Back to Baby Names

Aurelia

Girl Name #334 Most Popular Rising 4 Syllables

A Roman golden name fit for emperors and poets

Italian Spanish Romanian English Roman
Elegant Royal Sophisticated Vintage Literary

Meaning & Origin

"golden, the golden one"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
"of gold, golden-haired"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin

The Story of Aurelia

Aurelia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Aurelius, derived from the Latin 'aureus' meaning golden or made of gold. The name was borne by the gens Aurelia, a prominent Roman patrician family. Julius Caesar's mother was named Aurelia — making it the name of a woman ancient writers praised for intelligence and education. Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) made the name famous; his Meditations remain one of the greatest works of Stoic philosophy.

Aurelia has been gaining popularity in the US and UK since the 2010s as parents seek uncommon but deeply classical names. The Richard Curtis film Love Actually (2003) featured a character named Aurelia (played by Lúcia Moniz), giving the name gentle English-language exposure. The Roman name revival — which has brought Octavia, Valentina, and Maximus mainstream — has carried Aurelia with it.

In Roman culture, golden names carried auspicious meaning. The Aurelian Wall, the Aurelian Way, and the Column of Marcus Aurelius bear this family's name. In Romanian culture, Aurelia is a classic feminine name with centuries of continuous use. The name's association with Marcus Aurelius gives it a philosophical gravity.

Fun Facts

  • Julius Caesar's mother Aurelia was renowned in antiquity for her intelligence — ancient writers cited her as a key influence on Caesar's education
  • Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, written in Greek as a private philosophical diary, is still read worldwide as a guide to Stoic living

Aurelia in Other Languages

French Aurélie
Italian Aurelia
Russian Аурелия
Spanish Aurelia
Romanian Aurelia
Portuguese Aurélia

Famous People Named Aurelia

A

Aurelia Cotta

Other

120

Mother of Julius Caesar, praised by ancient writers for her intelligence and for personally overseeing Caesar's educatio...

Mother of Julius Caesar, praised by ancient writers for her intelligence and for personally overseeing Caesar's education

A

Aurelia (Love Actually) Fictional

Other

Fictional Portuguese housekeeper in the 2003 Richard Curtis film Love Actually, played by Lúcia Moniz, who falls in love...

Fictional Portuguese housekeeper in the 2003 Richard Curtis film Love Actually, played by Lúcia Moniz, who falls in love across a language barrier

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
4
Popularity Rank
#334
Total SSA Count
933
Cultural Origins
Italian Spanish Romanian English Roman
Pronunciation
Moderate
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Relia Lia Aura Ellie

Pairs Well With

Aurelia Rose Aurelia Grace Aurelia Josephine Aurelia Elise Aurelia Jane

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Aurelia and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Aurelia sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Aurelia

What does the name Aurelia mean?
"golden, the golden one" (from Latin). "of gold, golden-haired" (from Latin). Aurelia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Aurelius, derived from the Latin 'aureus' meaning golden or made of gold. The name was borne by the gens Aurelia, a prominent Roman patrician family. Julius Caesar's mother was named Aurelia — making it the name of a woman ancient writers praised for intelligence and education. Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) made the name famous; his Meditations remain one of the greatest works of Stoic philosophy.
What is the origin of the name Aurelia?
Aurelia has Latin, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, English, and Roman origins. In Latin, it means "golden, the golden one". In Latin, it means "of gold, golden-haired".
Is Aurelia a boy or girl name?
Aurelia is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Aurelia?
Aurelia is currently ranked #334 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aurelia?
Common nicknames for Aurelia include Relia, Lia, Aura, and Ellie.
What are good middle names for Aurelia?
Popular middle name pairings include Aurelia Rose, Aurelia Grace, Aurelia Josephine, Aurelia Elise, and Aurelia Jane.
What are good sibling names for Aurelia?
Names that pair well with Aurelia as siblings include Octavia, Valentina, Julius, Maximus, Cecilia, and Beatrix.
How many syllables does Aurelia have?
Aurelia has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Aurelia a common or rare name?
Aurelia is a popular name, ranked #334 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Aurelia

Aurelia is a girl name with Italian, Spanish, Romanian, English, and Roman origins . The name means "golden, the golden one" in Latin .

Aurelia is currently ranked #334 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Aurelia has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Aurelia include Relia, Lia, Aura, and Ellie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Aurelia include Aurelie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists