Roman names - Baby names with the origin Roman

Roman Names: A Brief Overview

Roman names are a fascinating aspect of ancient history that have endured through the centuries. They are unique in their structure and are often associated with the great emperors, generals, and statesmen of Rome. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of Roman names, as well as their significance in Roman society.

Origins of Roman Names

The origins of Roman names can be traced back to the early days of the Roman Republic. During this time, Roman names consisted of three parts: the praenomen, nomen, and cognomen. The praenomen was the personal name, the nomen was the family name, and the cognomen was a nickname or additional name that distinguished one member of the family from another. For example, Gaius Julius Caesar’s full name would have been Gaius Julius Caesar, with Gaius being his praenomen, Julius his nomen, and Caesar his cognomen.

As Rome grew and expanded, so too did its naming conventions. By the time of the Roman Empire, additional names such as titles and honorifics were added to the traditional three-part structure. These included names such as Imperator (meaning “commander”), Augustus (meaning “venerable” or “majestic”), and Caesar (which became a title in its own right).

Meanings of Roman Names

Roman names often had significant meanings that reflected the values and beliefs of Roman society. For example, the name Marcus (meaning “warlike”) was a popular name for Roman soldiers, while the name Cornelia (meaning “horn”) was associated with the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Other names, such as Julius (meaning “downy-bearded”) and Claudia (meaning “lame”), were based on physical characteristics.

Names were also often chosen to honor ancestors or to commemorate significant events. For example, the name Octavianus (meaning “eighth”) was given to the future emperor Augustus because he was born in the eighth month of the Roman calendar. Similarly, the name Tiberius (meaning “of the Tiber”) was given to the emperor who was born on the banks of the Tiber River.

Significance of Roman Names

Names were an important aspect of Roman identity and were closely tied to social status and family lineage. In Roman society, a person’s name was a symbol of their reputation and their place in society. For this reason, names were carefully chosen and passed down through generations.

Names were also an important part of Roman politics and power. Emperors often changed their names upon ascending to the throne to reflect their new status and to establish their legitimacy. For example, Octavianus became Augustus upon becoming emperor, and Gaius Julius Caesar became known as Caesar Augustus.

Conclusion

Roman names are a fascinating aspect of ancient history that continue to capture our imagination today. They reflect the values and beliefs of Roman society and provide insight into the lives of the great figures of Roman history. Whether it is the name of a great emperor or the nickname of a gladiator, Roman names continue to inspire and intrigue us.

Name Contains

Starts with

Gender

Celebrity Name

Name Meaning

Name	Origins	Gender	Celebrity Name?	Celebrity Baby Name?
Accalia	Roman, Mythology, Latin	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Acquilina	Latin, Roman, Italian, Spanish	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Admetus	Greek, Roman, Italian	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Adrean	Greek, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Adriaan	Dutch, Italian, Latin, Roman	Male	Y	N	Shortlist
Adrienah	Latin, Roman, English	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Adryn	Welsh, Italian, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Affrica	Latin, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Agathy	Greek, Roman, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Agnes	Greek, Roman, English, French, German	Female	Y	Y	Shortlist
Agoston	Hungarian, Latin, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Agustus	Latin, Roman, English, Spanish, Portuguese	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Albinia	Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Alejo	Spanish, Greek, Roman, Jewish	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Alex	Greek, Roman, European	Unisex	Y	Y	Shortlist
Allistir	Scottish, Greek, Roman, European, Macedonian	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Amabela	Latin, Roman, African, Brazilian	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Amalita	Spanish, Italian, Germanic, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Amando	Spanish, Latin, Roman, Portuguese, American	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Ambrocio	Spanish, Latin, Greek, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Ambrse	Greek, Roman, Christian	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Amiens	French, Celtic, Latin, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Amon	Hebrew, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, African	Unisex	Y	N	Shortlist
Amorica	Latin, Celtic, Roman, French	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Amulius	Latin, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Amycus	Greek, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Anastazia	Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Andonios	Greek, Latin, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Anne	Hebrew, Greek, Roman	Female	Y	N	Shortlist
Annestas	Greek, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Annus	Latin, Roman, Estonian	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Anthonee	Roman, Greek, English, Italian	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Anthoni	Roman, Latin, Greek	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Antonett	French, Roman, English	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Antoney	Roman, Latin	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Antonias	Greek, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Antonicah	Latin, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Antoninas	Latin, Lithuanian, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Antonniah	Latin, Roman, Hebrew	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Antonya	Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Apolinarya	Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Apollinah	Greek, Roman, Christian	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Appolline	French, Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Appolloniah	Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Appolonio	Greek, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Aradia	Italian, Greek, Roman, Celtic	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Argentah	Latin, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Ariobarzanes	Persian, Greek, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Arisztid	Greek, Roman, Hungarian	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Astarte	Phoenician, Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Atabulus	Roman, Mythology	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Atia	Arabic, Roman, Persian, Turkish	Female	N	N	Shortlist
August	Latin, Roman, European, English, German	Unisex	Y	Y	Shortlist
Augusta	Latin, Roman, English, German	Female	Y	N	Shortlist
Augustina	Latin, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Aurore	French, Latin, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Austen	English, Latin, Roman	Unisex	Y	N	Shortlist
Avgust	Latin, Roman, European, French, Spanish	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Avgusta	Latin, Roman, Italian, Spanish, Russian	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Avia	Hebrew, Greek, Roman	Unisex	Y	N	Shortlist
Basilio	Greek, Roman, Spanish, Italian, Filipino	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Bes	Egyptian, Greek, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Bithynia	Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Boethius	Latin, Greek, Roman	Male	Y	N	Shortlist
Bonifacius	Latin, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Britanni	Latin, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Caieta	Latin, Italian, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Cajetan	Italian, Latin, Roman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Cameo	Italian, Greek, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Cammylah	Latin, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Candia	Latin, Greek, Roman, Italian	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Cass	Greek, Roman, Literature	Unisex	Y	N	Shortlist
Cassia	Greek, Roman, African	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Catryne	Greek, Roman, European, English, French	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Cattarine	Greek, Roman, European	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Cecilius	Latin, Roman, Spanish, Polish	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Cesarina	Latin, Roman, Italian, Spanish	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Chandice	English, Roman, Sanskrit, Latin	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Chloris	Greek, Roman	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Cibela	Latin, Roman	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist

1 2 3 … 5 6 7 Next »

Roman names FAQs

What is the origin of the name Roman?

The name Roman originates from the Latin term "Romanus," which means "citizen of Rome." It was historically used to refer to individuals from the Roman Empire. Over time, it has become a common given name in various cultures, particularly in Slavic countries.

Does the name Roman have any religious significance?

The name Roman does not inherently have religious significance, but it is sometimes associated with the Roman Catholic Church. This is due to the historical influence of the Church in Rome and its role in Western Christianity. The name may also be chosen in honor of saints named Romanus.

Is Roman a common name?

Roman is a relatively common name in countries with Slavic influences, such as Russia, Poland, and Ukraine. It has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States. The name's popularity can vary greatly by region and culture.

Can Roman be used as both a first name and a surname?

Yes, Roman can be used as both a first name and a surname. As a first name, it is often given to boys, while as a surname, it can be found across various cultures and ethnicities. The usage as a surname often indicates ancestral ties to the Roman Empire or Rome itself.

Are there different spellings of the name Roman?

Yes, there are different spellings of the name Roman, such as Romain, which is common in French-speaking countries, and Romano, which is used in Italian. These variations reflect the phonetic and linguistic preferences of different languages and cultures. Each variant maintains a connection to the original Latin root "Romanus."

What are the diminutive or pet forms of the name Roman?

Common diminutives of the name Roman include Roma, Romi, and Romek. These pet forms are often used affectionately to refer to someone named Roman, especially in Slavic languages. They can vary by region and personal preference.

Is the name Roman gender-specific?

The name Roman is traditionally a male name. However, naming conventions can vary, and some cultures may use it for females or have female equivalents. The name's association with masculinity is largely due to its historical and cultural origins.

What are some common variations of Roman in other languages?

In other languages, common variations of Roman include Román in Spanish, Romain in French, Romano in Italian, and Romanos in Greek. These variations reflect the adaptation of the name to different linguistic systems. Each version retains a connection to the original meaning related to Rome or the Roman Empire.

Does the name Roman have any historical figures associated with it?

While the name Roman itself is not exclusively associated with any one historical figure, it does evoke the broader history of the Roman Empire and its citizens. Many individuals throughout history have borne the name Romanus or Roman, contributing to various fields such as politics, arts, and science. The name's historical association is more with the collective legacy of Rome rather than a single individual.

What is the cultural significance of the name Roman in Slavic countries?

In Slavic countries, the name Roman is culturally significant as it is widely used and often reflects a connection to the region's historical and cultural heritage. It is sometimes chosen to honor Slavic saints or historical figures named Roman. The name also symbolizes strength and the legacy of the Roman Empire, which has influenced Slavic history.