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Aurelius

♂ Boy

Pronounced aw-REE-lee-us /ɔːˈriː.li.əs/High

Meaning: From Latin aureus meaning golden or of gold, derived from aurum meaning gold; a name of extraordinary prestige through Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of RomeHigh

In 30 seconds: Aurelius is a magnificent Latin name meaning golden, borne by Rome's greatest philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius. Stately, resonant, and intellectually weighty, it is the grandest of the golden names on a strong modern rise.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin aureus meaning golden or of gold, derived from aurum meaning gold; a name of extraordinary prestige through Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome
U.S. rank (2025)#991 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births230 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,762

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519132025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The nomen Aurelius was one of the most distinguished Roman family names, associated with the gens Aurelia. The name derives from Latin aurum (gold) through the adjective aureus, symbolizing the highest value and quality.

Aurelius has seen a surge in modern naming, driven by the popularity of Marcus Aurelius in philosophical and self-improvement culture, and by the search for grand, four-syllable names. It sits beside Magnus and Maximus in the revival of Roman imperial names.

Did you know? Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE), Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, wrote Meditations as a private journal — never intended for publication — in which he counseled himself to virtue, endurance, and service. It is one of the most widely read philosophical texts in history.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Aurelius — Latin golden etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AurelAurelioAurelia

Nicknames

RexAuriLeoRel

Famous Bearers

  • ★Marcus Aurelius (121–180)
    Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE and Stoic philosopher, regarded as one of the Five Good Emperors and author of the Meditations.

If you like Aurelius…

Maximus— shares the grand Roman imperial four-syllable majesty and Latin root
Magnus— same Latin meaning of greatness and Roman noble name prestige
Leonidas— shares the ancient heroic name grandeur with Stoic and warrior associations
Octavian— same Roman imperial tradition and four-syllable historical gravitas

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aurelius mean?

Aurelius means golden or the golden one, from Latin aureus and aurum (gold). It was one of the most distinguished names in ancient Rome.

How do you pronounce Aurelius?

It is said aw-REE-lee-us, with four syllables and stress on the second.

Who was Marcus Aurelius?

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, author of Meditations, considered one of the most widely read philosophical works in history.

Is Aurelius a popular name?

Aurelius has been rising in the United States in the 2010s-2020s, driven by philosophical culture and the revival of grand Latin imperial names.