Ancient Rome Names

Posted on: February 10th, 2019by Elizabeth Henderson

The Romans are rich in culture and history. Like any ancient culture, names were used as part of the individual identity. Consequently, the meaning of a name was important for the newborn as well as the family. The Roman names were also derived from nature and their relationship with the deities. The Roman names were direct and their meanings were simple for one to understand and relate to. In this article, I will discuss the ancient Roman names, their meanings, and origins.

Antonia is a Roman name that means priceless and beautiful. It is a feminine given name. The significance of this name inspires feminine charm and beauty. Aelia is a Roman feminine given name. The name is thought to derive its meaning from the word helios, which is the Greek name for the sun. The sun is beautiful and is always shinning bright no matter the depth of the darkness. Similarly, the girl name Aelia will shine bright in her family and among her peers. Aquila is a masculine given name and it means the eagle. The popularity of this name is probably derived from the admirable attributes of the eagle. For instance, the eagle has a sharp and long eyesight; hence, it can see further than any other creature.

Augusta is the feminine form of Augustus. The name has also changed form and it exists today as Augustine. The name originates from the Latin word augere which means great. Aurelia is the female version of Aurelius. The name is derived from the Latin word aureus which means golden. The name became especially famous because of Marcus Aurelius, the great philosophical writer and emperor. Caecilia comes from the Latin word caecus which means blind. This name is mostly associated with Saint Caecilia who refused to bow to the Roman gods and for which she was made a martyr. Caecilia is not an attractive name because it is complex and its meaning is not pleasant. Similar to Caecilia is the name Cassia which originates from the Latin word cassius that means empty. Claudia comes from the Latin word claudius which means lame. The three names, Claudia, Cassia, and Caecilia, do not inspire self-confidence and self-esteem in the bearers because of their negative meanings.

Domitia comes from the Latin word domitius meaning one that has been tamed. I would not recommend this name for any new mom since it is likely to invoke thoughts of inferiority and submission in the newborn. Faustus is the male version of Fausta, which means lucky. What a great name! It confesses that the baby is born with luck and this luck is likely to follow him or her throughout their life. The name Flavia means golden haired. This is one of the Roman names that were used to appreciate the physical characteristics of the newborns. Today's mom can still use this name, especially when she bears a beautiful daughter with a yellow hair. Horatia is the feminine given name. It comes from the word hora which means time in Latin. Julius is the masculine form of the name Julia. Julius is a Roman name that means youth. The meaning of this name does not expressly explain the context under which it was used. However, it is elegant and easy to use.

Lucia is the feminine version of the name Lucius. The name means graceful. The activities of the Roman Catholic Church contributed the popularity of this name. The church honored the 4th century Saint Lucia, after which this name became common among the faithful. Maximus is a Latin name that means great. The name Porcius is derived from the Latin word porcus, the name for a pig. Names are meant to express or inspire virtues. However, this name seems to have the opposite effect. Pigs are only known for being greedy and dirty. Hence, I would not recommend this name for any new mom. Seneca is obtained from the Latin word senectus which means old. Again, the meaning of this name does not make it attractive for a new mom. The baby is supposed to be tender, young, and cute, not old. Titus comes from the word titulus which means title of honor. This name motivates character of honor and achievement.

Ceaser comes from the Latin word caesaries which means the hairy one. After the exploits and achievements of Julius Ceaser, many people wanted to identify with him; hence, the name Ceaser became a popular household name. Drusus means strong. Felix is a Roman name that means successful or lucky. Felix is a common name for baby boys because it is simple and easy to use. Moreover, it has a delightful meaning. Hilarius is obtained from the Latin word hilaris which means cheerful. This name is appropriate for children born with pleasant personalities. Junius was a common Roman name inspired by the goddess Juno. Despite its association with the goddess, this name has been used commonly for the baby boys. One of the famous bearers of this name was Brutus, the founder of the Roman Republic. Nero is a Roman name that means strong and virtuous. The Roman Nero contributed greatly to the popularity of this name because of his achievements.

Nonus is the male form of the name Nona. The name is obtained from Latin word nonus which means ninth. In the ancient Roman culture, this name would be given to the ninth child. Paula is the female form of Paulus. The name Paul was adopted from Paulus in the later years in the Roman history. Paul means humble or small. The name Paul was popularized by Saint Paul, the apostle of Christ. Vitus is the masculine version of the name Vita. In Latin, vita means life. Indeed, the baby is a marvellous embodiment of life. Moreover, the baby signifies the continuity of life. Valerius is the masculine derivative of the name Valeria. The name originates from the Latin word valere which means to be strong. Silvanus means forest of tree. This name was given to the Roman god of the forest.

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