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).

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.

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).

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 fathers 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.

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.

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 todays times. However, naming trends keep changing, and these names may again attain popularity.

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7 Roman Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With O

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Otho	Boy	Wealth; Prosperity
Obsidian	Unisex	Volcanic glass; Of Obsidius; Power; Help; Support
Ociel	Boy	Heavenly-like; Heaven; From the sky
Omerus	Boy	An invitation to pray
Osuuold	Boy	Five; A great individual
Orazziu	Boy	Sicilian form of Horatius, hour, time or season
Ottavianu	Boy	A variation of Octavianus, eighth

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