Origin and meaning of the name Sulpice

The given name "Sulpice" is a form of the Latin name Sulpicius, which was a Roman family name derived from the noun "sulpicius," meaning "a financial agent." This name was often associated with the Sulpician order of priests in the Catholic Church. The Sulpician order was founded by Jean-Jacques Olier (1608–1657), a French priest, in 1641. The order took its name from Saint Sulpice, a martyr who lived during the early Christian period and was executed for his faith in Rome in AD 258. In addition to its origins in the Roman family name, Sulpicius also appears in the name of several early saints, including Sulpicius Severus (c. 363–420), a Gallo-Roman author and Christian ascetic, whose works are an important source for our understanding of the early Desert Fathers. Overall, the name Sulpice reflects its Roman roots as well as its association with religious figures throughout history.

Learn more about the origin of the name Sulpice

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Sulpice

The given name Sulpice is of Latin origin, derived from the word "Sulpicius," which means "of the salt market" or "salt seller." This name was borne by several prominent figures in ancient Rome, including members of the Sulpician family, one of the oldest patrician families in Roman history. The name gained popularity due to their political and military achievements during the early days of the Roman Republic.

Over time, the name evolved into its various forms across different languages and cultures, including Sulpicius, Sulpizio, or Soubzasse in French, Souppice in Italian, and Sulpicio in Spanish. It is less commonly used today, but remains a historical and intriguing choice for parents seeking unique and meaningful names with rich heritage.

Character traits associated with the name Sulpice

Sulpice, a name of ancient origin, is often associated with individuals who embody wisdom and leadership. The name, derived from Latin, signifies "eye-soothing" or "calming," suggesting that those bearing this moniker may possess a soothing demeanor, capable of calming others in times of distress. Sulpice is also linked to the notion of intellect, with individuals named thus often demonstrating a keen mind for problem-solving and strategic thinking. They are typically seen as compassionate leaders, combining their wisdom with a nurturing spirit to guide those around them towards success. The name Sulpice is synonymous with calmness, intelligence, and strong leadership qualities, making it an esteemed choice for those seeking to honor such traits in their child.

Popularity of the name Sulpice

The name Sulpice is of ancient origin, primarily associated with Roman Catholic saints and early Christian martyrs. Its popularity has varied significantly across different regions and time periods. In France, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the name was quite common due to the prominence of Saint Sulpice, patron saint of Paris. Today, however, its usage is relatively low globally. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Sulpice ranked outside the top 1000 baby boy names for every year between 1880 and 2020. In modern times, the name is rarely encountered in English-speaking countries, but may still be found in France and regions with strong French cultural influences. Overall, while Sulpice has historical significance, it is considered an uncommon name in contemporary society.

Famous people with the name Sulpice

Sulpice (or Sulpitius) is a name associated with notable figures across various fields and eras. Among them, Saint Sulpice the Martyr, also known as Sulpicius Severus, was a Roman senator turned Christian ascetic, most famous for his work "The Life of Martin," which provides significant insight into the life of Saint Martin of Tours. Another notable figure is Sulpice Boissière, a French naval officer who played a crucial role in the French colonization of Algeria during the 19th century, serving as Governor-General from 1847 to 1848. In the realm of science, Sulpitius Ruhmann was a German chemist and pharmacist known for his work on alkaloids and for naming over 60 chemical compounds. Lastly, Sulpice Beaujean was a French painter who gained recognition during the late 19th century for his religious paintings, particularly those depicting scenes from the lives of saints. These individuals illustrate the historical significance and diverse achievements associated with the name Sulpice or Sulpitius.

Variations of the name Sulpice

The name Sulpice has origins rooted in the Latin language, specifically derived from "Sulpicius," which means "of Sulpa" or "from the willow river." Over time, it has been variously spelled and pronounced in different cultures. Some common variations include Soupise, Soupsis, Soubise, Soupse, Suplice, Suplick, Solfiz, and Sulpis. In some instances, it may be shortened to Sulp or Soup, especially as a nickname or diminutive form. It is also worth noting that the name has been associated with several notable figures in history such as Saint Sulpice (5th-6th century), a bishop and martyr of Arles, and Sulpice Chevalier de Fréneuse (1623-1706), a French Jesuit missionary who co-founded the Society of Jesus in Quebec.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "sulpice"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends