"relating to time or the hours"
Origin: Latin hora (time)
Language: Latin
Horace
Pronunciation: [ h-AWR-uhs ]
Boy Name
#5,423 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
The Roman poet who gave us carpe diem
English
American
European
Latin
Vintage
Classic
Sophisticated
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"Roman clan name Horatius (origin uncertain)"
Origin: Latin/Etruscan
Language: Latin
The Story of Horace
Horace is the English form of Horatius, a Roman family name of uncertain origin, possibly from the Etruscan language or related to hora meaning time or season. The most famous bearer was Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65-8 BCE), known as Horace, one of ancient Rome's greatest lyric poets. His odes, satires, and Ars Poetica profoundly influenced Western literature for two millennia.
Horace was a staple of Victorian and Edwardian England, popular among educated families who admired classical learning. It declined sharply through the mid-20th century as classical names fell out of fashion, but today it's ripe for the vintage revival trend alongside names like Herbert, Rupert, and Archibald.
Horace the poet gave us phrases still used today: carpe diem (seize the day) appears in his Odes. His influence shaped European literature from Dante to Milton, and his maxim aut disce aut discede (either learn or leave) adorned many school mottos.
Fun Facts
- Horace wrote carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero — seize the day, trust as little as possible in tomorrow
- Horace Mann, the 19th-century American education reformer, revolutionized public schooling
- Horace was a top-100 name in the US from the 1880s through the 1920s
Horace in Other Languages
Latin
Horatius
French
Horace
German
Horaz
Italian
Orazio
Spanish
Horacio
Famous People Named Horace
H
Horace Mann
Politician
1796
American education reformer who established the first public school system in the United States
H
Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus)
Writer
Ancient Roman lyric poet (65-8 BCE) who gave us carpe diem, one of the most influential writers in Western literary hist...
Ancient Roman lyric poet (65-8 BCE) who gave us carpe diem, one of the most influential writers in Western literary history
H
Horace Slughorn Fictional
Other
Beloved Potions professor at Hogwarts in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, known for his collector's mentality
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,423
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- English American European Latin
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Race
Pairs Well With
Horace William
Horace James
Horace Edward
Horace Thomas
Horace Charles
Horace Albert
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Horace is also used as a girl name, ranked #48617.
View Horace as a girl name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (English)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Horace
What does the name Horace mean?
"relating to time or the hours" (from Latin hora (time)). "Roman clan name Horatius (origin uncertain)" (from Latin/Etruscan). Horace is the English form of Horatius, a Roman family name of uncertain origin, possibly from the Etruscan language or related to hora meaning time or season. The most famous bearer was Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65-8 BCE), known as Horace, one of ancient Rome's greatest lyric poets. His odes, satires, and Ars Poetica profoundly influenced Western literature for two millennia.
What is the origin of the name Horace?
Horace has Latin hora (time), Latin/Etruscan, English, American, European, and Latin origins. In Latin hora (time), it means "relating to time or the hours". In Latin/Etruscan, it means "Roman clan name Horatius (origin uncertain)".
Is Horace a boy or girl name?
Horace is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5423. As a girl name, it is ranked #48617. Horace is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Horace?
Horace is pronounced h-AWR-uhs.
How popular is the name Horace?
Horace is currently ranked #5423 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Horace?
Common nicknames for Horace include Race.
What are good middle names for Horace?
Popular middle name pairings include Horace William, Horace James, Horace Edward, Horace Thomas, Horace Charles, and Horace Albert.
What are good sibling names for Horace?
Names that pair well with Horace as siblings include Archibald, Millicent, Cornelius, Eugenia, Clement, and Augusta.
How many syllables does Horace have?
Horace has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Horace a common or rare name?
Horace is an uncommon name, ranked #5423 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Horace
Horace is a boy name with English, American, European, and Latin origins . The name means "relating to time or the hours" in Latin hora (time) .
Is Horace a boy or girl name? Horace is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,423 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #48,617. Horace is more commonly used as a boy name.
Horace is currently ranked #5,423 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Horace has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AWR-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Horace include Race. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Horace include Horacio . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.