Aeneas – Name Meaning
The name Aeneas is of Greek origin and is derived from the Greek word “aenaios”, which means “praised”. It is a popular name in both Greek and Roman mythology, as it was the name of a Trojan hero who escaped the destruction of Troy and eventually founded the city of Rome.
Origin of Aeneas
The story of Aeneas begins with his father Anchises, a prince of Troy. When Troy was destroyed by the Greeks during the Trojan War, Anchises and his son Aeneas were able to escape. They fled to Italy, where they eventually settled in Latium. There, Aeneas married Lavinia, daughter of King Latinus, and became king himself. He then founded the city of Lavinium, which later became known as Rome.
Symbolism Behind the Name
The name Aeneas has come to symbolize courage and strength in the face of adversity. It also represents loyalty and faithfulness, as Aeneas remained loyal to his father even when faced with danger. Additionally, it can be seen as a symbol of perseverance and determination, as Aeneas was able to overcome many obstacles on his journey from Troy to Italy.
Popularity
The name Aeneas has been steadily increasing in popularity over the years. In 2019, it ranked at #1,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. It is also popular in other countries such as France (#1,919) and England (#2,717).
Famous People Named Aeneas
There are several famous people who have been given the name Aeneas throughout history. These include:
- Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini: An Italian humanist scholar who served as Pope Pius II from 1458-1464.
- Aeneas MacKenzie: An American politician who served as Governor of Rhode Island from 1851-1853.
- Aeneas Williams: An American football player who played for both the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams from 1991-2004.
