Roman Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Ancient Roman Family Names

Are you interested in the history of Roman names? Do you want to understand the meaning behind the last names of famous Romans like Caesar, Augustus, and Cicero? This article provides a comprehensive list of Roman last names, along with their detailed meanings, offering insights into the cultural and societal practices of ancient Rome. We will explore the origins of these names, their significance, and how they reflected the social hierarchy and family structures of Roman society.
1. **Aemilius:** Emulator, rival. This name was associated with the Aemilia gens, one of the most prominent patrician families in ancient Rome.

2. **Agrippa:** Born strong. Agrippa was a common Roman name, often given to children born during times of war or crisis.

3. **Albinus:** White, fair. Albinus was often used as a nickname for people with fair hair or skin.

4. **Antonius:** Priceless, valuable. Antonius was a common Roman name, associated with the Antonii gens, a prominent plebeian family.

5. **Aquilius:** Eagle. Aquilius was a Roman name that symbolized strength, power, and courage.

6. **Aurelius:** Golden. Aurelian was a name given to children who were born during a period of prosperity or good fortune.

7. **Bestia:** Beast. This name was often given to children born under the sign of the zodiac, Leo.

8. **Caecilius:** Blind. This was a common Roman name, despite its literal meaning, and it was associated with the Caecilii gens, a prominent patrician family.

9. **Caesar:** To cut, to shave. Caesar was the name of the most famous Roman emperor, Julius Caesar.

10. **Calpurnius:** Horse breeder. Calpurnius was a name associated with those who bred and raised horses.

11. **Catulus:** Puppy. This name was often given to children born in the spring or during a time of peace and tranquility.

12. **Cato:** I understand. Cato was a common Roman name, often given to children who were considered intelligent or wise.

13. **Claudius:** Lame. Claudius was a Roman name that was often used to describe someone who was strong and determined, despite any physical limitations.

14. **Cornelius:** Horn. Cornelius was a Roman name that symbolized strength, power, and masculinity.

15. **Crassus:** Thick, stout. Crassus was a common Roman name, associated with the Crassi gens, a prominent plebeian family.

16. **Curius:** Cautious, careful. Curius was a name given to children who were known for their intelligence and wisdom.

17. **Decimus:** Tenth. Decimus was a name often given to children born as the tenth child in a family.

18. **Domitius:** Tamer. Domitius was a name associated with those who were skilled in training and controlling animals, particularly horses.

19. **Fabius:** Bean. This was a common Roman name, often given to children born in the countryside.

20. **Flaccus:** Flaccid. Flaccus was a Roman name that was often used as a nickname for someone who was relaxed or easygoing.

21. **Fulvius:** Reddish-brown. Fulvius was a name often given to children with reddish-brown hair.

22. **Galba:** Lame. Galba was a Roman name that was often used to describe someone who was strong and determined, despite any physical limitations.

23. **Germanicus:** Of German origin. Germanicus was a name given to children who were born in Germania, or who had German ancestry.

24. **Gracchus:** Graceful. Gracchus was a common Roman name, associated with the Gracchi brothers, who were known for their political reforms.

25. **Horatius:** Timekeeper. Horatius was a name often given to children who were considered punctual and reliable.

26. **Julius:** Young. Julius was a Roman name associated with the Julii gens, one of the most prominent patrician families.

27. **Livius:** Livid, bluish. Livius was a Roman name that was often used to describe someone who was strong and determined, despite any physical limitations.

28. **Lucius:** Light. Lucius was a common Roman name, associated with the Luci family, a prominent patrician family.

29. **Manlius:** Having a hand. Manlius was a name often given to children who were born during a period of war or crisis.

30. **Marius:** Of Mars. Marius was a Roman name associated with the god of war, Mars.

31. **Marcellus:** Young warrior. Marcellus was a Roman name often given to children who were considered strong and brave.

32. **Maximus:** Greatest. Maximus was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be the best or the most successful.

33. **Metellus:** Metal worker. Metellus was a Roman name associated with those who worked with metals.

34. **Minucius:** To diminish. Minucius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered small or delicate.

35. **Nero:** Strong, energetic. Nero was a Roman name often given to children who were considered strong and powerful.

36. **Octavius:** Eighth. Octavius was a name often given to children born as the eighth child in a family.

37. **Pompeius:** Fruitful. Pompeius was a common Roman name, associated with the Pompeii gens, a prominent plebeian family.

38. **Publius:** Public. Publius was a common Roman name, associated with the Publii gens, a prominent patrician family.

39. **Quintius:** Fifth. Quintius was a name often given to children born as the fifth child in a family.

40. **Quintilius:** Fifth. Quintilius was a name often given to children born as the fifth child in a family.

41. **Scipio:** Staff, rod. Scipio was a Roman name often given to children who were considered intelligent and wise.

42. **Sempronius:** Always the same. Sempronius was a Roman name associated with the Sempronii gens, a prominent plebeian family.

43. **Servilius:** Servant. Servilius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered hardworking and loyal.

44. **Sextus:** Sixth. Sextus was a name often given to children born as the sixth child in a family.

45. **Silanus:** Forest. Silanus was a Roman name often given to children who were born in a wooded area.

46. **Sulla:** To plow. Sulla was a Roman name often given to children who were considered strong and hardworking.

47. **Tiberius:** From Tiber. Tiberius was a Roman name associated with the Tiber River.

48. **Titus:** Protective. Titus was a common Roman name, often given to children who were considered to be the most important or valuable.

49. **Valerius:** Strong, healthy. Valerius was a common Roman name, associated with the Valerii gens, a prominent patrician family.

50. **Varro:** Bent, crooked. Varro was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be different or unique.

51. **Verginius:** Young girl. Verginius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be innocent and pure.

52. **Vespasianus:** From Vespa. Vespasianus was a Roman name associated with the wasp, a symbol of strength and industriousness.

53. **Vettius:** Little calf. Vettius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be small or delicate.

54. **Vibius:** Live, thrive. Vibius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be energetic and lively.

55. **Vindex:** One who claims. Vindex was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be strong and determined.

56. **Virius:** Manly. Virius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be strong and masculine.

57. **Vitellius:** Vine. Vitellius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be strong and healthy.

58. **Volusius:** Rolling. Volusius was a Roman name often given to children who were considered to be playful and energetic.