Find out how popular the first name Agapito has been for the last 43 years (from 1974 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Agapito by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Agapito is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Agapito.

The history of the first name Agapito

The name Agapito is of Greek origin, derived from the word "agapetos," meaning "beloved" or "dear." It can be traced back to the early days of Christianity and has been associated with various saints and religious figures over the centuries.

In the early Christian era, Agapito was a popular name among Greek-speaking communities in regions like Anatolia, Greece, and parts of the Byzantine Empire. It was often bestowed upon children as a way of expressing the deep love and affection parents had for their offspring.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Agapito appears in the writings of the 5th-century theologian and philosopher Boethius, who dedicated one of his works to a deacon named Agapitus. This suggests that the name was already in use among Christian communities during the late Roman period.

Throughout the Middle Ages, several notable individuals bore the name Agapito. One of the most famous was Pope Agapetus I, who reigned from 535 to 536 CE. He is remembered for his efforts to maintain the authority of the Roman papacy and his opposition to the Monophysite heresy.

Another prominent figure was Saint Agapitus, a martyr who lived in the 3rd century CE. According to tradition, he was executed during the reign of Emperor Aurelian for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. His feast day is celebrated on August 18th in the Catholic Church.

In the 12th century, Agapito was the name of a renowned Venetian scholar and grammarian who wrote extensively on the Greek language. His works were influential in preserving and promoting the study of ancient Greek texts during the medieval period.

During the Renaissance, the name Agapito gained popularity among humanist scholars and intellectuals who admired its classical Greek roots. One notable figure was Agapito Geraldini, a 15th-century Italian humanist and diplomat who served as a papal nuncio to various European courts.

In the realm of literature, the name appears in the works of the 16th-century Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto, who featured a character named Agapito in his epic poem Orlando Furioso.

While not as common today as it once was, the name Agapito continues to be used in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with strong Catholic traditions or Greek cultural influences. Its enduring legacy serves as a reminder of its rich historical roots and the profound meaning of "beloved" that it has carried through the ages.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Agapito was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Agapito, please contact us.

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