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At a Glance: Name: Ignatius – Meaning: popularly read as 'fiery, ardent' by resemblance to Latin ignis; actually a respelling of the older Roman name Egnatius, whose real root is uncertain – Origin: Latin – Gender: Boy – Pronunciation: ig-NAY-shus
Ignatius is a boy's name of Latin origin, pronounced ig-NAY-shus. You'll often see it described as meaning 'fiery one,' but that's a popular reinterpretation based on its resemblance to the Latin word ignis — the name is actually a respelling of the older Roman name Egnatius, and its true root isn't settled. If you're drawn to the sound and the Latin roots, this is a name with a long, if quiet, history in the U.S.
Meaning & Origin of Ignatius
Meaning: Popularly read as 'fiery, ardent' by resemblance to latin ignis; actually a respelling of the older roman name egnatius, whose real root is uncertain.
Origin: Latin.
A common claim: Ignatius means 'fiery one' Actually: The 'fiery' meaning is a well-documented folk etymology, not the name's actual origin – it's a reinterpretation of the older name Egnatius, whose true root is uncertain.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Ignatius
Phonetic: ig-NAY-shus IPA: /ɪgˈneɪʃəs/
Popularity of Ignatius
Ignatius has been recorded in Social Security data since 1885, hitting its peak popularity at #555 in 1906 with 18 babies given the name. By 2024 it ranked #1734, with 95 babies given the name that year.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1885–2024.
Make Ignatius Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Ignatius, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Ignatius mean?
Popularly read as ‘fiery, ardent’ by resemblance to latin ignis; actually a respelling of the older roman name egnatius, whose real root is uncertain. (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Ignatius)
How do you pronounce Ignatius?
Ignatius is pronounced ig-NAY-shus (IPA: /ɪgˈneɪʃəs/).
Is Ignatius a popular name right now?
Ignatius peaked at #555 in 1906 and is ranked #1734 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1885–2024.)
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