Aquila

Aquila is a given name and surname of Latin origin, derived from the Roman cognomen meaning "eagle". The name is best known from the New Testament, where Aquila and his wife Priscilla (also called Prisca) are mentioned as companions of the apostle Paul. According to the Book of Acts, Paul lived with them in Corinth and worked as a tentmaker, and the couple later assisted him in his missionary work. This biblical association gave Aquila currency among early Christians, though it has remained relatively uncommon as a given name compared to its use as a surname.

Etymology and Historical Context

The Latin word aquila directly means "eagle," a symbol of strength, power, and nobility in Roman culture. The eagle was the emblem of the Roman legions and was associated with Jupiter, the king of the gods. As a cognomen, Aquila was used by several notable Romans, including Pontius Aquila, a tribune of the plebs in the first century BC who was involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar. The name also appears in early Christian history: Aquila of Sinope was a second-century translator of the Old Testament into Greek, and Aquila Romanus was a third-century Latin grammarian.

Notable Bearers

Throughout history, Aquila has been borne by various figures. In the medieval period, it was used by Italian and German individuals, such as Caspar Aquila (1488–1560), a German reformer, and Pietro Aquila (c. 1630–1692), an Italian painter. In the modern era, Aquila Chase (17th century) was an early Puritan settler in the American colonies and founder of the influential Chase family. Other bearers include Aquila Emil (died 2011), a Papua New Guinean rugby league footballer, and Aquila Berlas Kiani (19th century), a notable figure from the Indian subcontinent.

Cultural Significance

As a given name, Aquila is used primarily in English-speaking countries, often among Christians who appreciate its biblical roots. It is considered a unisex name, though it has historically been more common for males. The name also appears in astronomy: Aquila is a constellation in the northern sky, representing an eagle. In heraldry, the eagle is a common charge, and the name Aquila may evoke this imagery.

Related Names

A related name in Lithuanian is Akvilė, which is the feminine form of Aquila. The name is also connected to the root name Paul through the New Testament narrative, though etymologically they are unrelated.

• Meaning: Eagle
• Origin: Latin
• Type: Given name and surname
• Usage Regions: English-speaking countries, Italy, Germany