Find out how popular the first name Tertia has been for the last 1 years (from 1985 to 1985) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine given name of Latin origin meaning "the third".
Based on the last 1 years of data, Tertia is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 1985, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tertia.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
1985 | 0 | 5 |
The given name Tertia has its origins in ancient Rome, where it was derived from the Latin term "tertius," meaning "third." This name was commonly used in the Roman era as a way to denote the third-born child, particularly among aristocratic families.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Tertia can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who mentioned a woman named Tertia Aemilia, the third daughter of the Roman consul Lucius Aemilius Paullus, in his work "Ab Urbe Condita Libri" (Books from the Foundation of the City).
During the Roman Republic and Empire, the name Tertia was not uncommon among the upper classes, as it served as a means of differentiating children within large families. It was often accompanied by the family name or cognomen, such as Tertia Cornelia or Tertia Valeria.
In the early Christian era, the name Tertia gained additional significance as it was borne by several notable figures. One such individual was Saint Tertia, a virgin martyr who was reportedly executed during the reign of Emperor Decius in the 3rd century AD for her unwavering faith.
Another prominent bearer of the name Tertia was Tertia Aemilia, a Roman noblewoman who lived in the 1st century BC. She was the wife of Scipio Africanus Minor, a prominent Roman general and statesman, and was highly regarded for her virtue and devotion to her husband.
Moving forward in history, the name Tertia remained in use, albeit less frequently, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. One notable figure from this era was Tertia de' Castellani (1500-1588), an Italian painter and miniaturist who was active in the court of the Medici family in Florence.
In the 18th century, the name Tertia was borne by Tertia Pickersgill (1735-1803), an English writer and poet who was known for her works on education and moral philosophy.
While the name Tertia has largely fallen out of common usage in modern times, it remains a part of historical records and serves as a testament to the naming traditions and cultural influences of ancient Rome.
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 Tertia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Tertia first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 2, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/tertia-meaning-and-history/.
"Tertia first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/tertia-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 2 May, 2025
Tertia first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/tertia-meaning-and-history/.
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