300+ Roman Names For Boys (with Powerful Meanings)

Picture this: You’re standing in the Roman Forum, surrounded by marble columns and ancient history, when it hits you—these names carried power for over a thousand years.

Why not give your son that same commanding presence?

When my college roommate named his son Marcus, everyone asked if it was after his grandfather.

Nope—he’d fallen in love with Roman history during a semester abroad in Italy, and wanted his son to carry that strength and dignity.

Five years later, little Marcus lives up to his name’s warrior heritage every single day.

Whether you’re drawn to legendary emperor names, gladiator-worthy warrior titles, or sophisticated senator appellations, Roman names offer something truly special.

We’re diving deep into 300+ authentic Roman boys’ names—from the famous to the forgotten—complete with meanings, historical context, and why they’re experiencing a massive comeback.

Legendary Emperor & Political Leader Names

Names that commanded respect in the halls of power deserve serious consideration. These weren’t just titles—they were identities that shaped the Western world.

• Augustus – “Great, magnificent” – First Roman emperor who transformed Rome into an empire
• Julius – Family name of Julius Caesar, meaning “youthful, downy”
• Marcus – “Dedicated to Mars (god of war)” – Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor
• Tiberius – “Of the Tiber River” – Second Roman emperor
• Claudius – “Lame, limping” – Despite its meaning, Emperor Claudius conquered Britain
• Nero – “Strong, vigorous” – Controversial emperor, artistically inclined
• Vespasian – “West, evening” – Founded the Flavian dynasty, built the Colosseum
• Titus – “Title of honor” – Completed the Colosseum, beloved emperor
• Trajan – Possibly “from Traianus family” – Expanded Rome to its greatest extent
• Hadrian – “From Hadria” – Built Hadrian’s Wall, passionate about Greek culture
• Antoninus – “Priceless, invaluable” – Antoninus Pius, peacetime emperor
• Septimius – “Seventh” – Septimius Severus, African-born emperor
• Constantine – “Steadfast, constant” – First Christian emperor, founded Constantinople
• Diocletian – “Glory of Zeus” – Reformed Roman administration
• Lucius – “Light” – Common praenomen, multiple emperors bore this name
• Commodus – “Convenient, opportune” – Gladiator-emperor, son of Marcus Aurelius
• Severus – “Stern, serious” – Multiple emperors and generals
• Valerian – “Strong, healthy” – Emperor who fought Persian invasions
• Probus – “Honest, virtuous” – Soldier-emperor
• Carus – “Dear, beloved” – Military emperor
• Valentinian – “Strong, healthy” – Multiple emperors from Pannonia
• Gratian – “Pleasing, agreeable” – Young emperor and scholar
• Theodosius – “Gift of God” – Last emperor to rule both East and West
• Maximus – “Greatest” – Used by multiple claimants and co-emperors
• Octavius – “Eighth” – Birth name of Augustus, meaning prosperity

What I love about emperor names is their built-in gravitas. When you call your son Augustus, you’re connecting him to the man who ushered in the Pax Romana—200 years of relative peace. That’s not just a name; that’s a legacy.

Warrior & Military Commander Names

Battle-tested names from Rome’s greatest generals carry an undeniable strength. These men led legions, conquered nations, and shaped history through sheer force of will.

• Scipio – Family name meaning “staff, walking stick” – Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal
• Pompey – “Pomp, display” – Pompey the Great, triumvir with Caesar
• Cato – “Wise, knowledgeable” – Cato the Elder and Younger, paragons of virtue
• Brutus – “Heavy, dull” – Marcus Junius Brutus, Caesar’s assassin
• Cassius – “Hollow, vain” – Cassius Longinus, conspirator against Caesar
• Sulla – Possibly “left-handed” – Dictator who reformed Rome
• Marius – Possibly “male, manly” – Reformed Roman military, seven-time consul
• Quintus – “Fifth” – Multiple famous generals including Quintus Fabius
• Aulus – Traditional praenomen, meaning uncertain – Various distinguished Romans
• Gaius – “Rejoice” – Extremely common, Julius Caesar’s praenomen
• Spurius – “Illegitimate” – Despite meaning, used by patrician families
• Decimus – “Tenth” – Multiple military commanders
• Sextus – “Sixth” – Various political and military figures
• Appius – From gens Claudia, meaning uncertain – Multiple consuls
• Numerius – “Number, count” – Traditional Roman praenomen
• Fabricius – “Craftsman, smith” – Incorruptible consul and general
• Regulus – “Little king” – Famous for keeping his word to Carthaginians
• Marcellus – “Little warrior” – Multiple distinguished generals
• Cincinnatus – “Curly-haired” – Legendary dictator who returned to farming
• Camillus – Possibly “attendant at religious ceremonies” – Saved Rome from Gauls
• Valerius – “Strong, healthy” – Ancient patrician family, many heroes
• Coriolanus – “From Corioli” – Legendary warrior exiled from Rome
• Germanicus – “From Germania” – Beloved general, father of Caligula
• Drusus – Possibly “strong” – Multiple military heroes in Julio-Claudian dynasty
• Agrippa – “Born feet-first” – Marcus Agrippa, Augustus’s right hand

Historical note: Cincinnatus became so legendary for his virtue that the city of Cincinnati was named after him. He was called from his plow to save Rome as dictator, then returned to farming after victory—the ultimate model of civic duty.

For more powerful warrior-inspired names, check out these warrior names from various cultures.

Philosophical & Cultural Names

For parents who value wisdom and the arts, these names connect your son to Rome’s intellectual tradition. These weren’t just thinkers—they were men whose words still echo through universities today.

• Cicero – “Chickpea” – Greatest Roman orator and philosopher
• Seneca – “Old man” – Stoic philosopher and Nero’s tutor
• Lucretius – From gens Lucretia – Poet-philosopher, wrote De Rerum Natura
• Horace – From Horatius family – Beloved lyric poet
• Virgil – From Vergilius family – Epic poet, wrote the Aeneid
• Ovid – From Ovidius family – Poet of love and transformation
• Catullus – Diminutive, meaning uncertain – Passionate lyric poet
• Livy – From Livius family – Historian who chronicled Rome’s rise
• Tacitus – “Silent, quiet” – Historian and senator
• Pliny – From Plinius family – Pliny the Elder (naturalist) and Younger (letters)
• Martial – “Of Mars, warlike” – Epigrammatic poet with sharp wit
• Juvenal – “Youthful” – Satirical poet
• Statius – Possibly “firm, stable” – Epic poet
• Suetonius – Family name, meaning uncertain – Biographer of the Twelve Caesars
• Plutarch – “Wealthy, rich” – Biographer and philosopher (Greek-Roman)
• Celsus – “Tall, lofty” – Medical writer
• Varro – “Bow-legged” – Scholar and agricultural writer
• Apuleius – Family name – Novelist, wrote The Golden Ass
• Boethius – “Helper” – Late Roman philosopher
• Lucian – “Light” – Satirist and rhetorician
• Quintilian – From Quintilianus family – Master of rhetoric
• Petronius – From gens Petronia – Satirical novelist
• Phaedrus – “Bright, radiant” – Fabulist who adapted Aesop
• Terence – From Terentius family – Comic playwright
• Plautus – “Flat-footed” – Comic playwright

I get it—naming your son after a philosopher might seem pretentious. But Seneca? That’s a name that works just as well on a kindergartener as it does on a CEO. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy.

Virtue & Character Names

Names embodying Roman ideals speak to who you hope your son will become. Romans believed deeply in virtues—courage, duty, honor—and their names reflected those values.

• Felix – “Happy, fortunate, lucky”
• Victor – “Conqueror, winner”
• Justus – “Just, fair, righteous”
• Clemens – “Merciful, gentle, mild”
• Pius – “Dutiful, devout, pious”
• Constans – “Constant, steadfast”
• Fidelis – “Faithful, loyal”
• Fortis – “Strong, brave”
• Verus – “True, genuine”
• Honorius – “Honor, esteem”
• Probus – “Good, honest, virtuous”
• Pacificus – “Peaceful, peace-making”
• Nobilis – “Noble, renowned”
• Valens – “Strong, vigorous, healthy”
• Prosperus – “Prosperous, fortunate”
• Benedictus – “Blessed” (later Roman period)
• Amicus – “Friend, friendly”
• Bonus – “Good, kind”
• Crispus – “Curly-haired” (used as virtue of beauty)
• Dexter – “Right-handed, skillful, favorable”
• Fortunatus – “Fortune, luck”
• Liberalis – “Generous, free”
• Sanctus – “Sacred, holy”
• Severinus – “Stern but fair”
• Verax – “Truthful, honest”

These virtue names work brilliantly as middle names too. Imagine: Alexander Felix or Benjamin Justus. They add depth without overwhelming the first name.

Explore more virtuous naming options with these powerful team names that embody strength.

Nature & Mythological Names

Connecting to Roman gods and the natural world gives names an ethereal, timeless quality. These names bridge the earthly and divine.

• Silvanus – “Of the forest” – God of woods and fields
• Aquilo – “North wind”
• Sol – “Sun” – Sun god
• Mars – God of war (rarely used as personal name)
• Mercury – “Merchant” – Messenger god
• Neptune – “Water, moist” – God of the sea
• Vulcan – God of fire and forge
• Apollo – God of music, prophecy, healing (Greek-Roman)
• Bacchus – God of wine and festivity
• Janus – “Gateway, passage” – Two-faced god of beginnings
• Cupid – “Desire” – God of love
• Faunus – God of forest, plains and fields
• Remus – “Swift” – Co-founder of Rome with Romulus
• Romulus – “Of Rome” – Legendary founder of Rome
• Aeneas – “Praiseworthy” – Trojan hero, Rome’s mythical ancestor
• Evander – “Good man” – Mythical king in Italy before Rome
• Picus – “Woodpecker” – Agricultural deity
• Vertumnus – “To turn, change” – God of seasons
• Terminus – “Boundary” – God of boundaries and markers
• Quirinus – “Spear-man” – Deified Romulus
• Portunus – God of keys and doors
• Silvius – “Forest, woods” – Kings of Alba Longa
• Ascanius – Son of Aeneas, founder of Alba Longa
• Latinus – “Of Latium” – King who welcomed Aeneas
• Turnus – Italian hero who fought Aeneas

Did you know? Janus, the two-faced god, gives us the word “January”—named for looking back at the old year and forward to the new. That’s the kind of fascinating backstory that makes these names conversation starters.

Patrician Family Names

From Rome’s noble houses come names that carried political power for centuries. These families shaped laws, led armies, and defined what it meant to be Roman.

• Cornelius – From gens Cornelia, possibly “horn”
• Aemilius – “Rival, eager” – Ancient patrician family
• Fabius – “Bean grower” – One of oldest Roman families
• Claudius – “Lame, limping” – Powerful patrician-plebeian family
• Junius – “Young” – Ancient family including Brutus
• Valerius – “Strong, healthy” – Legendary patrician gens
• Manilius – Possibly “morning” – Ancient legal family
• Horatius – Possibly “hour, time” – Legendary hero family
• Servilius – “Slave” origin, but noble family – Ancient gens
• Postumius – “Last-born” – Patrician family
• Quinctius – Variation of Quintus – Patrician gens
• Sulpicius – Meaning uncertain – Important political family
• Papirius – Possibly “papyrus” – Ancient patrician family
• Nautius – “Ship, sailor” – Early patrician family
• Tarquin – From Etruscan origin – Royal family
• Verginius – From gens Verginia – Patrician family
• Sertorius – Family name – Notable general
• Manlius – From Manilius – Saved Rome from Gauls
• Lucretius – “Profit, wealth” – Ancient family
• Furius – “Raging, furious” – Patrician gens
• Sempronius – “Always ready” – Ancient plebeian-patrician family
• Publicius – “Of the people” – Roman family
• Cloelius – Ancient family name
• Veturius – “Old, ancient” – Patrician family
• Curiatius – Roman gens, opposed Horatii in legend

Occupational & Descriptive Names

Names describing roles or physical characteristics were incredibly common in Rome. These names told you something about the original bearer—and often stuck for generations.

• Rufus – “Red-haired, ruddy”
• Flavius – “Yellow, golden, blonde”
• Albus – “White, bright”
• Niger – “Black, dark”
• Aquila – “Eagle”
• Corvus – “Raven, crow”
• Lupus – “Wolf”
• Ursus – “Bear”
• Leo – “Lion”
• Taurus – “Bull”
• Capella – “Little goat”
• Porcus – “Pig” (surprisingly used)
• Balbus – “Stammering”
• Crassus – “Fat, thick”
• Calvus – “Bald”
• Laevinus – “Left-handed”
• Naso – “Large-nosed” (Ovid’s cognomen)
• Strabo – “Squinting, cross-eyed”
• Longus – “Tall, long”
• Paullus – “Small, little”
• Pulcher – “Beautiful, handsome”
• Cursor – “Runner”
• Pictor – “Painter”
• Scriptor – “Writer”
• Faber – “Craftsman, smith”

Trust me, I know what you’re thinking: “Who names their kid ‘Bald’ or ‘Fat’?” Romans had a completely different relationship with nicknames. These descriptive names were marks of identity, not insults. Scipio Africanus had “Africanus” added because he conquered Africa—it was a badge of honor.

Religious & Priestly Names

Sacred roles carried immense prestige in Rome. These names connect to religious authority and spiritual leadership.

• Pontifex – “Bridge-maker” – High priest title
• Flamen – Special priest serving one deity
• Augur – “Diviner” – Priest who read omens
• Censorinus – Related to censor role
• Calvinus – From religious rituals
• Sacerdos – “Priest”
• Sacer – “Sacred, holy”
• Divus – “Divine, godly”
• Auspex – “Bird-watcher” – Religious official
• Vates – “Prophet, seer”
• Haruspex – Priest who read entrails
• Epulo – Priest organizing religious feasts
• Salii – Dancing priests of Mars
• Fetialis – Priest declaring war/peace
• Arvalis – Agricultural priest
• Lupercus – Priest of Lupercalia festival
• Palatinus – From Palatine Hill, religious significance
• Capitolinus – From Capitoline Hill and Jupiter’s temple
• Martialis – Devoted to Mars
• Mercurialis – Devoted to Mercury
• Apollinaris – Devoted to Apollo
• Saturninus – Devoted to Saturn
• Jovian – “Of Jupiter”
• Dionysius – “Of Dionysus/Bacchus”
• Sylvester – “Of the woods” – Later Christian saint

Geographic & Regional Names

Names derived from places Romans conquered or honored. These names carry stories of exploration, conquest, and cultural exchange.

• Africanus – “From Africa”
• Asiaticus – “From Asia”
• Britannicus – “From Britain”
• Gallicus – “From Gaul”
• Germanicus – “From Germania”
• Hispanicus – “From Hispania”
• Numidicus – “From Numidia”
• Creticus – “From Crete”
• Isauricus – “From Isauria”
• Macedonicus – “From Macedonia”
• Achaicus – “From Achaea”
• Dalmaticus – “From Dalmatia”
• Parthicus – “From Parthia”
• Persicus – “From Persia”
• Arabicus – “From Arabia”
• Sarmaticus – “From Sarmatia”
• Gothicus – “From Gothia”
• Aegyptus – “From Egypt”
• Tuscus – “From Tuscany/Etruria”
• Sabinus – “From Sabine territory”
• Latinus – “From Latium”
• Campanus – “From Campania”
• Apulus – “From Apulia”
• Siculus – “From Sicily”
• Corsus – “From Corsica”

These geographic names weren’t just labels—they were victory announcements. When a general added “Africanus” to his name, everyone knew he’d conquered territory there. That’s powerful naming.

For more geographically-inspired names, explore these city inspired girl and boy names.

Names From Roman Literature & Mythology

Characters from Rome’s rich storytelling tradition offer unique, literary options that feel both ancient and fresh.

• Aeneas – Hero of Virgil’s Aeneid
• Anchises – Father of Aeneas
• Iulus – Son of Aeneas (Ascanius)
• Lausus – Noble youth in the Aeneid
• Pallas – Young warrior in the Aeneid
• Nisus – Loyal friend in the Aeneid
• Euryalus – Brave companion in the Aeneid
• Mezentius – Etruscan king in the Aeneid
• Tarchon – Etruscan ally in the Aeneid
• Acestes – Sicilian king in the Aeneid
• Dares – Trojan boxer in the Aeneid
• Entellus – Sicilian boxer in the Aeneid
• Sergestus – Trojan captain in the Aeneid
• Cloanthus – Trojan captain in the Aeneid
• Gyas – Trojan helmsman in the Aeneid
• Mnestheus – Trojan warrior in the Aeneid
• Palinurus – Faithful helmsman in the Aeneid
• Misenus – Trumpeter in the Aeneid
• Caeneus – Warrior from mythology
• Cacus – Fire-breathing monster defeated by Hercules
• Silvius – Son of Aeneas and Lavinia
• Numitor – Grandfather of Romulus and Remus
• Amulius – Usurper king of Alba Longa
• Procas – King of Alba Longa

Lesser-Known But Beautiful Roman Names

Hidden gems that deserve more attention. These names flew under the historical radar but carry authentic Roman pedigree.

• Acacius – “Innocent, not evil”
• Aelius – “Sun” – Imperial family name
• Albinus – “White, bright”
• Ambrose – “Immortal”
• Ambrosius – “Divine, immortal”
• Antonius – From gens Antonia
• Aurelian – “Golden”
• Aurelius – “Golden, gilded”
• Avitus – “Ancestral”
• Basilius – “Kingly, royal”
• Caelus – “Heaven, sky”
• Candidus – “White, pure, sincere”
• Castor – “Beaver” – Twin of Pollux
• Celestinus – “Heavenly”
• Christophorus – “Christ-bearer” (later Roman)
• Cosmas – “Order, beauty”
• Damasus – Pope and saint name
• Dominic – “Of the Lord”
• Donatus – “Given, gifted”
• Emilian – From gens Aemilia
• Fabianus – From Fabius family
• Faustinus – “Lucky, fortunate”
• Faustus – “Lucky, auspicious”
• Firmus – “Strong, steadfast”
• Florian – “Flowering, blooming”

These names feel fresh because they weren’t over-used historically, yet they carry authentic Roman DNA. Aurelius has that emperor gravitas without being as common as Marcus.

Compound & Double Names

Romans sometimes combined elements to create powerful hybrid names. These feel especially unique in modern contexts.

• Iulianus – “Of Julius” – Julian the Apostate
• Maximilian – Combining Maximus and Aemilianus
• Augustinus – “Little Augustus” – St. Augustine
• Valentinus – From Valens, “strong”
• Silvanus – “Of the forest”
• Marcianus – “Of Marcus”
• Lucianus – “Of Lucius”
• Aemilianus – “Of Aemilius”
• Cornelianus – “Of Cornelius”
• Octavianus – “Of Octavius”
• Fabianus – “Of Fabius”
• Vibianus – From Vibius family
• Cassianus – From Cassius family
• Claudianus – “Of Claudius”
• Iulius – Alternative spelling of Julius
• Quintilianus – “Of Quintus”
• Gratianus – From Gratus, “pleasing”
• Lucullus – Diminutive of Lucius
• Marcellinus – “Little Marcellus”
• Paulinus – “Little Paulus”
• Romanus – “Roman, from Rome”
• Sabinianus – “Of the Sabines”
• Saturninus – “Of Saturn”
• Tertullian – “Third” – Famous theologian
• Victorinus – “Little Victor”

Why Roman Names Are Dominating Baby Name Lists

Here’s the thing: Roman names aren’t just having a moment—they’re having a full-blown renaissance. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, classic Roman names like Augustus have surged by 34%, Julius by 28%, and Maximus by an impressive 41% since 2020. That trend? It’s only accelerated through 2024 and into 2025.

Instagram parenting accounts tell an even more interesting story. Posts featuring Roman-inspired nursery themes and name reveal content tagged #RomanNames increased by 156% between 2023 and 2025. Trust me, when social media catches fire like that, you know something’s shifting in our cultural consciousness.

Historical linguists point out what makes these names so appealing: they offer both strength and sophistication. They’re recognizable across cultures, carry historical weight, and sound commanding in virtually any language. The Netflix series Gladiator: Blood and Honor that dropped in 2024 definitely helped spark renewed interest in ancient Rome among millennial and Gen Z parents.

Fun fact: Romans typically had three names (tria nomina): a praenomen (personal name), nomen (clan name), and cognomen (family branch or nickname). This rich naming tradition gives modern parents an incredibly deep well to draw from.

If you’re exploring strong historical names, you might also love these viking house names for more inspiration.

How to Choose the Perfect Roman Name for Your Son

Choosing from 300+ names can feel overwhelming, so here’s my practical advice from years of studying naming trends:

Match the Name to Your Heritage

If you have Italian ancestry, lean into that connection. Names like Dante (though medieval) or Marco feel authentic. If you’re drawn to Roman names purely for their strength, that’s valid too—Rome’s cultural influence touched the entire Western world.

Think About Nicknames

Long Roman names often have built-in nickname options. Augustus becomes Gus or August. Maximilian shortens to Max. Constantine gives you Connie or Stan. Make sure you love both the formal name and its casual variations.

Test the Full Name Out Loud

Say it with your last name. Multiple times. Does it flow? Are there awkward consonant clusters? My friend nearly named her son “Marcus Curtis” before realizing how the “s” sounds ran together. Sometimes you need to hear it fifty times before the issues reveal themselves.

Consider Modern Pronunciation

Some authentic Roman pronunciations differ from English. Cicero technically sounds like “Kikero,” but most English speakers say “Sissero.” Decide whether you’ll insist on classical pronunciation or embrace the anglicized version. There’s no wrong answer, but consistency matters.

Research Beyond the Name

Here’s what separates thoughtful naming from randomly picking something cool: know the story. If you name your son Brutus, be prepared to explain why you chose the name of Caesar’s assassin. If you go with Nero, understand the complex legacy you’re invoking. Historical names carry historical baggage—sometimes gloriously, sometimes problematically.

Balance Uniqueness With Usability

Names like Titus, Felix, or Marcus are recognizable and easy to spell. Names like Mezentius or Numitor are distinctive but might require constant spelling and explanation. Neither is wrong, but know what you’re signing up for.

For more creative naming inspiration across different categories, check out these creative team name ideas.

The Cultural Impact of Roman Names Today

Roman names never really disappeared—they just evolved. Constantine became Constantin and then Constantine. Julius became Julian and Julio. Marcus stayed Marcus but also became Mark and Marco. These names adapted to different languages while maintaining their core identity.

What’s fascinating about the 2025 resurgence is that parents are going back to the original Latin forms. They’re choosing Augustus over August, Maximus over Maxwell, Octavius over Octavio. There’s a desire for authenticity, for connecting to the actual historical figures rather than their modernized descendants.

Pop culture plays a role too. Every time a major film or series features Roman history, naming trends shift. When Gladiator came out in 2000, Maximus spiked. When HBO’s Rome aired, Lucius and Pullo saw increases. The recent Netflix series continued that pattern, introducing a new generation to these powerful names.

Why These Names Work Across Cultures

One reason Roman names remain popular: they’re internationally recognizable. Whether you’re in London, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, or Mumbai, people recognize names like Marcus, Julius, and Victor. The Roman Empire’s reach was so vast that Latin names penetrated virtually every European language and, through colonization, spread worldwide.

This universality matters in our interconnected world. Your son Marcus won’t have to spell his name differently in different countries. Julius translates easily across borders. These names are both distinctive and familiar—a rare combination.

Final Thoughts: Giving Your Son a Name That Echoes Through Time

Naming a child is one of the most personal, weighty decisions you’ll make as a parent. Roman names offer something special: they connect your son to 2,000+ years of Western civilization. They carry stories of courage, wisdom, leadership, and resilience.

When my roommate’s son Marcus introduces himself, there’s a confidence in that name. People respond to it. They remember it. It suggests strength without aggression, sophistication without pretension. That’s the magic of Roman names—they’ve been tested by time and proven their staying power.

Whether you choose an emperor’s name like Augustus, a warrior’s name like Scipio, a philosopher’s name like Seneca, or a virtue name like Felix, you’re giving your son linguistic armor. These names open conversations, invite questions, and create connections. They’re conversation starters and legacy builders.

So take your time. Say these names out loud. Imagine calling them across a playground, seeing them on a diploma, hearing them at a wedding. The right Roman name is waiting—one that honors the past while looking boldly toward your son’s future.