Plutarch

Plutarch is the Latinized form of the Greek name Ploutarchos (Πλούταρχος), derived from the words ploutos (ploutos) meaning "riches, wealth" and archos (archos) meaning "master." Thus, the name carries the meaning "master of wealth."

Notable Bearers

The most famous bearer of the name is of course Plutarch himself, the Greek philosopher, historian, and biographer who lived from approximately AD 46 to after AD 119. He was a Middle Platonist philosopher and served as a priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Upon becoming a Roman citizen, he was likely named Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus under the patronage of Lucius Mestrius Florus. His most enduring works remain the Parallel Lives, a series of biographies comparing illustrious Greeks and Romans, and the Moralia, a collection of ethical essays. Plutarch was born into a prominent family in Chaeronea, Boeotia, and his works have influenced thinkers for centuries.

Cultural Significance

Beyond the original Greek bearer, the name Plutarch has carried historical weight as a given name in literature and popular culture, though it has never been common due to its strong association. Its compound structure using ploutos follows a typical Greek pattern of composite names, where elements signifying desirable traits (wealth, wisdom) were combined with elements like archos indicating power or leadership.

• Meaning: "master of wealth"
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Type: First Name
• Usage Regions: Historical