Meaning & Origin
Thelonious is a boy's baby name of Latin origin, from the Latin Thelonius or Tilo, possibly derived from Thilo (the people's ruler) or from a German place name, meaning 'lord of the people' or 'from Theol.'
Thelonious is above all the name of Thelonious Monk (1917–1982), one of the greatest and most idiosyncratic jazz pianists in history — a true original whose angular harmonies, unexpected rhythmic patterns, and profound compositions like 'Round Midnight' and 'Straight, No Chaser' transformed American music. Naming a son Thelonious declares a devotion to jazz genius and musical courage that defies convention.