Delphinus as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Delphinus

What is the meaning of the name Delphinus ?

The baby name Delphinus is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced del-FIN-us (IPA: /dɛlˈfɪnəs/).

Delphinus is Latin in Origin.

Delphinus is the Latin word for “dolphin,” adopted from Greek delphís (gen. delphînos). Latin writers also used Delphinus as a proper name for the small northern constellation; the root is sometimes linked with Greek delphús “womb,” an ancient folk etymology behind the name Delphi and Apollo’s dolphin myth. As a given name, Delphinus thus carries both the literal sense “dolphin” and an implicit “Delphic” resonance.

Usage is documented in Late Antiquity and the early medieval church, most notably with Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux (4th century). The name remains rare in modern times, but survives through related forms: Delphin (French), Delfín (Spanish), Delfino (Italian), and Delfin (Polish/Tagalog), with feminine counterparts Delphine/Delphina and Delfina. In meaning and imagery, Delphinus suggests intelligence, protection of sailors, and swift guidance - appealing qualities for a distinctive, classically inflected choice.

⚙ Delphinus is extremely rare. Across 2 countries, we found just 3 recorded uses of it.