Telesforo is a distinct and rare given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Telesinius, which is believed to be based on the Latin word "telescopium," meaning "remote" or "distant." The name Telesforo consists of two elements: "telos," meaning "goal" or "end," and "phoros," which translates to "bearing" or "bringing forth." Thus, the name Telesforo could be interpreted as having the metaphorical meaning of "bearing toward a goal" or "carrying forward."
The name Telesforo is often associated with Saint Telesphorus (also known as Telesforus), who was a pope during the second century in Rome. He served as the ninth pope, succeeding Pope Anicetus around 125 AD, and his papacy is believed to have lasted until approximately 136 or 137 AD. Although not much is known about Saint Telesphorus' life, it is believed that he was a priest from the Roman province of Asia before becoming pope.
In Italy and other parts of Europe where the name Telesforo is more commonly found, the name day for Telesforo is celebrated on January 5th, coinciding with the feast day of Saint Telesphorus. However, it is essential to note that the name Telesforo has gained popularity beyond its religious context and is sometimes chosen by parents seeking a unique and meaningful given name for their child.
In summary, Telesforo is a rare yet significant given name with Latin roots, bearing a metaphorical meaning related to goal-orientedness or progression. While it may be associated with Saint Telesphorus in some cultures, the name has gained broader recognition as a distinctive choice for a first name.
The name Telesforo experienced varying popularity over the years, with peaks in certain decades. The highest birth counts occurred in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly in 1946 (9 births) and 1952 (10 births). However, from the 1970s onwards, its popularity declined significantly, with five or fewer births per year recorded after 1973. Overall, there were 251 babies named Telesforo born between 1914 and 1997.