The name Solanus is of Latin origin and means "sun" or "sunray". It comes from the Latin word "solanus", which was used to describe something that pertains to the sun. The name has a strong and confident sound, reflecting its solar inspiration.
Solanus has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, but it is not particularly common. In fact, it is more often encountered as a surname, where it is found in various forms such as Solomon, Soloman, and Salmon.
The most notable historical figure with the name Solanus was Saint Francis Solano, a 16th-century Italian friar who became a patron saint of Argentina and Paraguay. Born into a wealthy family, he joined the Franciscan order at a young age and spent his life spreading the Catholic faith throughout South America. His legacy has helped to perpetuate the use of the name Solanus.
Today, Solanus remains a rare but distinctive given name. It may be used more frequently as a middle name or in combination with other names, such as Solanus Francis or Solanus Michael. Despite its rarity, the name Solanus carries a powerful and unique identity that sets it apart from more common choices.
The name Solanus has seen a steady number of births in the United States over the past few years, with a total of 35 babies given this unique name between 2017 and 2023. The name's popularity has remained consistent, with five to seven births reported each year during this period. Despite not being among the most common names in the country, Solanus continues to be chosen by parents for their newborns at a relatively stable rate.