220+ Roman Names & Last Names for Your Little Hero

Whether you’re a friend, a Roman, or a countryman, you might be inspired to choose a classic, Rome-inspired name for your child, a fictional character, or even yourself! Fortunately, with the help of a team of relevant experts, we’ve put together this list of popular and unique Roman names, as well as names inspired by great emperors and mythical gods. Or, if you’re just here to learn about the historical naming systems of ancient Rome, we’ve got that too. Go forth and conquer!

Popular Roman Names

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Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson suggests common Roman names like Fabius and Fabiola, which mean “bean grower.” Other popular first names for ancient Romans included Marcus, Gaius, and Titus (for boys) as well as Julia, Livia, and Octavia (for girls). Common family names included Julius and Cornelius.

Section 1 of 9:

Roman Boy Names

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The men of ancient Rome usually received names with historic Latin roots, often paying homage to cultural virtues or respected gods and heroes. Some Roman boys would also receive names that described their physical attributes or regional heritage. Here are some of our favorite (and most popular) examples of Roman boy names.
- Cassius. Means “empty” or “vain.”
- Crispin. Means “curly hair.”
- Quentin. Means “fifth.”
- Rufus. Means “red-haired.”
- Caesar. Means “hairy,” “blue-eyed,” or “bright-eyed.”
- Florian. Means “blooming” or “flourishing.”
- Horatius. Means “timekeeper.”
- Marcus. Means “warlike.”
- Martinus. Means “little Mars” or “warlike.”
- Octavian. Means “eighth.”
- Scipio. Means “staff” or “walking stick.”
- Albus. Means “white” or “bright.”
- Augustinus. Means “majestic” or “revered.”
- Caecilius. Means “blind.”
- Claudius. Means “lame” or “crippled.”
- Drusus. Means “strong” or “firm.”
- Cato. Means “wise” or “shrewd.”
- Fabius. Means “bean grower.”
- Festus. Means “joyful” or “festive.”
- Gaius. Means “rejoice.”
- Gordian. Means “complex.”
- Hardian. Means “dark” or “rich.”
- Ignatius. Means “fiery.”
- Nonus. Means “ninth.”
- Syrus. Means “foreign” or “of Syria.”
- Tacitus. Means “silent.”
- Vitus. Means “lively.”
- Amandus. Means “lovable.”
- Marius. Means “of Mars.”
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming consultant and early childhood expert who shares name meanings, naming tips, and other inspiration on social media.

Jennifer Ficarra is a name consultant who offers customizable name consultation packages with name lists, origins and explanations, aesthetic collages, and 1:1 sessions.

Julia VanderHoeven is a Greek and Roman mythology and ancient history scholar who shares content under the handle @museofmythology on Instagram.

Section 2 of 9:

Roman Girl Names

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In ancient Rome, women didn’t typically get their own personal first names. Most commonly, they would inherit their father’s family name, except in a feminized form.^{[1]
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Research source} The female name Fabiola, for instance, means “bean grower,” according to Dr. Wilson.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Expert

Expert Interview} A girl named Fabiola would likely come from a family with the last name Fabius. Here are some more examples of Roman girl names:
- Caecilia. Means “blind.”
- Claudia. Means “lame” or “limping.”
- Cornelia. Means “horn.”
- Julia. Means “youthful.”
- Lucia. Means “light.”
- Marcia. Means “warlike.”
- Marina. Means “of the sea.”
- Octavia. Means “eighth.”
- Paula. Means “small” or “humble.”
- Priscilla. Means “ancient” or “venerable.”
- Sabina. Means “of the Sabine people.”
- Agrippa. Means “wild horse.”
- Augustina. Means “majestic” or “venerable.”
- Calpurnia. Means “chalice.”
- Alba. Means “white” or “bright.”
- Camilla. Means “attendant.”
- Cassia. Means “hollow” or “cinnamon.”
- Fabiana. Means “bean grower.”
- Faustina. Means “lucky” or “fortunate.”
- Flavia. Means “golden” or “blonde.”
- Fulvia. Means “reddish-haired.”
- Hadriana. Means “of Hadria.”
- Hortensia. Means “gardener.”
- Juliana. Means “youthful.”
- Laelia. Means “well-spoken.”
- Longina. Means “long” or “tall.”
- Severina. Means “stern” or “serious.”
- Tacita. Means “silent.”
- Septima. Means “seventh.”
- Virgina. Means “pure” or “maiden.”
- Vita. Means “life.”
- Perpetua. Means “continuous.”

Section 3 of 9:

Rare & Unique Roman Names

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While most ancient Roman names sound unique to the modern ear, many names were also uncommon during the Roman Empire. Some of the rarest names were based on unique personal characteristics, like being blue-eyed (“Caeso”) or being born feet first (“Agrippa”). Other uncommon names would denote the order that a person was born amongst their siblings, such as Nona (“ninth”) or Quinta (“fifth”). Here are some more examples:
- Albina. Means “light-skinned.”
- Blandina. Means “gentle” or “charming.”
- Caius. Means “rejoice.”
- Cicero. Means “chickpea.”
- Decima. Means “tenth.”
- Drusa. Means “strong” or “steadfast.”
- Nona. Means “ninth.”
- Ovidia. Means “sheep.”
- Petronia. Means “rock” or “sturdy.”
- Publius. Means “of the people.”
- Quinta. Means “fifth.”
- Cicero. Means “chickpea.”
- Agrippa. Means “wild horse” or “born feet first.”
- Brutus. Means “heavy” or “dull.”
- Rufus. Means “red-haired.”
- Caeso. Means “blue-eyed” or “cut from the womb.”
- Pertinax. Means “persistent.”
- Vopiscus. Means “the surviving twin.”
- Nasica. Means “pointed nose.”
- Tanaquil. Means “gift of god.”
- Lavinia. Means “from Lavinium.”
- Praxedes. Means “action” or “practice.”

Section 4 of 9:

Cute or Beautiful Roman Names

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From a culture that admired youth, beauty, and constancy, there are many ancient Roman names with sweet, cute, or beautiful meanings. From virtuous names like Constantia and Pietas to nature-inspired ones like Laurentina and Silvina, here are some of the most elegant and adorable Roman names for any gender:
- Julia. Means “youthful.”
- Lucia. Means “light.”
- Lucius. Means “light.”
- Flavian. Means “golden” or “blonde.”
- Aurelius. Means “golden.”
- Aurelianus. Means “little golden one.”
- Blandinus. Means “charming” or “mild.”
- Antonina. Means “priceless” or “praiseworthy.”
- Aurelia. Means “golden.”
- Caelia. Means “heavenly.”
- Hilaria. Means “cheerful” or “joyful.”
- Laurentina. Means “laurel-crowned.”
- Lucilia. Means “little light.”
- Paulina. Means “small” or “humble.”
- Festus. Means “joyful” or “festive.”
- Gaius. Means “rejoice.”
- Salvius. Means “safe” or “unharmed.”
- Sergius. Means “protector.”
- Clementia. Means “mercy” or “gentleness.”
- Constantia. Means “constancy” or “steadfastness.”
- Faustus. Means “lucky” or “fortunate.”
- Fides. Means “faith” or “trust.”
- Pietas. Means “devotion.”
- Floriana. Means “blooming” or “flourishing.”
- Silvina. Means “of the forest or woods.”

Section 5 of 9:

Cool or Powerful Roman Names

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Strength and power were important virtues in ancient Roman life, so it’s no surprise that many Roman names come off as commanding and majestic. For a simple but powerful choice, for instance, name consultant Jennifer Ficarra recommends “Roman as a great, strong boy name…[that references] the strength of an empire.”^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Ficarra
Name Consultant

Expert Interview} Here are some other examples:
- Augusta. Means “majestic” or “venerable.”
- Livia. Means “blue,” “envious,” or “of the olive trees.”
- Martina. Means “little Mars” or “warlike.”
- Maxima. Means “greatest.”
- Maximilian. Means “greatest.”
- Pompeia. Means “solemn” or “from the fifth”
- Ursus. Means “bear.”
- Valeria. Means “strong” or “healthy.”
- Jovian. Means “of Jupiter.”
- Junius. Means “of Juno” or “youthful.”
- Lucretius. Means “wealth” or “profit.”
- Marcellus. Means “little warrior.”
- Nero. Means “strong” or “vigorous.”
- Seneca. Means “elder” or “wise.”
- Augustus. Means “majestic” or “revered.”
- Brutus. Means “heavy” or “dull.”
- Titus. Means “honorable” or “strong.”
- Drusus. Means “strong” or “firm.”
- Cato. Means “wise” or “shrewd.”
- Drusilla. Means “strong” or “steadfast.”
- Lucretia. Means “wealth” or “profit.”
- Nerva. Means “strong” or “vigorous.”
- Tullia. Means “peaceful” or “powerful.”
- Virtus. Means “courage” or “excellence.”
- Aquilina. Means “little eagle.”

Section 6 of 9:

Roman Emperor Names

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The great (and occasionally good) emperors of Rome have certainly made their marks in history, so their names still carry a powerful weight and significant meaning. From the most famed leaders like Julius Caesar to lesser-known ones like Domitian II, here are some famous names used by Roman emperors:^{[4]
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- Augustus. Means “majestic” or “venerable.”
- Caesar. Means “hairy,” “blue-eyed,” or “bright-eyed.”
- Tiberius. Means “of the Tiber.”
- Caligula. Means “little boot.”
- Claudius. Means “lame” or “crippled.”
- Nero. Means “strong” or “brave.”
- Vespasian. Means “evening-born.”
- Titus. Means “honorable” or “defender.”
- Domitian. Means “tamer” or “subduer.”
- Hadrian. Means “from Hadria.”
- Antoninus. Means “priceless” or “praiseworthy.”
- Marcus. Means “of Mars.”
- Aurelius. Means “golden” or “gilded.”
- Commodus. Means “suitable” or “obliging.”
- Septimius. Means “seventh.”
- Severus. Means “stern” or “serious.”
- Caracalla. Means “hooded tunic.”
- Diocletian. Means “glory of Zeus.”
- Constantine. Means “steadfast” or “constant.”
- Julian. Means “youthful” or “downy-bearded.”
- Galba. Means “fat” or “plump.”
- Nerva. Means “firm” or “strong.”
- Macrinus. Means “lean” or “slender.”
- Alexander. Means “defender of men.”

Section 7 of 9:

Roman Mythology Names

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If you’re looking for a dignified Roman name, where’s better to look than the pantheon of Roman gods, goddesses, and other mythological figures? For boys, you can choose a name like Castor, Janus, Remus, or Aeneas. For girls, you can choose the name of a Roman goddess—Roman mythology expert Julia VanderHoeven lists figures like Juno, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres, and Proserpina.^{[5]
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Julia VanderHoeven
Greek and Roman Mythology Expert

Expert Interview} Here are some additional ideas:^{[6]
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- Aurora. Belongs to the goddess of the dawn.
- Bellona. Belongs to the goddess of war.
- Castor. Belongs to the twin brother of Pollux, making up the Gemini twins.
- Ceres. Belongs to the goddess of grain and agriculture.
- Diana. Belongs to the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and wild animals.
- Discordia. Belongs to the goddess of strife and discord.
- Felicitas. Belongs to the goddess of good fortune and happiness.
- Fortuna. Belongs to the goddess of luck and fate.
- Hercules. Belongs to a hero known for divine strength and his Twelve Labors.
- Janus. Belongs to the god of doorways, transitions, beginnings, and endings.
- Juno. Belongs to the queen goddess of marriage and childbirth.
- Jupiter. Belongs to the king god of the sky and thunder.
- Laverna. Belongs to the goddess of thieves and deception
- Luna. Belongs to the goddess of the moon.
- Maia. Belongs to the goddess of growth and springtime.
- Minerva. Belongs to the goddess of wisdom and strategy.
- Pollux. Belongs to the twin brother of Castor, making up the Gemini twins.
- Pomona. Belongs to the goddess of fruit and orchards.
- Proserpina. Belongs to the goddess of the Underworld and spring.
- Remus. Belongs to the twin brother of Romulus, who founded Rome.
- Rhea. Belongs to the mother of all gods, who represents fertility and femininity.
- Romulus. Belongs to the founder and first king of Rome.
- Ulysses. Belongs to the hero Odysseus, who fought in the Trojan War.
- Venus. Belongs to the goddess of love and beauty.
- Victoria. Belongs to the goddess of victory.
- Apollo. Belongs to the god of light, music, and prophecy.
- Cardea. Belongs to the goddess of door hinges and thresholds.
- Deverra. Belongs to the goddess of midwives, women in labor, and temple brooms.
- Egeria. Belongs to a water nymph and goddess of childbirth.
- Aeneas. Belongs to a Trojan prince, demigod, and ancestor of the Roman people.
- Vesta. Belongs to the goddess of home and hearth.

Section 8 of 9:

Ancient Roman Second Names

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Ancient Romans typically had two last names: a nomen, or family/clan name, as well as a cognomen, which usually identified their family branch. Seneca, for instance, is the “surname of an ancient Roman family,” explains Ficarra.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Ficarra
Name Consultant

Expert Interview} Here are some other popular clan and branch names, and we’ll also explain more about Roman naming practices later on:
- Common Clan Names (Nomen):
  - Cornelius. Means “horn.”
  - Julius. Means “youthful” or “downy-bearded.”
  - Claudius. Means “lame” or “crippled.”
  - Aemilius. Means “rival” or “eager.”
  - Valerius. Means “to be strong” or “to be healthy.”
  - Antonius. Means “praiseworthy” or “priceless.”
  - Aelius. Means “sun” or “bright.”
  - Aurelius. Means “golden” or “gilded.”
  - Caecilius. Means “blind” or “dim-sighted.”
  - Cassius. Means “empty” or “vain.”
  - Flavius. Means “golden-haired” or “blonde.”
  - Sergius. Means “servant” or “protector.”
  - Tullius. Means “flowing water,” “to leap,” or “little hill.”
- Common Branch Names (Cognomen):
  - Caesar. Means “hairy,” “blue-eyed,” or “bright-eyed.”
  - Cicero. Means “chickpea.”
  - Brutus. Means “heavy” or “dull.”
  - Scipio. Means “walking stick” or “rod.”
  - Cato. Means “wise” or “astute.”
  - Nero. Means “strong” or “vigorous.”
  - Crassus. Means “thick” or “dense.”
  - Nasica. Means “sharp-nosed.”
  - Paetus. Means “one who blinks or squints.”
  - Verrucosus. Means “warty.”
  - Balbus. Means “one who stutters or lisps.”
  - Cuncator. Means “the delayer.”
  - Frugi. Means “honest” or “worthy.”
  - Bestia. Means “beast” or “brute.”
  - Cursor. Means “runner” or “swift messenger.”
  - Macer. Means “lean” or “skinny.”
  - Rusticus. Means “rural” or “rustic.”
  - Scaevola. Means “left-handed.”
- Looking for even more Roman names? Check out our unlimited Roman name generator!

Section 9 of 9:

How did Ancient Roman names work?

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Aristocratic Roman men had 3 names: praenomen, nomen, and cognomen. Their first name was known as the praenomen, with common options including Marcus, Gaius, and Lucius. Then, their second name was the nomen, or clan name, which was the traditional family name passed down to all descendants. The nomen was the most important legal identifier for high-born male Roman citizens, and it usually ended in “-ius,” like Julius or Cornelius. The third name was the cognomen, which was originally a personalized nickname or descriptor that eventually became a hereditary name indicating the branch of a person’s family (e.g., Caesar or Cicero).^{[8]
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- For example, Emperor Julius Caesar’s full name was Gaius Julius Caesar, often abbreviated as G. Julius Caesar. His praenomen is Gaius, his nomen is Julius, and his cognomen is Caesar.^{[9]
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- Some men also received an agnomen, which was an honorary name given after a major military victory or other achievement.
- Ancient Romans also used a process called filiation, so that their father’s name (and paternal lineage) was included in their own name. Typically, a male’s praenomen and nomen would be followed by f., meaning filius or “son.”^{[10]
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- What about Roman men of lower classes? Outside of the upper classes, many freeborn Roman men would still follow this tria nomina system, although some would drop or omit their cognomen, leaving them with just two names. However, during the late Roman Republic, the cognomen became more common among all classes.^{[11]
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Freeborn Roman women did not have a praenomen. Instead of a personal first name, Roman women would simply be given the feminine form of their father’s nomen (or clan name). For instance, a girl born to the Julius clan would be named Julia, while a girl born to the Cornelius clan would be named Cornelia.^{[12]
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- To differentiate between sisters in the same family, the eldest sister would be called Maior (i.e., Julia Maior), while the youngest would be called Minor (i.e., Julia Minor).
- If there were more than two sisters, they would be assigned ordinal adjectives like Prima (first), Secunda (second), Tertia (third), or Quarta (fourth).
- Later on in the Roman Empire, some families would give their daughters feminized cognomen, such as Agrippina (after Agrippa) or Metella (after Metellus).
- Ancient Roman women were also included in filiation, so their father’s name (and paternal lineage) would be included in their full legal name. Typically, a woman’s praenomen and nomen would be followed by the word filia or the abbreviation f., meaning “daughter.”^{[13]
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Enslaved people only had a praenomen, and freedmen adopted their master’s name. The enslaved people of ancient Rome would only have one personal name, usually of Greek origin (even if the individual wasn’t from Greece). Otherwise, they’d receive a name that described their own ethnic origins or a hybrid name that combined their master’s name with the suffix “-por.” For instance, an enslaved person might be named Marcipor, meaning “slave of Marcus.”^{[14]
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- If an enslaved person was freed, they would then take the praenomen and nomen of their master. Their original name would become their third name, or cognomen.