Anselmo is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Anselm. The name ultimately derives from the Old German elements ansi "god" and helm "helmet, protection", giving it the meaning "god's helmet" or "protected by God".Etymology and HistoryThe name Anselm was brought to England in the late 11th century by Saint Anselm, who was born in Aosta, northern Italy. He served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109 and is recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his theological works, including the ontological argument for God's existence. The name spread through Europe in various forms, with Anselmo becoming standard in Romance languages.Notable BearersSeveral notable individuals have borne the name Anselmo, particularly in the arts. In music, Anselmo Aieta (1896–1964) was an Argentine bandoneon musician and composer; Anselmo Colzani (1918–2006) was an Italian operatic baritone; Anselmo Ralph (born 1981) is an Angolan singer; and Anselmo Sacasas (1912–1998) was a Cuban jazz pianist and bandleader. In visual arts, Anselmo Bucci (1887–1955) was an Italian painter, and Anselmo Martinez is a Tejano artist. In other media, Anselmo Duarte (1920–2009) was a Brazilian actor, and Anselmo Lorenzo (1841–1914) was a Spanish anarchist author known as "the grandfather of Spanish anarchism".Related FormsAnselmo has several diminutive and variant forms. The Italian diminutive Elmo is a common short form. The feminine equivalent is Anselma in Spanish. Other language variants include Anselme in French, Anselmi and Anssi in Finnish, and Anshel in Yiddish. The Italian surname Anselmi is a patronymic descendant.Meaning: God's helmet, protected by GodOrigin: Old German elements ansi (god) and helm (helmet, protection)Type: Given nameUsage Regions: Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Latin America