Lavinia

Lavinia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It derives from the classical name Lavinia, associated with a figure in Roman mythology and with the ancient city of Lavinium in Latium. In Virgil's Aeneid, Lavinia is the daughter of King Latinus and becomes the wife of Aeneas; the name is often interpreted as meaning "from Lavinia" or "belonging to Lavinium." The name has been used in the English-speaking world since at least the early modern period.

In classical and later literature, Lavinia appears as a character in various works. In Virgil's Aeneid, she is the destined spouse of Aeneas. In Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, Lavinia is the daughter of Titus Andronicus and a central figure in a dramatic tragedy. The use of the name across these works reflects its association with Latin heritage and classical storytelling.

In contemporary literature, Lavinia gained renewed attention through Ursula K. Le Guin's novel Lavinia (2008), which presents the events and world of the Aeneid from Lavinia's point of view, offering a distinctive reinterpretation of the ancient tale.

Notable bearers of the name include Lavinia Fontana (1552–1614), an Italian painter who is considered one of the early professional female artists of Western Europe. The name Lavinia continues to be used in modern times for fictional characters and real individuals, often carrying connotations of classical refinement and Latin origin.