Roman First Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional and Modern Choices

Are you looking for a unique and meaningful name for your child? Roman first names offer a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition. From classic choices like Caesar and Augustus to more modern options like Leo and Lucia, Roman names hold a timeless appeal. This list provides an in-depth look at some of the most popular and fascinating Roman first names, along with their meanings and origins. Let's dive into the world of Roman names and discover the perfect name for your little one!
1. **Aelius:** Derived from the Latin word "aelus," meaning "black" or "dark." It was also associated with the Roman god of the winds, Aelius.

2. **Aemilius:** Meaning "rival" or "emulator" in Latin. It was a prominent Roman gens (clan) known for its military prowess.

3. **Agrippa:** A Latin name meaning "born in the fields." It was a popular name for both men and women in ancient Rome.

4. **Albanus:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "from Alba Longa," an ancient city in Latium, Italy.

5. **Alexander:** Derived from the Greek words "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man), meaning "defender of mankind." A popular name throughout the Roman Empire.

6. **Antonius:** A Latin name meaning "priceless" or "valuable." It was the name of a prominent Roman gens that included the famous orator, Mark Antony.

7. **Aurelius:** A Latin name meaning "golden." It was commonly used by Roman emperors, most notably Marcus Aurelius.

8. **Augustus:** Meaning "venerable" or "sacred" in Latin. This name was bestowed upon the first Roman Emperor, Octavian.

9. **Caius:** A common Latin name meaning "rejoice" or "to be happy." It was the name of many prominent Romans, including Caius Julius Caesar.

10. **Caesar:** A Latin name derived from the Latin word "caedere," meaning "to cut" or "to kill." It was associated with the famous Roman general, Julius Caesar.

11. **Cornelius:** Meaning "horn" in Latin. It was a prominent Roman gens, known for its military and political influence.

12. **Decimus:** A Latin name meaning "tenth." It was often given to the tenth child in a family.

13. **Flavius:** Meaning "blond" or "golden" in Latin. It was a prominent Roman gens, known for its emperors, including Vespasian and Titus.

14. **Gaius:** A common Latin name meaning "rejoice" or "to be happy." It was the name of many prominent Romans, including Gaius Julius Caesar.

15. **Germanicus:** Meaning "German" in Latin. It was given to Romans with connections to the Germanic tribes.

16. **Horatius:** A Latin name meaning "from Horatii," a Roman clan known for its bravery.

17. **Julius:** A Latin name meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded." It was the name of the famous Roman general, Julius Caesar.

18. **Lucius:** A Latin name meaning "light" or "shining." It was a common name among Roman emperors, including Lucius Verus.

19. **Marcus:** A Latin name meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars." It was a common name in ancient Rome.

20. **Marius:** A Latin name meaning "of Mars," the Roman god of war. It was the name of a famous Roman general, Gaius Marius.

21. **Octavian:** A Roman name meaning "born eighth." It was the name of the first Roman Emperor, later known as Augustus.

22. **Pompeius:** A Latin name meaning "from Pompeii," an ancient Roman city.

23. **Publius:** A Latin name meaning "public" or "of the people." It was a common Roman name, often used as a prefix.

24. **Quintus:** A Latin name meaning "fifth." It was often given to the fifth child in a family.

25. **Scipio:** A Latin name meaning "staff" or "walking stick." It was the name of a prominent Roman gens known for its military prowess.

26. **Seneca:** A Latin name meaning "old" or "venerable." It was the name of a famous Roman philosopher and statesman.

27. **Septimius:** Meaning "seventh" in Latin. It was a popular name in ancient Rome, often given to the seventh child in a family.

28. **Titus:** A Latin name meaning "to suck" or "to nourish." It was a common name among Roman emperors, including Titus Flavius.

29. **Trajan:** A Latin name meaning "from Trajan," a Roman city in Spain. It was the name of a famous Roman emperor.

30. **Valerius:** A Latin name meaning "strong" or "healthy." It was a prominent Roman gens known for its military and political influence.

31. **Varro:** A Latin name meaning "warlike" or "warrior." It was the name of a famous Roman scholar and writer.

32. **Vespasian:** A Latin name meaning "wasp" or "bee." It was the name of a famous Roman emperor.

33. **Aulus:** A Latin name of uncertain origin, possibly related to the word "auctus" (increased).

34. **Cnaeus:** A Latin name meaning "young" or "youthful." It was a common name among Roman generals.

35. **Lucretia:** A Latin name meaning "light" or "shining." It was the name of a legendary Roman woman known for her virtue.

36. **Livia:** A Latin name meaning "olive tree." It was the name of the wife of Augustus Caesar.

37. **Julia:** A Latin name meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded." It was the name of the daughter of Julius Caesar.

38. **Claudia:** A Latin name meaning "lame" or "crippled." It was the name of a prominent Roman gens known for its emperors, including Claudius.

39. **Aurelia:** A Latin name meaning "golden." It was the name of the mother of Julius Caesar.

40. **Aemilia:** Meaning "rival" or "emulator" in Latin. It was the feminine form of Aemilius.

41. **Flavia:** Meaning "blond" or "golden" in Latin. It was the feminine form of Flavius.

42. **Cornelia:** Meaning "horn" in Latin. It was the feminine form of Cornelius.

43. **Valeria:** A Latin name meaning "strong" or "healthy." It was the feminine form of Valerius.

44. **Livia:** A Latin name meaning "olive tree." It was the name of the wife of Augustus Caesar.

45. **Lucia:** A Latin name meaning "light" or "shining." It was a popular name for girls in ancient Rome.

46. **Leona:** A Latin name meaning "lion." It was a popular name for girls in ancient Rome.

47. **Emilia:** A Latin name meaning "rival" or "emulator." It was a popular name for girls in ancient Rome.

48. **Aeliana:** Derived from the Latin word "aelus," meaning "black" or "dark." It was also associated with the Roman god of the winds, Aelius.

49. **Agrippa:** A Latin name meaning "born in the fields." It was a popular name for both men and women in ancient Rome.

50. **Aurelia:** A Latin name meaning "golden." It was the name of the mother of Julius Caesar.

51. **Claudia:** A Latin name meaning "lame" or "crippled." It was the name of a prominent Roman gens known for its emperors, including Claudius.

52. **Flavia:** Meaning "blond" or "golden" in Latin. It was the feminine form of Flavius.