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Ägidius
Fact sheet
- Name
- Ägidius
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 3
Ägidius is the Latin variant of the name Ägid and carries the meaning 'the shield bearer' or 'the shield holder'. The name has its origin in the ancient Greek term aigís (αἰγῐ́ς), which literally means 'goat skin'. In Greek mythology, this term also referred to the storm shield of Zeus, which was made from goat skin and carried by Zeus.
What does the name Ägidius mean?
Ägidius, the Latin form of Ägid, means 'the shield bearer' or 'the shield holder'. The name has its roots in the ancient Greek word aigís (αἰγῐ́ς), which means 'goat skin'. In Greek mythology, this is also the name for the storm shield of Zeus, which was made from goat skin and used by Zeus to create thunder and lightning as well as darkness. The first name became popular through Saint Ägidius, who lived as a hermit in the 7th and 8th centuries and later as the abbot of St-Gilles in southern France, and is one of the 14 auxiliary saints. Variations of the name include Ägid, Aegidius, Egid, and Egidius. In Italy, it is used as Egidio, in English as Giles, and in French as Gilles. In Switzerland, the forms Gilgian and Gilg are common.
Where does the name Ägidius come from?
The name Ägidius is a masculine first name of ancient Greek origin and means 'the shield bearer' or 'the shield holder'. The ancient Greek term aigís consists of the words for goat skin, the shield of Zeus, and Zeus's protective cloak. It is found in the languages of Old High German and Latin.
How do you pronounce Ägidius?
Ägidius has four syllables and sounds very melodic. The pronunciation 'Ä-gi-di-us' [ɛˈɡiːdiʊs] creates a flowing, almost ceremonial rhythm through the bright vowels. The classical '-ius' at the end of the name gives it a witty and venerable note. Thus, Ägidius appears traditional and cultivated – melodic, harmonious, and of timeless elegance.
When is the name day of Ägidius?
The name day of Ägidius is celebrated on September 1.
Popularity
In Germany, Ägidius is considered a rare first name. In 2015, it ranked 3,972nd among the most common male baby names. In the last ten years, the name has been given less than 10 times, placing it 8,008th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it holds the 9,767th position. For a worldwide perspective on the name's popularity, the rankings in the name charts of individual countries can be viewed.
Nicknames & pet names
Gidi
Similar first names
Famous people
- Egidius Braun (DFB President until 2002)
- Saint Ägidius (patron for mental and spiritual illnesses)
- St. Ägidius (one of the 14 auxiliary saints)
Frequently asked questions about the name Ägidius
What is the origin of the name Ägidius?
Ägidius is a masculine first name with ancient Greek roots. The name means 'the shield bearer' and refers to the ancient Greek word aigís, which is associated with the goat skin of Zeus and its protective function.
What does the name Ägidius mean?
The meaning of Ägidius is 'the shield bearer' or 'the shield holder'. In Greek mythology, the name also stands for the storm shield of Zeus, which was made from goat skin.
How popular is the name Ägidius?
Ägidius is a traditional name that became well-known primarily through Saint Ägidius. Its popularity varies by region and time, but it remains common in some countries, such as Italy and France.