Find out how popular the first name Ovid has been for the last 1 years (from 1989 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ovid by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Ovid is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ovid.

The history of the first name Ovid

The name Ovid has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "ovidius," which means "sheep" or "ovine." This connection to sheep likely stems from the name's association with pastoral or rural settings in ancient Roman culture.

Ovid was the name of one of the most celebrated poets of ancient Rome, Publius Ovidius Naso, who lived from 43 BC to 17 AD. He is best known for his works such as "Metamorphoses," "Ars Amatoria," and "Fasti." The popularity of Ovid's poetry and his enduring legacy as a literary figure contributed to the continued use of his name throughout history.

In the Middle Ages, the name Ovid was occasionally used in various parts of Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Latin culture and literature. It was sometimes given to individuals with a connection to poetry, literature, or the arts, as a nod to the famous Roman poet.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ovid can be found in the works of the 12th-century English historian and author, William of Malmesbury, who wrote about an individual named Ovid in his chronicles.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ovid, including Ovid of Tomis (c. 43 BC - c. 17 AD), a Roman poet who was exiled to the Black Sea region; Ovid of Meaux (c. 1020 - c. 1100), a French scholar and theologian; and Ovid Densusianu (1873 - 1938), a Romanian philologist and linguist.

In the realm of literature, the name Ovid has been adopted as a pen name or pseudonym by writers such as Ovid Bolewski (1918 - 2013), a Polish-American writer and translator, and Ovid Sacredlife (born 1958), an American poet and artist.

The enduring presence of the name Ovid throughout history reflects its strong connection to the legacy of the ancient Roman poet and its association with literary and artistic pursuits. While it may not be a commonly used name in modern times, it remains a testament to the lasting influence of classical Roman culture and literature.

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

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

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