Thelonius
A boy's name of Latin origin with 21 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Thelonius is a three-syllable boy's name with a classical, dignified sound — a hallmark of Latin and Greek masculine names. With only 21 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Thelonius is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Thelonius is the Latinate spelling of Thelonious, a name that has long been debated etymologically. It may derive from the Medieval Latin Tillo or be connected to the German name Tielo. The name is most famously associated with Thelonious Monk, one of the greatest jazz pianists and composers in history.
That musical legacy gives Thelonius an undeniable creative aura. It's a name for parents who love jazz, originality, and names that arrive with a full biography already attached. Long, unusual, and completely unforgettable.
EtymologyShow more
Thelonius is cataloged under the Latin naming tradition. Latin-origin names have been a backbone of Western naming for centuries, carried forward through the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and the Romance languages.
In the U.S., Thelonius has been recorded as a boy's name since 1972, with 21 total births. Browse the Latin names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Thelonius has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1972.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 5 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 6 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 5 | — |
| 1970s | 5 | — |
The Story of Thelonius
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2006, Thelonius is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Thelonius are most likely born between 1996 and 2013.
How rare is Thelonius?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Thelonius is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1972, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 6 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 1972–2013)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 | #13854 |
| 2006 | 6 | #11914 |
| 1998 | 5 | #11144 |
| 1972 | 5 | #5678 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was Thelonius most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1972–2013