Herculano is a distinctive and uncommon given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman god Hercules, known for his extraordinary strength and courage. It entered the Portuguese lexicon through the influence of the Roman Empire and has since been predominantly used within Lusophone cultures. The name Herculano is composed of 'Hercules', meaning 'glory' or 'fame', combined with the diminutive suffix '-ano'. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'little Hercules' or ' Heroic One'. Despite its powerful root, Herculano has a more approachable and friendly sound due to the diminutive ending. It is most famously associated with Portuguese Romantic poet Alexandre Herculano, adding a touch of literary elegance to this robust name.
"The name Herculano saw its peak popularity in 1926 with 11 births, but it declined significantly by 1960 with only 5 births, resulting in a total of 16 births over the two years."