Latin Names and Words Connected With Courage

Latin distinguishes several ideas that English may loosely group under courage: strength, bravery, excellence, firmness and victorious power.

Fortis — brave and strong

Fortis is a Latin adjective that can mean strong, brave, steadfast or courageous depending on context.

Fortitudo — courage and fortitude

Fortitudo means strength, firmness, bravery or fortitude. English fortitude comes directly from this family.

Virtus — excellence, valor, courage

Virtus is a culturally important Latin noun with meanings including excellence, valor, courage and character. In Roman thought it carried a broader moral and social sense than the modern English word virtue alone suggests.

Valens — strong and vigorous

Valens is a historical Roman personal name/cognomen tied to the idea of being strong or vigorous.

Victor — conqueror

Victor means conqueror or winner. It emphasizes successful overcoming rather than the inner quality of courage.

Audax — bold or daring

Audax is a Latin adjective meaning bold or daring.

Best choices by meaning

• Fortis: brave/strong
• Fortitudo: courage/fortitude
• Virtus: valor/excellence
• Audax: bold/daring
• Valens: historical personal name connected with strength
• Victor: historical personal name meaning conqueror