Imperial names have long been associated with power, prestige, and nobility. These names, often reserved for royal families, evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication. In this article, we will explore the world of Imperial names for males and females, uncovering their meanings and historical significance.
For males, Imperial names are often strong and commanding, conveying authority and leadership. Names like Alexander, Augustus, and Maximilian have been popular choices for centuries, symbolizing strength and power.
On the other hand, Imperial names for females exude grace and elegance. Names like Victoria, Elizabeth, and Catherine are timeless classics that have been passed down through generations of royalty. These names evoke images of queens and empresses, known for their beauty and intelligence.
Whether you are looking for a regal name for your child or simply appreciate the history and grandeur of Imperial names, this article will guide you through the world of noble nomenclature.
Imperial Names
Lucianus – Light, illumination
Cincinnatus– Curly-haired
Cornelius – Horn
Fabius – Bean-grower
Gordianus – From Gordium
Helvius – Pale, blond
Licinius – Potent, powerful
Marius – Male, virile
Otho – Wealth, fortune
Plautus – Flat-footed
Priscus – Ancient, venerable
Romulus – Founder of Rome
Sabinus – Sabine man
Scipio – Staff, scepter
Sertorius – Preserver
Stilicho – Steadfast
Tacita – Silent (female name)
Urbinius – Of the city
Vitruvius – With a figure, life
Avitus – Ancestral
Balbinus – Stammerer
Celsus – Tall, lofty
Dentatus – Toothy, having big teeth
Egnatius – Born to be eminent
Florianus – Flowering, flourishing
Gratus – Pleasing, agreeable
Honorius – Honored
Ignatius – Fiery one
Jovianus – Pertaining to Jupiter
Laelius – Eloquent
Mucius – Mouse
Naevius – Birthmark
Opimius – Wealthy, rich
Paulinus – Small, humble
Quintilianus – The fifth (extended)
Rufus – Red, red-haired
Sergius – Servant, attendant
Tullius – Heavy, forceful
Ulpianus – Little wolf
Venatorius – Hunter
Skyrim Imperial Names
Aicantar – Unknown meaning derived from the in-game character
Basile – Royal, kingly (derivative of Basil)
Cassia – Cinnamon (uncommon name for females)
Dexion – Possibly derived from “dexter,” meaning “right-handed”
Elara – Derived from “E” (of) and “Lara” (a name)
Festus – Festive, joyful (origin of Imperial name in-game)
Gaiar – Created for the game, carries an aristocratic air
Hadvar – Original to the game, likely conveys strength
Ignatius – Fiery one (found among Imperials in-game)
Juliana – Youthful (female variant of Julius)
Katariah – Created for the game, denoting exotic grace
Laelius – Eloquent (found among noble Imperials)
Maro – Derived from Mars, the god of war
Nessus – Unknown, possibly a play on the mythological centaur
Orbus – Possibly from “orb,” suggesting global influence
Pelagius – Of the sea (Imperial lineage name)
Quintillia – Feminine form of “Quintus,” meaning the fifth
Rislav – Invented name, possibly “glorious kingdom”
Silana – Derived for the game, suggesting nobility
Tullius – Heavy, forceful (name of a general in-game)
Vittoria – Victory (Imperial woman’s name in Skyrim)
Anton – Worthy of praise
Brill – British origin implying “excellence”
Claudina – Enclosure (female version of Claudius)
Demetrius – Lover of the earth
Evangeline – Bearer of good news
Flaccus – Flap-eared
Gratian – Pleasing (inspired by actual NPCs)
Horatius – Keeper of the hours
Isa – Iron, strong as iron
Jarl – Nobleman or leader
Legate – Appointed, chosen (title in Skyrim)
Matilde – Mighty in battle
Noble – High-born, distinguished
Praxis – Practice, action
Quintus – The fifth
Rexus – King
Sibyl – Female prophet, oracle
Titus – Title of honour (Imperial Emperor in Skyrim)
Urgus – Derived name, connoting urgency
Cool Imperial Names
Decentius – Becoming or suitable
Aurelian – Golden
Cordus – Late-born
Draco – Dragon, sharp-sighted
Evander – Good man
Flavian – Golden, blond
Gratianus – Pleasing, agreeable
Horatio – Timekeeper
Isador – Gift of Isis
Julianus – Youthful
Lucan – From Lucania
Marcellus – Warlike, young warrior
Nerva – Strong, vigorous
Octavia – Eighth (female form)
Priscilla – Ancient, primeval
Quirinus – Spear
Rutilius – Reddish
Silvan – Forest, woods
Tacitus – Silent, mute
Varro – Durable, strong
Vigilius – Watcher, guardian
Avidius – Desirous
Blasius – Stammering
Caeso – First to cut
Dorian – Gift
Eborius – From York
Falco – Falcon
Galen – Healer, calm
Helvidius – From Helvi
Ignatia – Fiery (female form)
Jovita – Jupiter-like (female form)
Lorcan – Little fierce one
Maxentius – Greatest
Norbanus – From the city of Norba
Petronius – Rock
Regillus – Little king
Salvian – Whole, safe
Tranquillus – Calm, composed
Urbicus – Of the city
Valens – Strong, powerful
Roman Imperial Names
Aeliana – Sun-related (feminine form)
Balbus – Stammerer
Caecina – Blind
Domitia – Belonging to the lord
Egnatius – Possibly “born to be eminent”
Fabricius – Craftsman, artisan
Geta – Unknown, name of a Roman emperor
Hilaris – Cheerful, merry
Iovita – Feminine form of Jovian (pertaining to Jupiter)
Junius – Youthful
Livia – Envious
Manlius – Morning
Nerva – Strength
Ovidius – Sheep herder
Piso – Pea
Quintilius – Fifth
Regulus – Little king, prince
Sulla – Speed, quickness
Tertius – Third
Urbanus – City dweller
Vitus – Life
Zoticus – Full of life
Amulius – Unknown, from Roman mythology
Crispus – Curly-headed
Drusilla – Strong (feminine form)
Eutychus – Fortunate
Fulvius – Yellow, tawny
Gallus – Rooster, from Gaul
Hortensius – Gardener
Isauricus – From Isauria (region in Asia Minor)
Javolenus – Possibly a derivative of Jove (Jupiter)
Lucretius – Wealth, profit
Mamercus – Unknown, historical name
Norbanus – From Norba
Opimius – Wealthy
Paullus – Small
Rufinus – Reddish (diminutive form)
Saturninus – Dedicated to Saturn
Tacita – Silent (feminine form)
Female Imperial Names
Agrippina – Wild horse
Antonina – Priceless (feminine form of Antonius)
Camilla – Ceremonial attendant
Cassiopeia – Cassiope’s daughter
Claudina – Lame (feminine form of Claudius)
Concordia – Harmony
Dido – Wanderer
Fabia – Bean grower (feminine form of Fabius)
Gloria – Glory
Hortensia – Gardener (feminine form of Hortensius)
Iulia -Victory*
Oriana – Golden, dawn
Patricia – Noblewoman
Roxana – Dawn, bright
Seraphina – Fiery-winged
Theodora – Gift of God
Urbana – From the city
Verena – Integrity, true
Agrippina – Wild horse
Brigida – Exalted, lofty
Clementia – Mildness, mercy
Dorothea – Gift of God
Elissa – Great happiness
Florentia – Blossoming, prosperous
Gisela – Pledge, hostage
Hestina – Variant of Hestia; the hearth
Iulia – Youthful (alternate spelling of Julia)
Famous Imperial Names
Augustus – Venerable (First Roman Emperor)
Constantine – Steadfast (Roman Emperor)
Theodora – Gift of God (Byzantine Empress)
Maximilian – Greatest (Holy Roman Emperor)
Justinian – Just, fair (Byzantine Emperor)
Zenobia – Father’s life (Queen of Palmyra)
Cleopatra – Glory of the father (Queen of Egypt)
Nero – Powerful (Roman Emperor)
Hadrian – Dark-haired (Roman Emperor)
Octavian – Born eighth (Augustus’ alternative name)
Cyrus – Sun (Persian Emperor)
Trajan – Of Trajanus, a Roman Emperor
Charlemagne – Charles the Great (King of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor)
Joan – God is gracious (Joan of Arc, considered a leader in her own right)
Napoleon – Lion of the new city (French Emperor)
Victoria – Victory (British Queen and Empress of India)
Isabella – Pledged to God (Queen of Castile)
Elizabeth – God is my oath (English Queen and Empress of India)
Suleiman – Peace (Ottoman Emperor)
Ragnar – Warrior or judgment (Viking leader)
Xerxes – Ruler over heroes (Persian Emperor)
Eleanor – Light (Influential Queen consort in Europe)
Boudica – Victory (Queen of the Iceni tribe)
Genghis – Universal ruler (Founder of the Mongol Empire)
Saladin – Righteousness of the faith (First Sultan of Egypt and Syria)
Kublai – Unknown, but it is the name of a Mongol Emperor
Catherine – Pure (Russian Empress, Catherine the Great)
Tiberius – Of the Tiber River (Roman Emperor)
Ramesses – Born of the sun god Ra (Egyptian Pharaoh)
Frederick – Peaceful ruler (Holy Roman Emperor)
William – Resolute protector (First Norman King of England)
Akbar – Great (Mughal Emperor)
Attila – Little father (Leader of the Huns)
Cyril – Lordly (Byzantine missionary and saint)
Darius – Maintainer (Persian Emperor)
Harun – Exalted brother (Harun al-Rashid, Abbasid Caliph)
Ivan – God is gracious (Russian czar, Ivan the Terrible)
Louis – Famous warrior (Several French Kings)
Mansa – Sultan, emperor (Mansa Musa, Emperor of Mali)
How to Choose a Good Imperial Name
Here are some tips with examples:
1. Understand Cultural Significance
When picking an imperial name, it’s essential to understand the history and significance behind it. Many imperial names have rich cultural backgrounds and are linked to past monarchs or aristocrats. For instance, “Alexander” has been borne by many rulers, including the famous Alexander the Great. Choosing a name with such a legacy can impart a sense of grandeur and history.
In choosing a name like “Catherine,” which has been a popular name among queens and empresses, be mindful of the image and expectations it may carry. It’s a name that connotes elegance and strength, but it’s also very much tied to historical figures like Catherine the Great of Russia. Remember that an imperial name can set a tone of prestige and power.
2. Aim for Timelessness
An imperial name should stand the test of time. Avoid trendy names or spellings that may feel outdated quickly. Classic names like “Elizabeth,” “Charles,” or “Victoria” have been used for centuries and continue to be associated with dignity and grace. These names are immediately recognized and carry an ageless quality.
Choosing a name like “Edward” can also be a good choice because it has been used by many kings across different eras, making it timeless and adaptable. An imperial name like this won’t feel out of place whether it’s used now or in the context of history pages.
3. Consider the Name’s Flow
An imperial name should be melodic and roll off the tongue easily. It’s often combined with additional titles or names, so it’s important to consider how it all sounds together. “Empress Josephine” or “Queen Isabella” have a rhythmic and regal cadence when spoken aloud.
When selecting a name like “Philip,” which is simple and strong, think about how it might be paired with middle names or a surname. Philip Alexander Windsor, for instance, has a robust and regal resonance. The flow of the name can greatly influence its memorable and noble nature.
4. Inspiration from Mythology and Literature
Drawing inspiration from mythology or classic literature can give an imperial name a touch of drama and intrigue. Names such as “Arthur,” from the legendary King Arthur, or “Aurora,” the Roman goddess of dawn, have mythological roots and can bestow an epic or otherworldly aura on their bearers.
Similarly, names like “Ophelia” from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” or “Darcy” from “Pride and Prejudice” have a literary finesse that can elevate the stature of a name. A name with literary or mythological references has depth and built-in storytelling that can be quite enchanting.
5. Look Out for Symbolism
Imperial names often carry strong symbolism. A name like “George,” meaning “farmer” or “earth-worker,” can symbolize growth and fertility, traits that were often prized in leaders who were expected to care for their lands and people. Choose a name that embodies the qualities you admire and want to be associated with.
For example, “Diana,” the Roman goddess of the hunt, symbolizes independence and strength. Selecting such a name can reflect those qualities in a person’s character or their aspirational identity. Symbolism adds an extra layer of meaning to an imperial name.
6. Check International Variations
Imperial names often have variations in different languages, and these can influence your choice. “William” can be “Guillaume” in French or “Wilhelm” in German, each bringing its unique flair and association. A name’s international variations can provide flexibility and broaden the cultural appeal.
If you opt for a name like “Alexander,” consider its numerous variations like “Alejandro” in Spanish or “Alessandro” in Italian, which can add exotic charm while retaining the regal essence. This versatility can enrich the imperial name’s appeal across different cultures.
7. Balance with a Modern Touch
While an imperial name carries tradition, it doesn’t mean it can’t have a modern twist. Pairing a classic, regal name with a contemporary middle name can give it a fresh feel. “Eleanor Rose” or “James River” can make the names sound current yet still noble.
By blending traditional names like “Margaret” with more modern ones such as “Ava,” you get a name like “Margaret Ava” that nods to the past but with a foot firmly in the present. This can help the name resonate better with today’s generations, making it feel more approachable and less archaic.
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