What does Virgil mean and where does it come from?
Virgil is traditionally a male name derived from the Latin 'Virgilius', meaning flourishing. While predominantly a masculine name often associated with the ancient Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro (Virgil), its modern adaptation has seen it used for females, particularly in certain regions. The nam
Cultural significance
Virgil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of flourishing, thriving.
Peak popularity
Reached #901 in 1898 — currently #1471 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Virgil?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Virgil?
Virgil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Virgil Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Virgil Rose
Floral · soft ending
Virgil Mae
Sweet · timeless
Virgil Claire
French influence · crisp
Virgil Jane
Literary · strong
Virgil Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Virgil right now?
Rising fast — up 464 spots — currently #1471 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1471 | 123 | ▲ up 464 · +52% births |
| 2022 | #1935 | 81 | ▼ down 282 · -20% births |
| 2021 | #1653 | 101 | ▲ up 9048 · +1920% births |
| 1985 | #10701 | 5 | ▼ down 1582 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #9119 | 6 | ▼ down 4604 · -33% births |
| 1965 | #4515 | 9 | ▼ down 65 |
| 1960 | #4450 | 9 | ▼ down 656 · -10% births |
| 1955 | #3794 | 10 | ▼ down 874 · -23% births |
| 1950 | #2920 | 13 | ▼ down 917 · -28% births |
| 1945 | #2003 | 18 | ▲ up 36 · +13% births |
| 1940 | #2039 | 16 | ▼ down 106 · -6% births |
| 1935 | #1933 | 17 | ▼ down 556 · -45% births |
| 1930 | #1377 | 31 | ▲ up 477 · +41% births |
| 1925 | #1854 | 22 | ▼ down 882 · -61% births |
| 1920 | #972 | 57 | — |
The story of Virgil
Virgil has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. A total of 72,895 babies have received this name. Virgil is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Virgil in 1898:
Virgil by decade
Virgil peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 832 | |
| 1890s | 1,439 | |
| 1900s | 2,263 | |
| 1910s | 11,169 | |
| 1920s ★ | 16,336 | |
| 1930s | 11,522 | |
| 1940s | 9,101 | |
| 1950s | 7,407 | |
| 1960s | 5,277 | |
| 1970s | 3,192 | |
| 1980s | 1,761 | |
| 1990s | 1,067 | |
| 2000s | 684 | |
| 2010s | 762 | |
| 2020s | 83 | |
What are good nicknames for Virgil?
Famous people named Virgil
V(
Virgil (Renaissance scholar)
Virgil used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
V(
Virgil (historical Roman figure)
Virgil carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Virgil?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Virgil also consider these
How is Virgil written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Virgil
What does the name Virgil mean?
Virgil means "Flourishing, thriving" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Virgil?
Virgil is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Virgil have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Virgil?
Virgil originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Virgil?
Virgil is a two-syllable name pronounced V ER1 JH AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Virgil trending right now?
Virgil is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.