Find out how popular the first name Horatio has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Horatio by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Horatio is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Horatio.

The history of the first name Horatio

The name Horatio has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "Horatius," which was the surname of a prominent Roman family. It is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "hora," meaning "hour" or "time." This suggests that the name may have originally been associated with ideas of timeliness or punctuality.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Horatio can be found in ancient Roman literature, particularly in the works of the Roman poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus, better known as Horace. He lived from 65 BC to 8 BC and his literary works, including odes and satires, made a significant contribution to the development of Roman literature.

The name Horatio gained widespread recognition in the English-speaking world through the famous character of Horatio in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," written around 1601. Horatio is a close friend of Prince Hamlet and serves as a voice of reason and moral support throughout the play.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Horatio was Horatio Nelson, the celebrated British naval officer who lived from 1758 to 1805. He is renowned for his leadership and victories in numerous naval battles, including the Battle of Trafalgar, where he was mortally wounded.

Another notable figure was Horatio Gates, an American general who lived from 1728 to 1806. He played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, most notably winning the Battle of Saratoga, which is considered a turning point in the conflict.

In the realm of literature, Horatio Alger Jr. (1832-1899) was an American writer best known for his novels portraying young protagonists who overcome adversity through hard work and determination, earning him a place in popular culture with the phrase "Horatio Alger story."

Horatio Greenough (1805-1852) was a renowned American sculptor and the first American to gain recognition for his neoclassical sculptures, including his famous work "The Rescue."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Horatio, a name with a rich cultural heritage and associations with timeliness, literature, and military valor.

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 Horatio was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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