Meaning and history
Caligula is a Latin nickname meaning “little boot,” a diminutive of caliga, the military sandal worn by Roman soldiers. It was given in childhood to Gaius Caesar Germanicus because he wore a miniature soldier’s uniform among his father’s troops. As Roman emperor from 37 to 41, Caligula became notorious in ancient accounts for cruelty and autocratic behaviour, though some sources are hostile and sensationalized. The name is historical rather than a traditional personal choice, and modern bearers are exceptionally rare.