Aureole is a feminine given name derived from the English word meaning "radiant halo", ultimately from Latin aureolus, meaning "golden". The term has its roots in religious art, specifically referring to the radiant cloud or disk of light that surrounds the entire figure of a sacred personage in Christian iconography. Etymology and Artistic Context The Latin word aurum means "gold", and the diminutive aureolus carries the sense of "golden" or "golden-colored". In Ecclesiastical Latin, aureola developed to denote the halo or nimbus. According to Wikipedia, an aureola in Christian art is the luminous cloud that surrounds the whole figure of sacred persons, as distinct from the head-only nimbus (halo). The English term aureole is often used synonymously with halo, though strictly it describes a body-encircling glow of light, as opposed to the radiance behind the head. The concept appears in Christian thought from the earliest centuries. Initially reserved for the persons of the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—the aureola was later applied to the Virgin Mary and to certain saints. Similar concepts exist in other religions: in Indian art, the back or head halo is called prabhāmaṇḍala or prabhavali. The aureole's artistic forms include oval, circular, vesica piscis, and quatrefoil shapes. When appearing as a disk around the head only, it is specifically termed a halo or nimbus. As a Given Name Aureole is a rare English given name from the 20th century, likely inspired by the poetic and luminous quality of the word. As a name, femininities such with a ethereal connotation—symbolizing light, glory and excellence. Usage peaked in some descriptive volumes which admire its from the Latin heritage. Meaning: “radiant halo” from Latin “aureolus” (golden) Origin: Derived from English vocabulary; ultimate Latin origin Type: Given name, mainly feminine Usage Regions: English-speaking countries