Agate is a Latvian feminine given name, the local form of Agathe. The name ultimately traces back to the Greek word ἀγαθός (agathos), meaning "good", via the Latinized Agatha. This etymology gave rise to a wide range of cognate names across languages, such as Agatha (German, English), Agata (Swedish), and Agáta (Slovak). The short form Jaga (Serbian) and the English diminutive Aggie are also related. Cultural Significance While the Latvian name Agate shares its spelling with the English word for a banded variety of chalcedony (a gemstone), the human name derives solely from the Greek tradition rooted in the Christian saint. Saint Agatha, a 3rd-century virgin martyr from Sicily, is celebrated for refusing the advances of a Roman prefect. Despite torture and death, her story of steadfast faith made her one of the most venerated early Christian martyrs. The name Agatha thus spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and its local forms, including Latvian Agate, remain in use today. Meaning: "good" (from Greek agathos) Origin: Greek (via Latinized Agatha) Type: Latvian feminine form of Agathe/Agatha Usage regions: Latvia