Tertius

What does the baby name Tertius mean? Learn about what Tertius means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Tertius - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Tertius
T-E-R-T-I-U-S, is a 7-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Tertius
TUR-shəs
Meaning of Tertius
The third, the third one.
Origin of Tertius
The name 'Tertius' finds its roots in ancient Rome. Derived from Latin, it is a masculine name that means 'third' or 'the third'. In ancient Roman society, it was common for children to be named after their birth order. The firstborn son would often be named 'Primus', the second 'Secundus', and the third 'Tertius'.
Greek Names
Latin Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Tertius
Tertios
Popularity of Tertius
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Tertius' has varied. In ancient Rome, it was a common name given to third-born sons. However, as time went on, the practice of naming children based on birth order fell out of fashion, leading to a decline in the name's popularity.
Tertius currently has 1 like, and is in the top 14% of liked boy's names. The name Adom is slightly more popular than Tertius.

Etymology of Tertius

The etymology of 'Tertius' can be traced back to the Latin word 'tertius', meaning 'third'. This word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root '*tritios', which also gave rise to the English word 'third'. The linguistic connection between these words highlights the enduring influence of ancient languages on modern speech.

Cultural Significance of Tertius

In Roman society, the name 'Tertius' held cultural significance as it denoted a child's place in the family hierarchy. It represented the third-born son and carried a sense of pride and distinction. While the practice of using birth order as a naming convention has largely faded, the cultural significance of 'Tertius' as a symbol of lineage and heritage remains.