Latin Last Names: A Guide to Ancient Roman Surnames

Are you looking for a unique and meaningful last name? Look no further than the rich history of ancient Roman surnames! Latin last names, also known as cognomen, were often derived from physical characteristics, occupations, or even personality traits. This list explores some of the most common and fascinating Latin last names, providing detailed insights into their origins and meanings.
1. **Aelius:** Meaning "son of Aelius", a Roman clan name.
2. **Agrippa:** Meaning "born strong" or "noble."
3. **Aulus:** Meaning "noble" or "great."
4. **Aurelius:** Meaning "golden" or "gilded."
5. **Caecilius:** Meaning "blind" or "dark-haired," likely a nickname.
6. **Caesar:** Meaning "long-haired" or "hairy," a prominent Roman clan name.
7. **Caius:** Meaning "rejoice" or "be happy," a popular Roman first name.
8. **Calpurnius:** Meaning "belonging to the Calpurnii," a Roman clan name.
9. **Camillus:** Meaning "young servant" or "assistant."
10. **Cassius:** Meaning "hollow" or "empty," possibly referring to a physical characteristic.
11. **Claudius:** Meaning "lame" or "crippled," likely a nickname.
12. **Cornelius:** Meaning "horned" or "from the horn," possibly referencing a symbol.
13. **Decimus:** Meaning "tenth" or "the tenth one," likely referring to birth order.
14. **Fabius:** Meaning "bean grower," referring to a common occupation.
15. **Flavius:** Meaning "yellow-haired" or "golden-haired."
16. **Gaius:** Same meaning as "Caius."
17. **Germanicus:** Meaning "belonging to the Germans," likely referring to a region.
18. **Horatius:** Meaning "of the hour" or "timely," possibly referencing a birth time.
19. **Julius:** Meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded," a popular Roman first name.
20. **Junius:** Meaning "young" or "born of June," possibly referencing a birth month.
21. **Lucius:** Meaning "light" or "bright," a popular Roman first name.
22. **Marcus:** Meaning "warlike" or "devoted to Mars," a popular Roman first name.
23. **Marius:** Meaning "belonging to Mars," referencing the Roman god of war.
24. **Maximus:** Meaning "greatest" or "most powerful."
25. **Messala:** Meaning "messenger" or "herald."
26. **Minucius:** Meaning "small" or "tiny," likely a nickname.
27. **Nero:** Meaning "strong" or "vigorous."
28. **Octavius:** Meaning "eighth" or "the eighth one," likely referencing birth order.
29. **Paullus:** Meaning "small" or "little," likely a nickname.
30. **Petronius:** Meaning "belonging to Petronius," a Roman clan name.
31. **Pius:** Meaning "dutiful" or "pious," possibly referencing religious beliefs.
32. **Pompeius:** Meaning "from Pompeii," referencing a specific location.
33. **Publius:** Meaning "public" or "belonging to the people."
34. **Quintus:** Meaning "fifth" or "the fifth one," likely referencing birth order.
35. **Rufus:** Meaning "red" or "red-haired."
36. **Scipio:** Meaning "stick" or "staff," possibly referencing a symbol or occupation.
37. **Sextus:** Meaning "sixth" or "the sixth one," likely referencing birth order.
38. **Silvius:** Meaning "forest" or "woods," possibly referencing a place of origin.
39. **Tiberius:** Meaning "belonging to the Tiber," referencing the river Tiber in Rome.
40. **Valerius:** Meaning "strong" or "healthy."
41. **Varro:** Meaning "warlike" or "bold," possibly referencing a personality trait.
42. **Vespasianus:** Meaning "belonging to Vespa," possibly referencing a female ancestor.
43. **Vibius:** Meaning "lively" or "vigorous," possibly referencing a personality trait.
44. **Virgil:** Meaning "green" or "verdant," possibly referencing a place of origin.
45. **Vitellius:** Meaning "belonging to Vitellia," possibly referencing a female ancestor.