Hebrew forms respectivelly), and "Malch". It probably derives from a Proto-Semitic term, as there are known cognates in Akkadian, Aramaic, Phoenician, and Ugaritic. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_ochre and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematite

*Sylvester (Latin: Silvester). Latin name, literally meaning "of the forest", "of the woods", "woodsman", "man of the wood". Derives from the adjective "silvestris", which had the meanings of 1) pertaining to a wood/forest 2) forested, wooded, overgrown with trees (when describing an area), and 3) living in forests, rural and/or wild. Derives from Silva, Latin for "wood, forest". The adjectives "Sylvan", "Silvan", and "Sylvian" still mean "of the woods, of the forests" in English. The Romans also worshipped the forest God Silvanus, the Etruscan worshipped the same God as Selvans. Uncertain if the Latins adopted the worship of an Etruscan deity or the Etruscans adopted the worship of a Latin deity. For more on the subject, see "Etruscan myth, sacred history, and legend". See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvanus_(mythology) and http://books.google.com/books?id=TV...4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Selvans Etruscan&f=false

*Mark (Latin: Marcus). Same origins as "Marcellinus" and "Marcellus", see above.

*Julius (Latin: Iulius). Name used by the male members of gens Julia, one of the most ancient patrician families of Rome. Members from the branches "Iulus", "Mento", "Libo", and "Caesar" provided Rome with a large number of consuls, generals, and early emperors. People who gained Roman citizenship under Augustus and his direct heirs added "Julius" to their names. Several prominent individuals of later centuries apparently descended from these additional Julii. The mythical ancestor of the gens was called "Iulus" and Virgil (70-19 BC) interpreted the name to have the meaning of "wooly worm" (a kind of caterpillar). Other ancient writers claimed descent from the Greek terms Ioulos ( ἴουλος, "the youth whose first beard is growing") and Iovolos ( ἰοβόλος, "the good archer"). A more recent theory suggests an earlier Latin form of "Iovilus" (young Iovis), deriving from Iovis/Jove/Jupiter. Jupiter being the Roman king of the Gods. The element Io/Iou/Ju seems to derive from an Indo-Euopean term for "sky", cognate to Greek Zeus. "piter" has the same meaning as classic Latin "pater" (father). Making the name of the God have the meaning of "Sky Father". See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_(mythology)

*Liberius. Latin name, derived from the term "liber" (free, unrestricted, independent). Might have the meaning of "freeborn" as opposed to "freedman" (libertus) and "slave" (servus). Liber is a cognate to Greek Eleutheros (Ελεύθερος). Liberius is identical to meaning to "Eleuterus", see above.

*Damasus. Latinization of the rare Greek name Damasos (Δάμασος). Apparently derives from damao (δαμάω), one of the various forms of the verb damnimi-damaso (δάμνημι - δαμάζω) which has had variants in every known form of the Greek language. The form may change but the meanings remain the same: 1) I tame (wild animals, mostly horses), 2) I overcome, overwhelm, subdue 3) I kill, destroy, annihilate (appears in ancient texts, fell out of use later) 4) I torture (relatively rare use). Damasos might have started as a variant form of "damaster" (δαμαστήρ), the tamer of wild animals. A related term is Damasicthon (Δαμασίχθων), a title of the God Poseidon suggesting his control over earthquakes (such as in the Illiad). Another related term is Pandamator (Πανδαμάτωρ), "Tamer of Everything" or the one who subdues/destroys everyone and everything. The titler was given to various deities and forces of nature. But thanks to an epigram of Bacchylides (5th century BC) it is mostly associated with Chronos (Χρόνος, Time). In a pessimistic mood Bacchylides suggested that Time itself is the one which has this effects on everything. As nothing can resist the ravages of time. A close cognate in Irish "damnain" (I tame, I subdue) suggests that the terms derives from an Indo-European root.

*Ursicinus. Name also rendered Ursinus. Name of an Antipope. Both variants of the name originate from the term "Ursus" for "bear". Which was also used as a personal name by the Romans. The term is a cognate to Greek arktos (άρκτος) which also means "bear'. Giving birth to such terms as Arctic (Area of the Bears). In the Italian language, "Ursus" changed to "Orso". From which the family name Orsini derives.

*Siricius. The name has also been found in Greek inscriptions as Sirikios (Σιρίκιος) in reference to a slavemaster from 3rd century Tiberias, Galilee (in modern Israel) and a 4th century sophist from Shechem (also in modern Israel). Possibly related to the Greek term Serikos (Σηρικός, Σιρικόν) and its Latin derivative "Sericus". Both terms mean "made of silk", "silken". The Greco-Roman world imported silken Goods from an area of Central Asia they called Seres. Actually those goods originated in China. The Greek and Latin terms for Silk and the term "Seres" ultimately derive from "sī", a Chinese term for "Silk". See: http://books.google.com/books?id=mG...&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Sirikios&f=false and http://books.google.com/books?id=_J...&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Sirikios&f=false and http://books.google.com/books?id=7m...&ved=0CE4Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=Sirikios&f=false and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seres

*Anastasius. Latinization of the Greek Anastasios (Αναστάσιος). Derives from the term anastasis (ανάστασις) for "resurrection". Resurrections having a special meaning in Christian beliefs. Derives from the verb anistemi (ανίστημι) which the meanings of 1) I rise, 2) I awake from sleep 3) I rise from the dead.

*Innocent (Latin: Innocentius). Latin name. Derives from the term "innocens" for "free of guilt, sin, or immorality", "harmless". The element "in-" stands for not. The second element of the word derives from the verb "noceo" (I injure, I cause harm, I hurt others). The one who hasn't done anything of this sort is innocent.

*Zosimus. Latinization of the Greek name Zosimos (Ζώσιμος), made famous by an early 6th century Byzantine historian. Derives from the term "zosimos" (ζώσιμος) for 1) the one who still has the strength to live, to survive, 2) the one considered likely to survive, viavle. From the verb "zo" (ζώ) which means "I live, I survive, I exist". Related terms include Zoe (Ζωή, Life) and "zoo" (ζώο, literally "living creature", actually "animal").

*Boniface (Latin: Bonifacius). The name is a Late Roman variation of Bonifatius, reflecting a change in pronunciation. Bonifacius has a folk etymology as deriving from "bonus" (good) and "factum" (deed, act) or "facio" (I do, I make). Thus having the meanings of "good deed" or "well-doer". Actually Bonifatius and its alternate form derive from bonus (as above) and "fatum" (destiny, fate). The actual meaning seems to be "the one of good fate" and "well-fated".

*Eulalius. Name of an Antipope. Latinization of Greek "Eulalios" (Ευλάλιος). Derives from the elements "eu-" (ευ-) for "good" and "laleo"/"lalo" (λαλέω, λαλώ) for "I speak". The meaning of the name being "well-spoken". Note that feminine form Eulalia has become more common.

*Celestine (Latin: Caelestinus). Latin name, derives from the adjective "caelestinus" (heavenly). Originates from the Latin term "caelum" (heaven, sky). See: http://books.google.com/books?id=TN...IQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Caelum Celestine&f=false

*Leo. Latin name. Derives from the term "leo", Latin for "lion". Considered a direct adaptation of Greek name-term "Leon" (Λέων) which has the same meaning. Leon was both used as a personal name in Greek and an element in various derivativbe names such as "Leonidas". There are no definitely known cognates, most variations of the term in other languages are adaptations from Greek or Latin. Otherwise the most probable ancestral form is Akkadian "labbu" for "lion".

*Hilarius. Latin name, means "cheerful, happy". Derives from the adjective "hilaris" (cheerful, lively, light-hearted) and the noun "hilaritas" (cheerfulness, merriment, good humor). They are all Latin adaptations of the Greek term ilaros (ιλαρός) which means "merry, cheerful, gay". The Greek term itself may derive from the verb "ilaskomai" (ιλάσκομαι) which had the meanings of 1) I calm, appease, soothe 2) I expiate, purify 3) I show compassion, mercy. It is though that light-heartedness could be perceived as able to achieve all three of them.

*Simplicius. Latin name. Probably derives from the Latin term "simplicius" (more simple), a comparative form of "simpliciter" (simply, plainly, straightforwardly, directly). It further derives from the term "simplex" (Simple, plain). Which also had the secondary meanings of 1) being pure, unmixed, 2) being frank, open, and guileless. The name have been chosen with honesty as a desired quality. See: http://books.google.com/books?id=T8...v=onepage&q="Simplicius" "Latin" name&f=false

*Gelasius. Latinization of the Greek Gelasios (Γελάσιος). Provably derives from gelaso (γελάσω) which means "I will laugh". It is a future form of the verb gelo (γελώ) which means I laugh. Which had the positive meaning of expressing joy by laughter and the negative meaning of laughing at someone else's expense. The related term "gelio" (γέλιο") means "laughter" and "mirth".

*Symmachus. Latinization of the Greek name-term Symmachos (Σύμμαχος) which means "Ally". Derives from the elements "syn-" (σύν) for “with, in company with, together with” and the verb "mahomai" (μάχομαι) for "I fight, I join battle, I make war". The literal meanings is "the one who fights alongside (another)".

*Laurentius. Name of an Antipope. A Latin name. The name originally was a toponymic, it had the meaning "from Laurentum". Laurentum being one of the ancient cities of Latium. The placename itself probably derived from the term laurus for 1) the laurel tree. 2) the crown of laurel leafs (a traditional honor for victors). Giving the name a connotation of laureled, victorious. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurentum

*Hormisdas. Latinization of the Persian name Hormizd. The name was frequently used by rulers of the Sassanid dynasty. The name seems to have been a shortened form of "Hormuzd-dad" (given by Ormuzd). Ormuzd being another variation of the name of Hormazd/Ohrmazd/Ahura Mazda, the main deity of Zoroastrianism. As the creator of the universe, upholder of truth, patron of wisdom and enemy of evil, the deity had certain similarities with the Christian God. Resulting in a surprising number of Christians using this name. Mazda seems to derive from an Old Iranian term for "Wise" and seems to be the actual name of the deity. Making wisdom a strong connotation for the name. Ahura/Asura is a term in both Iranian languages and Sanskrit for a specific group of Gods. Though they are considered "good" gods in Persia and "evil" gods in India. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahura_Mazda and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahura and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura

*John (Latin: Ioannes). Latinization of the Greek form Ἰωάννης from the Gospels. Ioannes is a Hellenizisation of Yohanan/Yochanan, a Hebrew name. The most ancient form seems to be Yehochanan and the original meaning was “Yahweh is Gracious”, "Yahweh is Merciful". Note that there is a legend concerning a female Pope using the feminine form "Ioanna". See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahweh and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Joan

*Dioscorus. Name of an Antipope. Latinization of Greek Dioskoros (Διόσκορος), a name strangely popular with the Christians of Late Antiquity. It is the singular form of Dioskoroi (Greek: Διόσκοροι, Latin: Dioscuri), the famous duo of Castor and Polydeuces/Pollux. They were the patron deities of travellers and sailors, athetes and athletic contests. As helpers of humanity their worship was widespread in the Greco-Roman world. Even the Christians were reluctant to abandon the cult of these helpful deities. The term deives from the elements Dios ("of Zeus") and koros/kouros (κόρος, κῶρος, κοῦρος) an Archaic Greek term for 1) boy, youth 2) (young) soldier, 3) son. The literal meaning being "Sons of Zeus". See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castor_and_Pollux

*Agapetus. Latinization of the Greek Agapetos (Αγαπητός). Which itself derives from the adjective agapetos (αγαπητός) for "dear, beloved". Derives from the verb agapo (αγαπώ), which had the meanings of 1) I feel affection, fondness, or friendship (for someone else), 2) I like, I desire (something else), 3) I love, I am in love with (someone else). The third meaning appears relatively late, but started to become the dominant meaning by the 2nd century BC. In Christian context, the term had the meanings of 1) the love between mankind and God, 2) the benevolent affection between fellow Christians.

*Silverius. Derives from the Latin term silva (wood, forest). Same origins as Silvester, see above.

*Vigilius. Latin name. It has the meaning of "Watchful" . Derives from vigilia, a term for "watch" (guard-duty), vigil (surveillance), wakefulness (alertness). Related was the term "vigil" for "watchman, sentinel".

*Pelagius. Latinization of Greek Pelagios (Πελάγιος). Derives from the adjective pelagios (πελάγιος), which had the meanings of 1) the one who belongs to the open sea, the one who comes from the open sea, 2) the one who lives on a coastal area, the one who originates in a coastal area, 3) an epithet for certain deities of the Greco-Roman world associated with the sea, particularly Poseidon and Aphrodite. Derives from the term "pelagos" for "the open sea". It should be distinguished from "thalassa" (θάλασσα) ("salty sea") which the Greeks mostly reserved for the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

*Benedict (Latin: Benedictus). Latin name. The meaning is "blessed". Derives from the verb "benedico" which had the meanings of 1) I speak well of someone, I commend 2) I praise, I bless. The roots are the elements "bene" for "well" and the verb "dico" (I speak, I declare).

*Gregory (Latin: Gregorius). Latinization of the Greek Gregorios (Γρηγόριος). Which means "watchful, alert". Same meaning as Vigilius, above. Derives from the adjective gregoros (γρήγορος) for "swift, fast", "brisk".

*Sabinian (Latin: Sabinianus). Latin name. A variation of Sabinus. Both literally mean "Sabine, of the Sabines, of Sabine origin". The Sabines were an Italic tribe which is considered to have intermarried with the Romans shortly following the foundation of Rome. They were fully annexed to the Roman Republic by the 5th century and seem to have been assimilated by the Latins. Several later Roman took pride in having or claiming Sabine origin, most notably the gens Claudia. Which produced several roman Emperors. Alternatively the name could serve as a toponymic, indicating origin from Sabinium (the area named after the Sabines) See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabines and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabinia and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia_(gens)

*Adeodatus. Name also rendered Deusdedit. Adeodatus is a Late Latin name which means "Given by God" or "From God Given". Derives from "a" (of, from), "deo", a form of the term "deus" (god, deity), and "datus" (given, offered). Deusdetit has the same elements (except a), but has the slightly different meaning of "God has Given". See: http://books.google.com/books?id=Gc...Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q="Adeodatus" given&f=false

*Honorius. Latin name, has the meaning of "honored", "honorable". Derives from the Latin term "honor" (Archaic "honos") for "honor, dignity, office, reputation". See: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=honor

*Severinus. Latin name. Variation of Severus, a Roman name used at times both as a cognomen (nickname) and a family name. Several people with Severus as a family name served as emperors, starting with the so-called Severan dynasty (193-217, 218-235). Later appears as a personal name. Derives from the adjective "severus" (severe, serious, grave in demeanor) The term also had the meanings of "harsh, stern".

*Theodore (Latin: Theodorus). Latinization of Greek Theodoros (Θεόδωρος). Which means "God's Gidt" or "Gift of God". Derives from "theos" (θεός) for "god, male deity" doron (δώρον) for "gift". Neatry identical meaning to Adeodatus, see above.

*Martinus. Latin name. Derives from the worship of Mars, God of War. Same origins as "Marcellinus", "Marcellus", and "Marcus".

*Eugene (Latin: Eugenius). Latinization of Greek Eugenios (Ευγένιος). Derives from the term "eugenes" (ευγενής) which had the meanings of 1) "well-born", noble, of noble descent, 2) "well-bred", "of good breeding" (in animals), 3) courageous/brave, fertile/prolific, handsome/good-looking, magnificent/eminent (all qualities stereotypically associated with nobles). Derives from the terms "eu-" (ευ-) for "good" and "genos" (γένος), an imprecise term for origin and kinship which (in different contexts) can have the meanings of family, clan, social class, nation, and race. A cognate to Latin "genus".

*Vitalian (Latin: Vitalianus). Related to the similar name "Vitalis" and "Vitalinus". All three derive from the Latin terms "vita" (life), and "vitalis" (of life, life-giving). Which derive from the verb "vivo" (I live, I am alive, I survive). Cognate to Greek bios (βίος) for "life, existence". The name was popular in the Roman Empire from the 3rd century onwards. To Christians it probably held a special connection with their concept of "eterrnal life". The three names were also rather popular in late Roman Britain and post-Roman Britain, where names with the Celtic elements "beo" (alive, living), "byw" (live, survive) were "translated" to names with the Latin element "vita". See: http://books.google.com/books?id=hD...=onepage&q="Vitalianus" "Vita" "life"&f=false and http://books.google.com/books?id=vn...Aw#v=onepage&q="Vitalianus" etymology&f=false

*Donus. Latin name. Derives either from "donum" (gift, present) or the related verb "dono" (I give, I bestow). Donum is a neutral noun. Donus seems to be an attempt to create a masculine form. The form might have been suggested by the similar-sounding terms "dominus/domnus" (lord, master) and "domus" (house, household). There is a suggestion that the intended meaning was "Gift (from God)", making it nearly identical to "Adeodatus" and "Theodorus", see above.

*Agatho. Latinization of the Greek Agathon (Αγάθων). Derives from the term agathos (αγαθός) which had the meanings of 1) Homeric: brave, noble, moral, able 2) Classic Greek: good, useful, virtuous, righteous, 3) Modern Greek: harmless, naive, foolish, gullible. Cognate to German "gut" and English "good".

*Conon. Latinization of the Greek Konon (Κόνων). Probably derives from one of two related verbs: "koneo" (κωνέω) and konia (κωνίω). Koneo had the meanings of 1) "I raise dust", 2) I run, I hasten, 3) I act, I take action 4) I feel, I sense 5) I serve (rare use). Konio had the meanings of 1) I cover something with dust, 2) I prepare for battle, 3) I raise dust (while racing or marching). They both derive from the term "konis" (κόνις). The primary meaning was "dust". Secondary meanings included: 1) a grave 2) ashes, cinders (what was left following the funeral pyre), 3) countless crowd of people (appears in the Illiad), possibly had the meaning "as many as the specs of dust". See: http://www.etymologica.com/page15.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral#Funerals_in_Greece

*Paschal (Latin: Paschalis). Name originally used by an Antipope, then reused by later Popes. The name literally means "of the Easter". Derives from the Latin Pascha for "Passover, Easter", the central celebration of the Christian liturgical year. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover. The term itself is a Latinization from Greek paskha (πάσχα). Which derives from Aramaic "Pasḥa", and ultimately from Hebrew "Pesaḥ". The name of a Jewish holiday celebrating the story of the Exodus. Derives from the verb "pasàch", traditionally thought to mean "passed over". The original meaning was probably "hovered over", "guarded over".

*Sergius. Latin name. Originally used by the male members of the gens Sergia, an ancient patrician family. They provided Rome with several consuls and other politicians. The most famous arguably being Lucius Sergius Catilina (108-62 BC). They claimed descent from a legendary ancestor called "Sergestus". Modern scholars suspect that Sergius is actually a name of Etruscan origin. "Servus" (Latin for slave) has also been suggested to be Etruscan in origin. Indicating the two words shared a root, if not some meaning. Note that the Etruscan names "Serui" and "Serue" could be closely related the later Latin names-terms. See: http://books.google.com/books?id=O7...nepage&q=Etruscan vocabulary "Servus"&f=false

*Sisinnius. Name appears in Greek as Sisinios (Σισίνιος). Several Roman and Byzantine individuals are known by this name, though its origins were probably in the Persian language. The "Cult of the Heavenly Twins" (1906) by James Rendel Harris notes that the element "Sis-" apears in a large number of ancient Persian names: Sisamnes, Sisimithres, Sisines, Sisicottos, Sisimakes, etc. The thesis "Zoroastrianism in Armenia" (1982) by James R. Russell suggested that "sis" was Persian for "noble, lineage, seed". An equivalent to Avestan "cithra-". See: http://www.archive.org/stream/cultofheavenlytw00harr#page/82/mode/2up/search/Sisinnius and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_R._Russell and http://www.maravot.com/Indo-European_Table1A.2.html

*Constantine (Latin: Constantinus). Latin name. A variation of Constantius and Constans. All three derive from the term "constans" (1. standing together,2. constant, unchanging, 3) firm,persistent. The prefix "con-" derives from "cum" (with) and stands for "with, together". The verb "sto" means "I stand". It is a cognate to Greek "histemi" (ἵστημι), Old English "standan", Middle English "standen", and modern English "stand".

*Zachary (Latin: Zacharias). Latinization of the Greek Ζαχαρίας from the Septuagint. Which was itself a Hellenization of Hebrew Zachariah/Zechariah. The name originates from then phrase "Yahweh has remembered", "Yah Remembers". Deriving from the verb "zakar" (I think, I meditate, I remember). See: http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Zacharias.html#.TkWXW2ilv6w and http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Zechariah.html#.TkWYBWilv6w

*Paul (Latin: Paulus). Latin name. Started out as the cognomen (nickname) "Paullus" which became hereditary in certain families. Particularly in the gens Aemilia, where the Paulli formed a distinct, prestigious branch. Later the form "Paulus" and its use as a personal name appear. The most famous "Roman" of that name was Paul of Tarsus. Paulus was part of his full name as a Roman citizen. The name itself derives from the adjective "paulus" (small, little). The name may have gained the connotations of humble and feeble due to its primary meaning. See: http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Paul.html#.TkWeLGilv6w and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aemilia_(gens)#Aemilii_Paulli

*Philip (Latin: Philippus). Name of an Antipope. Latinization of Greek Philippos (Φίλιππος), which literally means "fond of horses". Derives from the verb phileo (φιλέω) for "I love, I like, I regard highly" and the noun hippos (ίππος) for "horse". Related terms include "phili" (φιλί, kiss), "philia" (φιλία, friendship), and "philos" (φίλος, friend). The name had connotation of nobility and wealth. In ancient Greece, only the wealthy were able to own and train horses. Names with "horse" as an element tended to be used by the high classes.

*Adrian (Latin: Hadrianus). Latin name. Originally a toponymic, indicating origin from the city or cities of Hadria/Adria. There were two cities of that name, one in Picenum and one in Veneto. The one in Picenum was supposedly founded by Greek colonists from Aegina. Though part of its population may have originated from the local tribe of Praetutii and some may have been Etruscan colonists. The one in Veneto was originally established by the Veneti. Then annexed and settled by the Etruscans, colonized by Greeks from Aegina, before eventually gaining a Celtic population as well. By the 4th century BC, the town seems to have had a mixed population composed of Veneti, Etruscans, Greeks, and Celts. Cosmopolitan even before Romans were added to the mix. The name "Adriatic Sea" is believed to derive from either of the two cities. Further etymology is uncertain, though it has been suggested that the Veneti were using the Illyrian term "adur" (water, sea). Making likely that Hadria/Adria simply means "by the water, by the sea". See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atri,_Italy and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adria and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adriatic_Sea

*Valentine (Latin: Valentinus). Latin name. Variation of Valens and Valentinianus. All three derive from "valens" (strong, vigorous, healthy"). The verb valeo had the meanings of being strong, being healthy, being worthy. In Medieval Latin it also gained the meaning of being able (in your duties).

*Nicholas (Latin: Nicolaus). Latinization of Greek Nikolaos (Νικόλαος). Which literally means "Victory of the people". Derives from "nike" (νίκη) for "victory" and laos (λαός) for "people". The verb "nikao" (νικάω) stands "I win". Depending on the context, laos stands for 1) the crowd of commoners as opposed to the nobility or the priests, 2) all residents of a country, or a certain population. For example "Bretanikos laos" (Βρετανικός λαός) means "the people of Britain".

*Marinus. Latin name. Name of two Popes, accidentally rendered "Martinus" in some Medieval texts. Causing confusion. Derives from the term "marinus" (of the sea), from which English marine also originates. The term has its origins in Latin "mare" (sea). For example in the phrase "Mare Nostrum" (Our Sea) which the Romans used for the Mediterranean.

*Formosus. Latin name. Derives from the adjective "formosus" (beautiful, handsome). The feminine form "formosa" is arguably better known as an alternative name for the island of Taiwan.

*Romanus. Latin name. The name simply means "Roman", "of Rome". Rome in this sense may be the city of Rome (Latin: Roma), the Roman Kingdom (Regnum Romanum), the Roman Republic (Res Publica Romana), or the Roman Empire (Imperium Romanum). "Civis Romanus" was the term for "Roman Citizen", someone with full Roman citizenship rights and duties. Regardless of where he actually lived.

*Christopher (Latin: Christophorus). Name of an Antipope. Latinization of Greek Christoforos (Χριστόφορος), literally meaning "Christ-bearer". Derives from the title Christos (Χριστός) for "the anointed one", typically used for Jesus of Nazareth, and the verb phero (φέρω) for "I bear, I carry, I transport". The name originates in the legend of the original Saint Christopher. He supposedly took his name after transporting Jesus himself on his shoulders, helping him cross a river. The name had the spiritual connotation of carrying Jesus within your soul. The verb phero and its derivatives are common in Greek. But are actually better know for the famous phrase "Phoboû toùs Danaoùs kaì dôra phérontas" (φοβοῦ τοὺς Δαναοὺς καὶ δῶρα φέροντας) which means "Fear the Danaans, even when bearing gifts". Which has long passed in the popular vocabulary of the Greeks as a proverb promoting caution when dealing with your enemy. Used even by people who never heard of the Aeneid or Virgil. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Christopher and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Greek_phrases#.CE.A6.CF.86

*Lando. Last original name used by a legitimate Pope. The name is Germanic in origin. Probably from Old High German "lant" for "the land, the homeland, the country". Which was a frequently used element in Frankish names. English "land" is a closely-related term. See: http://www.aboutnames.ch/HML.htm

*Theodoric (Latin: Theodoricus). Name of an Antipope. Germanic name, literally means "ruler of the people". Derives from proto-Germanic "þeudō" (theudo) for "people, nation" and "rīks" (ruler, king). Theudo is Indo-European in origin and has close cognates in the Cetic languages. For example Old Irish "túath" (tribe, people), Breton "tud" (people), Cornish "tus" (people, persons), and Welsh "tud" (people). "rīks" is considered likely to be a direct borrowing from Gaulish "rīx" which has the same meaning and similar or identical pronunciation. Latin "rex" is a closely related cognate. See: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Proto-Germanic/þeudō and http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Proto-Germanic/rīks

*Adalbert (Latin: Adalbertus). Name also rendered Albert (Latin: Albertus) and Aleric. Names used by a short-lived Antipope. Last original names use by a Pope or Antipope. All Germanic in origin. Adalbert literally means "noble-bright", "shining with nobility". From Old High German adjective "adal" (noble) and "berht" (bright, shining). The latter element is often found in Germanic names such as Philibert and Robert. Albert started out as a shorter form of Adalbert and contains the same elements and meaning. Aleric might be a mistake for "Alberico" (Latin: Albericus) or a variation of "Alarico" (Latin: Alaricus).
**Alberico is the Italian form of German Alberich. The name was quite popular in Italy. Derives from Middle High German "alb" (friendly spirit, fairy, elf) and "rīks" (ruler, king). Giving it the meaning of "King of the Elves". Alberich is a popular character of German legends. Oberon/Auberon is a French variation of the same character.
**Alaric was originally a Gothic name. It came in popular use after Alaric I, King of the Visigoths sacked Rome in 410. The original meaning seems to be "all-ruler" of "Ruler of All". Derives from the orefix "al-", "ala-", "allaz"
for "all" and the term "rīks" (ruler, king) See: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/adal#Old_High_German and http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Philibert and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberich and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberon_(Fairy_King) and http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Proto-Germanic/allaz


So, could we have a chinese pope named like Confucius (not this one) in an ATL by example?[/QUOTE]
 
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In this timeline i believe that nothing prevents the cardinals to vote for some non-cardinal as a Pope... Remember that in numerous cases non-cardinal candidates received quite a few votes... Most notable case: In the 1958 conclave a fair number of cardinals cast their vote for Archbishop Montini who wasnt a cardinal at the time... Still the last non-Cardinal ever elected to St. Peter's chair is indeed Urban VI...
 
So, could we have a chinese pope named like Confucius (not this one) in an ATL by example?

There are only few Chinese Cardinals in the history of the Church:

1) Thomas Tien Ken-sin. Named a Cardinal in 1946, served until his death in 1967. First Chinese Cardinal in history. Voted in the Papal Conclaves of 1958 and 1963. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Tien_Ken-sin

2) Paul Yü Pin. Named a Cardinal in 1969, served until his death in 1978. He never actually participated in a conclave. He arrived in Rome to take part in the first Papal Conclave of 1978 (there were two). But died of a heart attack there on August 16. The Conclave started on August 25. See:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Yü_Pin

3) Ignatius Kung Pin-Mei. Named a Cardinal in 1979, served until his death in 2000. He was actually under house arrest from 1979 to 1986. Never participated in any conclave as his entire term fell within the relatively long reign of John Paul II (reigned 1978-2005). See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_Kung_Pin-Mei

4) John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung, known as John Wu for short. Named a Cardinal in 1988, served until his death in 2002. Never participated in any conclave as his entire term fell within the relatively long reign of John Paul II (reigned 1978-2005). See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wu

5) Paul Shan Kuo-hsi. Named a Cardinal in 1998, still active. He was ineligible to vote in the Papal conclave of 2005 as he was over 80 years old. Current Church rules derive anyone over 80 from their voting right, allegedly to prevent senility from affecting the decision-making. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Shan_Kuo-hsi

6) Joseph Zen Ze-kiun. Named a Cardinal in 2006, still active. He has yet to vote in a Papal Conclave as his entire term falls within the relatively long reign of Benedict XVI (reign 2005-). See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Zen_Ze-kiun
 
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