Ignatius
Ignatius is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Fiery or late Latin family name of uncertain ultimate Etruscan origin.
Origin and history
Ignatius is derived from the Roman family name Egnatius, later altered by association with the Latin word for fire, 'ignis'. Historically prominent due to early Christian saints, it remains a traditional name with enduring usage in the United States. While never a top-ranking U.S. name, it maintains steady usage among parents seeking a classic, late Latin name.
Popularity in the United States
4,075 babies in the United States have been named Ignatius since 1880. It ranks #1969 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1405.
States where it is most popular
- NY (37.6 %)
- PA (17.4 %)
- IL (11.1 %)
- OH (7.4 %)
- CA (5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 32 |
| 1890-1900 | 87 |
| 1900-1910 | 106 |
| 1910-1920 | 642 |
| 1920-1930 | 737 |
| 1930-1940 | 344 |
| 1940-1950 | 238 |
| 1950-1960 | 200 |
| 1960-1970 | 154 |
| 1970-1980 | 85 |
| 1980-1990 | 64 |
| 1990-2000 | 91 |
| 2000-2010 | 199 |
| 2010-2019 | 563 |
| 2020-2029 | 533 |
Famous people named Ignatius
- Ignatius Donnelly: Politician, Author
- Ignatius Sancho: Abolitionist, Writer
Nicknames
Iggy, Nate, Ig
Fun facts
- The original Roman family name was Egnatius, but the spelling shifted to Ignatius due to association with the Latin 'ignis', meaning fire.
- It is widely associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, as well as the beloved fictional character Ignatius J. Reilly from A Confederacy of Dunces.