432 Roman Baby Names That Epitomize Class And Royalty

Mighty rulers, mythical Gods, and cultural roots together form a classic list of choices.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Roman baby names are topping the popular baby name list in recent times. But Roman names were not always the same. Over the span of 14 centuries, Rome has adopted a nomenclature that’s quite different from what’s used by other European cultures and countries. In earlier times, Romans used a first name called praenomen followed by the clan name, also known as a nomen (1). The nomen indicated the family's ancestry and status. The praenomen was influenced by cultural or religious aspects and were derived from the names of mythological deities and historical events. This was picked by the parents and was bestowed on the day of lustration, a ritual performed on the eighth day of the birth of a baby girl and the ninth day of the birth of a baby boy. The name choice was governed by the family’s custom and tradition. The eldest son was named after the father, while the younger ones were named after the father’s brothers and other male ancestors. This way, the same name or praenomen was passed down from generation to generation. The surname or last name or a cognomen, meaning the family name, became compulsory for documentation use by 100BC. In many cases, people also had filiations or patronyms based on their lineage or tribe and nicknames, also known as agnomen. The cognomen often indicated the family's origin or occupation and the agnomen helped in distinguishing the different branches of the same family. As the Roman empire expanded, they began considering the names of Catholic saints. Roman Catholicism also introduced a few aspects from the seven Sacraments to the conventional naming system (2). These influences have considerably changed the convention in modern times. Thus, contemporary Roman parents can pick any first name they like for their bundle of joy and retain the last name that is usually carried down the generation. So, go ahead and take your pick from the list of unique Roman baby names with meanings below.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Mark	Boy	Mars; God of war; Male; Warlike; Hammer; Defender
Martin	Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Mario	Boy	Warlike; Mars; Male
Celine	Girl	Heavenly
Viviana	Girl	One who is lively
Mae	Girl	A bitter pearl; The month of May; Mother; Lovable
Sylas	Boy	Of the forest; Prayed for; God of the forest or the countryside
Macy	Girl	Hill; Person from Massy; Gift of God
Trace	Boy	Domain or region belonging to Thracius; Warlike; Fighter
Celia	Girl	The one from the heaven

Kaiser	Boy	Emperor; Hairy
Giuliana	Girl	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Jillian	Girl	Youthful; Sky father; Downy-bearded
Ulysses	Unisex	To hate; To be angry
Markus	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Antonia	Girl	Priceless; Praiseworthy
Celina	Girl	Heavenly
Maelynn	Girl	Princess; Chief; Month of May
Giulia	Girl	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Mars	Boy	The god of war; Warlike; Male

Kaizer	Boy	Emperor; Hairy
Martina	Girl	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike
Renzo	Boy	The third son in the family
Kassius	Boy	Vain; Empty
Maelyn	Girl	The month of May; Wished-for child; Beloved; Lake; Soft
Yuliana	Girl	Downy bearded
Virgil	Girl	Pure as a lily; Maiden; Staff bearer
Juno	Girl	Young; Queen of the Heavens
Marko	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Markell	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male; Horse border; Wolf border

Markel	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Pax	Boy	Peace
Maryn	Girl	Of the sea; The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike
Selvin	Boy	Battle opportunity; Of the woods
Paolo	Boy	Humble; Small
Marty	Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Maelee	Girl	May; Goddess of growth; Beloved; Wished-for child
Priscila	Girl	Ancient
Marquez	Boy	Son of Marcos; March; Borderland; Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male;
Marius	Boy	Manly; Dedicated to Mars

Caesar	Boy	Hairy
Sabina	Girl	A Sabine
Lavinia	Girl	The daughter of King Latinus
Quill	Boy	Shaft of feather; Pen made from a feather; Eagle
Marta	Girl	The Lady; The mistress; Dedicated to Mars
Cylas	Boy	Of the woods or forest
Giulietta	Girl	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Martez	Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Emeric	Boy	Ruler; King; Unceasing; Brave; Home
Milla	Girl	Devoted; Young religious attendant

Marnie	Girl	Of the sea; Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male; Rejoice
June	Boy	Born in June; Young
Blaise	Girl	Stammerer; Lisping
Lamarcus	Boy	God of War; Mars; Male
Lian	Girl	Church; Lotus; Graceful willow tree
Larkin	Boy	Laurel; From Laurentum; A songbird
Giuliano	Boy	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Liviana	Girl	Envious; Blue
Giulianna	Girl	Youthful; Downy-bearded; Favor; Grace
Florian	Boy	Blond; Flowering

Vita	Girl	Life; Victory
Tayanna	Girl	A Christian; To anoint
Elisia	Girl	Blissful; My God is an oath
Ellieanna	Girl	Sun
Tavian	Boy	Eighth
Gennaro	Boy	January; Roman God Janus; Archway
Marquel	Boy	March; Borderland; Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male;
Taina	Girl	Fairy queen; Secret; Mystery
Kamyah	Unisex	Good mother; Dame; Foster mother
Mailyn	Girl	Hawthorn flower; Greater; Jade

Marino	Boy	Of the sea; Male; Warlike
Marques	Boy	March; Borderland; Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male;
Hercules	Boy	Glory of heroism; Glory of Hera
Verena	Girl	True; Victorious
Larkyn	Unisex	From Laurentum; Of Lorcan; Little fierce one; Songbird
Zanyah	Unisex	Fairy queen
Quintus	Boy	Fifth
Macsen	Boy	The greatest one
Giulio	Boy	Youthful; Downy-bearded
Celena	Girl	Moon; Heaven

Eliano	Boy	Sun
Alban	Boy	White; From Alba
Damiya	Girl	Mother Earth
Cyprian	Unisex	From Cyprus; Of Cyprus
Markos	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Larenz	Girl	From Laurentum; Laurel
Cashus	Unisex	Empty; Vain
Demiyah	Girl	Good mother; Dame; Foster mother
Tatianna	Girl	Fairy queen
Zita	Girl	Little girl; Good luck; Fortune; Master; Lord; Saint; Hunter

Crixus	Boy	One with curly hair
Aeliana	Unisex	Sun
Alexiana	Unisex	Helper; Defender
Cezar	Boy	Hairy
Cipriano	Boy	From Cyprus
Martel	Boy	Hammer; Warlike; Dedicated to Mars
Margus	Boy	Man; Roman God of war
Judea	Boy	Praise; To be praised; Thanksgiving; Land of the Jews
Bence	Boy	To conquer
Markie	Girl	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male

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Roman baby names reflect the historical, cultural, and traditional aspects of the ancient Roman world. These names share the significance of lineage, honor, religion, and social standing. With their unique combination of meanings and influences, they offer us a glimpse into the complexities of an ancient civilization's identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any gender-neutral Roman baby names?

Yes, several Roman baby names are gender-neutral, like Agrippa (wild horse), Aquila (eagle), Glaucia (bluish gray), Iovita (sky father), and Florens (blooming).

2. What are some unique and less common Roman baby names?

Some Roman baby names like Nonus, meaning 'ninth'; Tullus of unknown meaning; Cassian, meaning 'empty' or 'vain'; and Domitia, meaning 'tamed,' are unique and rare.

3. Did Roman parents have specific criteria for choosing baby names in ancient Rome?

In ancient times, Roman parents preferred ancestral and familial names when choosing baby names. It was considered a matter of dignity if the names of senior family members were chosen. Moreover, habitational names and occupational names were common in Ancient Rome (1).

4. How have Roman baby names evolved?

In the early Roman era, men had a praenomen (first name) and a nomen (clan name). By 100 BC, they also added a cognomen (family name) to official documents. Women may have had praenomina in the early era, but later, they were known as the feminine version of their father's nomen. With the transition to the Roman Empire, the names started being influenced by the ruling class (2). Moreover, after Christianity was introduced in Rome in the 4th century, Christian saint names and biblical names were added to the mix (3). Major events like the Renaissance during the 15th and 16th centuries also had an impact on baby names (4). In recent years, globalization and international exchange have encouraged the introduction of new names in the Roman lexicon.

5. Were there any superstitions or beliefs associated with Roman baby names?

Yes. Names like Fortunatus (fortunate, blessed, happy), Felix (lucky, successful), Albus (white, bright), Faustina (auspicious, lucky), and Beata (blessed) were chosen because it was believed that such names brought good luck on the bearer.

6. Are there any famous Roman baby names that have fallen out of use today?

Roman names like Gaius (to rejoice), Decimus (tenth), Junia (young), and Drusilla (strong) are rarely used in today's times. However, naming trends keep changing, and these names may again attain popularity.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Roman Names.
https://www.uvm.edu/~bsaylor/rome/nomenclature.html
Christianity: Roman Catholic.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/religions/christianity-roman-catholic/resources/christianity-roman-catholic-rituals-and-practices
The Roman Empire in the First Century;
https://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/christians.html
The Renaissance;
https://www.csun.edu/sites/default/files/Media03--Renaissance.pdf

Infographic: Famous Roman Baby Names That Epitomize Class And Royalty

A child's name carries deep personal, cultural, and familial significance. It represents the bearer's cultural and linguistic background while offering insight into their attributes. If you wish to navigate the world of names, this infographic showcases some of the most renowned Roman Baby Names That Epitomize Class And Royalty. This can help you select a name that best aligns with your family's preferences and religious beliefs.

Roman Baby Names That Epitomize Class And Royalty(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.