Find out how popular the first name Relic has been for the last 12 years (from 2013 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Relic by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Relic is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Relic.

The history of the first name Relic

The name Relic is derived from the Latin word "reliquiae," meaning "remains" or "something left behind." It has its roots in ancient Roman culture and was initially used to refer to physical objects or artifacts that held significant historical or religious value.

In the early days of Christianity, the term "relic" took on a sacred connotation, referring to the bodily remains or personal belongings of saints and martyrs. These relics were venerated and believed to possess miraculous powers. The name Relic was occasionally bestowed upon individuals born on or near the feast days of saints whose relics were particularly revered.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Relic can be found in the writings of St. Gregory of Tours, a 6th-century Gallo-Roman historian and Bishop of Tours. He documented the life of a man named Relic, who was a hermit and ascetic known for his piety and devotion.

In the 9th century, a monk named Relic lived in the Abbey of St. Gall in present-day Switzerland. He was renowned for his calligraphic skills and contributed to the preservation of ancient manuscripts through his meticulous transcription work.

During the Middle Ages, the name Relic was occasionally given to individuals who were entrusted with the care and preservation of sacred relics in monasteries or churches. One notable example is Relic of Auxerre, a 9th-century monk who served as the keeper of relics at the Auxerre Cathedral in France.

In the 14th century, a Franciscan friar named Relic of Chioggia gained renown for his preaching and missionary work in Italy. He was known for his fervent devotion to the relics of saints and played a significant role in promoting their veneration among the faithful.

Another historical figure bearing the name Relic was Relic of Piacenza, a 16th-century Italian scholar and humanist. He was celebrated for his extensive knowledge of classical literature and his contributions to the study of ancient texts and artifacts.

While the name Relic is relatively uncommon in modern times, it remains a unique and evocative name that reflects a rich historical and cultural heritage linked to the preservation of sacred and significant objects from the past.

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

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

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