Longin is a name of Latin origin that has been used throughout history in various forms and languages. Its original meaning is believed to be "freeman" or "free-born," which was likely attributed to individuals who were born free rather than being slaves.
The name Longinus first appears in historical records as the name of a Roman soldier who was present at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to Christian tradition. He is often referred to as the "centurion of the cross" and is said to have pierced Jesus' side with his spear, causing blood and water to flow out. This event is described in the Gospel of John (19:34) and has been a subject of much theological interpretation throughout history.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Longinus is venerated as a saint and martyr for his faith in Christ. His feast day is celebrated on October 15th, although some traditions observe it on March 25th instead. He is often depicted in art as a centurion holding a spear or lance, with a halo around his head to indicate his saintly status.
The name Longinus has also been associated with other notable figures throughout history, such as the Greek philosopher Longinus (c. 10-40 AD), who wrote an influential work on rhetoric known as "On the Sublime." Additionally, there was a Roman emperor named Longinus who ruled briefly in 326 AD.
Today, Longin is still used as a given name, particularly in countries with large Orthodox Christian populations such as Greece and Russia. It may also be found among families who are interested in history or have connections to the Eastern Orthodox Church. While it may not be as common as some other names, those who bear the name Longin can take pride in its rich historical legacy and meaningful origin.
The name Longin is quite rare but has been present in the United States for at least a century. According to records, there were five babies named Longin born in the U.S. in 1918 and nine babies given this unique name in 1921. This means that over these two years combined, a total of fourteen individuals were named Longin upon their birth. Although it's not one of the most popular names, it has still managed to make its mark in American history through these fourteen individuals born between 1918 and 1921.