The Renaissance lasted three long centuries between the 1300s and the 1600s, bringing forth a resurgence in both artistic creativity and scientific discovery.
You probably remember learning during your school days about the painters, philosophers, inventors, and other folks from the era who refused to be boxed into just one category. It's that spirit of seeking new heights, both literally and figuratively, that make names from the time period one of the perfect choices for new babies being born today.
Most of the charming options below, however, have fallen out of style in recent times — which is really just a darn shame when you look at their rich meanings and some of the famous faces who put them in our history books.
Do you know any expecting parents who can't quite decide on a name for their little one? Or maybe you've adopted a sweet new pet in need of just the right moniker?
Whatever the case, take a look at the amazing options below, and let us know in the comments if we overlooked your favorite name for boys and girls from way, way back in the day.
And don't forget to SHARE with your friends and family!
1. Aldo
This is the perfect name for any young boy who looks like he might be an old soul: the name has Germanic origins and means"old" or "wise."
2. Alessio
Italian parents gave the classic Greek name Alexis, which means "helper" or "defender," their own melodic spin.
3. Cosimo
Surprisingly having nothing to do with a starry night's sky, this variant on the Greek name Cosmas means "order" or "decency," and was the moniker of one of the Renaissance's most wealthy and successful merchants, Cosimo de Medici.
4. Fabritio
Evolving from the ancient Roman name Fabricius, this was originally a family name meaning "craftsman." It belonged to famed dance master and composer Fabritio Caroso in the 14th and 15th centuries.
5. Francesca
Saint Francis Assisi, who was originally named Giovanni, was given his nickname from his France-loving father. It inspired parents of the Renaissance to give their daughters this feminine version of the name.
6. Galileo
The famous philosopher had his name, which refers to the Biblical town of Galilee, passed down to him from his father. But he made it all his own with his work in astronomy, physics, engineering, and other schools of thought throughout the era.
7. Isabetta
This delightful Italian name rose to popularity in the Renaissance as a translation of the English name Elizabeth, meaning "my God is an oath" or "my God is abundance."
8. Lavinia
This name comes from Roman mythology as the name of the daughter of King Latinus, but became famous in the 15th century when Lavinia Fontana emerged as one of the first female artists to work among her male counterparts of the era.
9. Madalena
Portuguese parents took this name from Mary Magdalene in the Bible and dropped the "g" for their own version. The name belonged to the first female musician to have her compositions published in the history of Western music, though she added an extra "d," Maddalena Casulana.
10. Minerva
Another name from Roman mythology which likely derives from the Latin word for "intellect," Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli brought it back into style with his canvas of Minerva and the Centaur.
11. Nencia
Cosimo de Medici's grandson Lorenzo used this sweet name for the main character in his poem, Nencia da Barberino, a parody of operas at the time.
12. Vinci
Parents can pay homage to the most famous Renaissance man by taking a slice of his last name, which comes from the town in Tuscany, Italy, where he was raised. It's a nice twist on Vince, and way more creative than simply going with Leonardo.
Did we miss any of your favorite names from this creative era? Let us know below, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
