pius

Pius is a masculine given name and surname of Latin origin. It derives from the Latin word pius, meaning devout, dutiful, or pious. The name has appeared in Roman times and throughout Christian history, and it has been widely used in Catholic contexts as a sign of reverence.

In papal history, Pius has been the regnal name of twelve popes, spanning from the 2nd century (Pius I) to the 20th century (Pius XII). There is no Pius XIII. The popes named Pius are Pius I (c. 140–155), Pius II (1458–1464), Pius III (1503), Pius IV (1559–1565), Pius V (1566–1572), Pius VI (1775–1799), Pius VII (1800–1823), Pius VIII (1829–1830), Pius IX (1846–1878), Pius X (1903–1914), Pius XI (1922–1939), and Pius XII (1939–1958). Pius V is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Beyond the papacy, Pius continues to be used as a given name and, less commonly, as a surname. It appears across languages and cultures and is associated with qualities of virtue and piety. The name has a long-standing presence in religious, scholarly, and public life, reflecting its enduring cultural and historical resonance.