The Latin name for Jesus is Iesus.
This widely recognized name is central to Christian theology and history, with a linguistic journey that spans several ancient languages before reaching its current form in English.
Linguistic Evolution of the Name
The English name "Jesus" directly derives from the Late Latin name Iesus. This Late Latin form itself is a transliteration of the Koine Greek name Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs). The Koine Greek name was commonly used during the time of the New Testament and is a Hellenized (Greek-influenced) version of the original Hebrew or Aramaic name, Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ).
The progression of the name can be summarized as follows:
| Language | Original Name/Form | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hebrew/Aramaic | Yeshua | The original Semitic name, meaning "Yahweh saves." |
| Koine Greek | Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs) | Hellenized form of Yeshua, common in the Gospels. |
| Late Latin | Iesus | Transliteration of the Greek name into Latin. |
| English | Jesus | Derived from the Late Latin form. |
Significance in Latin Texts
The name Iesus is prominently featured throughout the Latin Vulgate Bible, the foundational Latin translation of the Bible. Completed by Saint Jerome in the late 4th century CE, the Vulgate played a crucial role in standardizing the name Iesus across Western Christendom and influenced countless subsequent translations and theological works. Its consistent use in the Vulgate ensured its widespread recognition and adoption throughout the Latin-speaking world.
