Porcius

Porcius is a Roman family name meaning "pig", derived from Latin porcus. It belongs to a class of gentilicia derived from animal names, like Asinius (from asinus, donkey) or Taurus (bull). The gens Porcia (also spelled Portia) was a plebeian family at Ancient Rome, reputedly originating from the city of Tusculum in Latium. Members first appeared in history during the third century BC, and the first consul from the family was Marcus Porcius Cato in 195 BC.

Etymology

The nomen Porcius derives from porcus, the Latin word for pig—perhaps originally a nickname for someone involved in pig farming or trade. This places it within a group of Roman gentile names taken from animals, objects, or adjectives.

Notable Bearers

The most famous members of the gens Porcia were the statesmen Cato the Elder (Marcus Porcius Cato) and his great-grandson Cato the Younger (Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis). Cato the Elder was a soldier, senator, and author of De Agri Cultura; Cato the Younger was a staunch Republican who opposed Julius Caesar and died by suicide after the Battle of Thapsus in 46 BC. Other notable Porcii include Lucius Porcius Cato (consul 89 BC) and Publius Porcius Cataurinus, etc.

Cultural Significance

The name Porcius is relatively rare as a personal name, surviving largely through the historical prominence of the gens. Its feminine form, Porcia (or Portia), became known through Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and is more popular today.

• Meaning: "pig"
• Origin: Latin
• Gens: Porcia (plebeian)
• Notable family: the Catones
• Usage regions: Ancient Rome