Origin and meaning of the name Salonina

Salonina is an ancient Roman female name, derived from the Latin word "salus" which means 'health' or 'well-being'. The name was primarily used during the 3rd century AD and is most notably associated with Empress Julia Salonina, the wife of Emperor Gallienus. She held significant power as Augusta during their joint rule and played a crucial role in Roman politics at that time. Her influence is thought to have contributed to the creation of her daughter Valeria's unique name, Valeria Salvia (meaning 'healthy salvation'), which was another variation of this name.

Learn more about the origin of the name Salonina

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Salonina

Salonina is an ancient Roman female given name, primarily known from the context of Emperor Gallienus' reign (reigned 260-268 AD). The name is thought to be derived from the Latin word "sal," meaning salt, and "-oninus," a diminutive suffix common in personal names of the period. This interpretation suggests that Salonina may have originally meant "little salt" or "precious salt." It's worth noting that during the Roman Empire, personal names were often chosen to honor family members, gods, or notable figures, providing additional layers of meaning and significance beyond the literal translation. In contemporary usage, Salonina is not commonly used as a given name in Western cultures but may be encountered in historical contexts or as part of genealogical research related to ancient Rome.

Character traits associated with the name Salonina

Salonina, an ancient Roman name, is traditionally associated with qualities such as strength, wisdom, and leadership. Originating from the Latin word "sal," meaning salt, which symbolizes preservation, endurance, and purification, Salonina may be perceived to possess traits that are robust, resilient, and purifying in nature. The name also shares roots with "sol" (sun), suggesting a connection to energy, enlightenment, and vitality. As such, individuals named Salonina might exhibit characteristics that are bright, strong-willed, and insightful. However, interpretations of names can vary greatly across cultures and time periods.

Popularity of the name Salonina

Salonina is a relatively uncommon female given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its origin is ancient Roman, derived from Salonia, a town in present-day France. Historically, Salonina was the name of an Empress of the Roman Empire during the third century AD. In modern times, the name has seen limited use and is not consistently ranked among popular names. Variations such as Saloni or Salonica (the Greek name for Thessaloniki) may be more frequently encountered due to cultural influences. It's important to note that popularity can vary greatly depending on geographical region and time period.

Famous people with the name Salonina

Salonia, also spelled as Salonina, is an uncommon female given name of Roman origin. The most notable figures with this name are:

1. Salonina Matidia (circa 230 - circa 260 AD), a Roman empress and the second wife of Emperor Gallienus. She was the mother of two emperors, Valerian I and Saloninus.

2. Salonina, a character in the 18th-century opera "Aeneas in Chersonesus" by Johann Adolf Hasse.

3. In literature, Salonina is featured as one of the three main characters in the play "Salonina, or The Emperor's Wife" (1756) by English playwright Samuel Foote.

4. Salonina de Brouwer (born 1985), a Dutch actress who gained prominence for her role in the television series "Flikken Maastricht."

These individuals have left their marks in various fields, including politics, literature, and entertainment, contributing to their notability with the name Salonina.

Variations of the name Salonina

Salonina, an ancient Roman female given name, is derived from the word "Salonia," which means "associated with salt." Variations and derivatives of this name include:

1. Saloninia: This is the feminine form of Saloninus, a Latin name that is the masculine equivalent of Salonina.

2. Salona or Salone: These are shortened forms of Salonina, particularly popular in Italian and Spanish-speaking cultures.

3. Solanina: A variant originating from Spain, possibly influenced by the Spanish word "solana" meaning "sunny."

4. Saloniusa: An uncommon Baltic form of Salonina, with a feminine ending.

5. Salonie or Salonja: These are Estonian and Finnish variations of Salonina. In Estonia, Salonja is often used as a surname.

6. Salonin: A less common masculine variant, derived from the Latin form Saloninus.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "salonina"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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