Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Nero

Nero is a super ancient name; among the oldest used on the Italian Peninsula many centuries before Christ. In fact, most etymologists believe that Nero finds its roots in the ancient Sabine language (which is now extinct). According to Tactius, a first century Roman historian, it was said to mean “strength, vigor”. This certainly makes sense if you’re familiar with the notorious first century Roman Emperor Nero (37-68 A.D.). This man had “strength and vigor” in spades, even if he didn’t wield these character traits in the most positive of ways. Tyrannical and paranoid, Nero’s rule is marked by several cruel acts from the murder of his own mother (and later his wife) to the greedy seizure of other people’s inheritance to the early persecution of Christians. By the end of his reign, Nero had so many enemies he was left with no other choice but to carry out one final killing: his own. Nero is also the Italian word for “black” and is often a name bestowed on pets in Italy and France.

All About the Baby Name – Nero

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME NERO

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME NERO

Not surprisingly, Nero has never achieved enough frequency of usage to find himself on America’s Top 1000 list of baby boy names. To put this in perspective, only 16 baby boys were named Nero in 2012. It’s a cool name with a “strong” etymology, but we’re guessing too many parents associate Nero with tyranny and brutality (akin to naming one’s son Caligula, Attila, Genghis, Stalin, Adolf, Idi Amin or Pol Pot, for instance). Ok, maybe not that extreme. Still, most historians do not cast a favorable light upon Nero the ancient Emperor, so the name does carry with it negative connotations. Fortunately in the interest of keeping Nero alive and well, sixteen sets of parents out there weren’t deterred by this.

Quick Facts

ON NERO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Italian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

NEER-o

SIMPLE MEANING:

Strong, vigorous, powerful

Characteristics

OF NERO

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Nero

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NERO

Nero Wolfe is Rex Stout’s detective, first appearing in 1934 in Fer-de-Lance and continuing his appearances for another 40 years. An overweight 56 year old, orchid growing, epicurean who resides in an elegant New York brownstone, Nero Wolfe is the quintessential armchair detective, relying on his right hand, Archie Goodwin, to do the legwork and his chef, Fritz Brenner, to keep his little grey cells properly nourished. He is a misogynist par excellence, hates to have anyone touch him, insists that almost everyone call him “Mr. Wolfe”, keeps his emotions under strict control and is fanatically fastidious about his dress. Who couldn’t love the guy?! Just about nobody, according to his long-lasting and new-found fans. Old time movie actor Edward Arnold played him in a couple of film adaptations – he looked just the part.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NERO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Nero


Popular Songs

ON NERO

Nero
an opera by George Frideric Handel

Angelo Nero
a song by The Catherine Wheel

Famous People

NAMED NERO

Nero (1st Century Emperor of Rome)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NERO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Nero

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NERO

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Nero