Aurelia

Latin, “golden”

Aurelia Cotta, best remembered for being the mother of Roman general and statesman, Julius Caesar, was born on this day in 120 BC.

Intelligent, rational, and independent, Aurelia was highly regarded in Rome for her beauty and her wisdom. She was seen as an ideal Roman matron, because of her dedication to her children’s education.

Aurelia played a significant part in Caesar’s life, raising him mostly alone. She gave him the best tutors, defended him when he challenged a dictator, helped to raise to raise his daughter, and kept an eye on his (somewhat wayward) second wife.

While Aurelia Cotta is not the most well-known figure in Roman history, her elegant name has certainly been remembered and revived in recent years.

Derived from the Latin word aureus, Aurelia means “golden”, evoking ideas of success, polish, and elegance. Similar to popular choices like Aurora, Elena, and Amelia, Aurelia feels familiar but distinctive.

Aurelia is a name with international appeal and ancient power. After 61 years outside the US Top 1000, it’s back and on the rise. In the UK, it has enjoyed a steady climb since 2007, and is now in the Top 300. Across Europe – in Poland, Switzerland and Austria – it is already a well-loved and familiar choice.

And on Nameberry? It’s one of the most popular and most searched for names on the database and also the name of a number of Baby-Berries – all good indicators that the sparkly Aurelia is one to watch out for.