Roman baby names might’ve peaked nearly 2,500 years ago, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be used today. In fact, many parents today use Roman baby names as inspiration for their child’s name.
Just take one look at the name Roman, which was the 66th most popular boy’s name in the US last year (2023) and was given to an estimated 4,777 babies, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration.
While it hasn’t always been popular in the US and it didn’t crack the SSA’s top 300 until 2001, it has lived inside the top 100 every year since 2016 and it’s currently positioned higher than it has ever been before.
RELATED: 50 Ancient Roman Baby Names for Boys, Emperors, & Future Gladiators
The name Roman is derived from the Latin name Romanus and means “from Rome” or “a member of the Roman Empire”. Other ways to spell the name include Romain, Romen, Romyn, Romane, and Rowmin.
You could also go with a variant or nickname for Roman, such as Romilly, Romeo, Romano, or Romy. And while it’s technically not a Roman baby name, the name Rowan is close enough that it still works.
But if you’re looking for something a little more unique and meaningful, then look no further than the many gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines that the ancient Romans worshiped nearly 2,500 years ago.
Roman baby names influenced by Roman gods
Roman mythology originated from the early religious practices of ancient Romans, which centered around the worship of nature spirits, ancestral deities, and divine personifications of natural elements and virtues.
As the ancient Romans expanded their territory, they came into contact with other cultures, primarily the Greeks, but also the Etruscans, Persians, and Egyptians, and began to adopt some of their traditions.
For example, the Dii Consentes (12 most important dieties) in Roman mythology are considered the equivalents of the Olympians in Greek mythology, but with different names (except for the god Apollo).
With that said, let’s take a look at 20 Roman baby names for boys inspired by powerful Roman gods.
20. Apollo
Origin: Apollo is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Apollo is derived from the Greek name Apollon, possibly related to the Greek word apollymi, meaning “to destroy,” or it may have roots in apelo, meaning “strength.”
Roman Mythology: Apollo, one of the few gods retained directly from Greek mythology, was the Roman god of the sun, music, poetry, healing, and prophecy. He represented light and truth, and his oracles were highly sought for guidance. As the twin brother of Diana, he symbolized a harmonious balance between art and reason.
19. Jupiter
Origin: Jupiter is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Jupiter is derived from the Latin words Iuppiter, combining Iovis (meaning “sky father” or “god”) and pater (meaning “father”).
Roman Mythology: Jupiter, known as the king of the gods in Roman mythology, was associated with the sky, thunder, and lightning. He was considered the protector of Rome, ruling over law and order. His Greek equivalent is Zeus, and he was worshiped as a powerful deity with the capacity to influence the fates of gods and men.
18. Mars
Origin: Mars is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Mars is believed to be based on the older Latin word Mavors, meaning “to shine” or “to fight.”
Roman Mythology: Mars was the Roman god of war, revered as a symbol of military power and strength. Unlike his Greek counterpart Ares, Mars also embodied agricultural fertility, representing Rome’s early ties to farming. He was considered a father figure to Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.
17. Mercury
Origin: Mercury is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Mercury is derived from the Latin word Mercurius, which relates to merx (meaning “goods” or “merchandise”) and mercari (meaning “to trade”).
Roman Mythology: Mercury was the Roman god of commerce, communication, and travel, serving as a messenger for the gods. He was known for his cunning and quick-witted nature, often depicted with winged sandals. He guided souls to the underworld and was associated with both wealth and trade.
16. Neptune
Origin: Neptune is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Neptune is derived from the Latin word Neptunus and is potentially connected to the Indo-European root nebh- meaning “wet” or “cloud.”
Roman Mythology: Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, was responsible for the ocean’s vastness and the temperamental power of water. As a brother of Jupiter and Pluto, he shared dominion over the world, ruling the sea with a trident in hand. He was often invoked by sailors seeking safe passage.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ancient Roman Names for Babies Born Today
15. Vulcan
Origin: Vulcan is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Vulcan is derived from Vulcanus, which can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word welk, meaning “fire” or “to burn.”
Roman Mythology: Vulcan was the Roman god of fire, metalworking, and craftsmanship. As the blacksmith of the gods, he forged powerful weapons and armor for them. He represented both destructive fire, such as volcanoes, and the creative force behind tools and technology, highlighting the dual nature of fire.
14. Quirinus
Origin: Quirinus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Quirinus is derived from the Latin word quiris, meaning “spear” or “wielder.”
Roman Mythology: Quirinus was a Roman god associated with the community and civic unity, later identified with the deified Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder. He was a protector of the Roman state and was venerated alongside Jupiter and Mars as one of the Capitoline Triad in early Roman worship.
13. Portunus
Origin: Portunus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Portunus is derived from portus, meaning “harbor” or “port.”
Roman Mythology: Portunus was the Roman god of harbors, keys, and gates. He was particularly important to those relying on waterways and trade. Celebrated during the festival of Portunalia, he ensured the safety of travelers and the proper functioning of ports and crossings.
12. Volturnus
Origin: Volturnus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Volturnus is derived from the Latin word volvere, meaning “to roll” or “to turn.”
Roman Mythology: Volturnus was a Roman river god associated with the Tiber and other Italian rivers. He represented the natural and sometimes unpredictable flow of water. Volturnalia, his festival, was celebrated to honor the life-giving qualities of rivers that nourished Rome’s lands.
11. Janus
Origin: Janus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Janus is derived from the Latin ianua, meaning “door” or “gateway.”
Roman Mythology: Janus was the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and doorways, symbolizing duality with his two faces. He presided over the start and end of conflicts, as well as changes in life, making him an important figure in times of war and peace.
10. Saturn
Origin: Saturn is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Saturn is derived from Saturnus, possibly connected to the Latin word satus, meaning “sowing” or “seed.”
Roman Mythology: Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture, time, and wealth, revered for bringing the knowledge of farming and the concept of civilization to mankind. He ruled over the Golden Age of prosperity and abundance, and his festival, Saturnalia, became a time of feasting and social reversal.
9. Genius
Origin: Genius is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Genius is derived from the Latin genius, referring to a guardian spirit or divine nature inherent in each person or place.
Roman Mythology: Genius was considered a personal deity or spirit that watched over individuals and places, guiding their destiny. Every man had a personal Genius, and every woman a Juno, representing their innate power and potential. The concept was central to Roman beliefs about fate and divine guardianship.
8. Sol
Origin: Sol is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Sol is derived from the Latin word sol, meaning “sun.”
Roman Mythology: Sol was the Roman personification of the sun, representing warmth, light, and the life-giving energy that sustained all living beings. Although less prominent than Apollo, Sol held an essential role in Roman religious practices, particularly in the cult of Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun.”
7. Orcus
Origin: Orcus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Orcus is derived from Latin, referring to the Roman god of the underworld and punisher of broken oaths, associate
Roman Mythology: Orcus was a Roman god of the underworld, associated with the punishment of the wicked and the guardian of oaths. He represented a darker aspect of death compared to Pluto, focusing on retribution and the binding nature of promises made during life.
6. Liber
Origin: Liber is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Liber is derived from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.”
Roman Mythology: Liber was the Roman god of fertility, wine, and freedom, often equated with the Greek Dionysus. He was worshiped for his power over growth, particularly in agriculture and viticulture. His festival, Liberalia, celebrated the transition of boys into adulthood.
RELATED: 40+ Roman Baby Names Inspired By Ancient Roman Culture & Mythology
5. Honos
Origin: Honos is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Honos is derived from the Latin word honor, meaning “honor” or “esteem.”
Roman Mythology: Honos was the Roman god of honor, chivalry, and military virtue. He embodied the values of respect, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence, especially among soldiers and leaders. Often depicted with symbols of military achievement like a spear or a laurel wreath, he was worshiped alongside Virtus, the goddess of bravery.
4. Vediovis
Origin: Vediovis is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Vediovis is derived from the Latin prefix ve- meaning “negative” or “lacking,” and Iovis, referring to Jupiter.
Roman Mythology: Vediovis was a mysterious Roman god whose nature remains debated, sometimes considered an underworld deity or an early form of Jupiter. He was associated with healing and protection from harm, and his temples were often located in significant areas within Rome.
3. Summanus
Origin: Summanus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Summanus is derived from the Latin words summus (meaning “highest”) and manus (meaning “hand” or “power”).
Roman Mythology: Summanus was the Roman god of nighttime thunder, contrasting with Jupiter’s association with daytime storms. He represented the powerful and ominous forces of the night sky, with his offerings and rituals taking place in the darker hours.
2. Vortumnus
Origin: Vortumnus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Vortumnus is derived from the Latin word vertere, meaning “to turn” or “to change.”
Roman Mythology: Vortumnus, or Vertumnus, was the Roman god of seasons, change, and plant growth. He symbolized the cycles of nature, ensuring that crops ripened at the right time. He was particularly honored by gardeners and farmers for his influence over the bounty of the earth.
1. Vejovis
Origin: Vejovis is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Vejovis is derived from ve- meaning “negative” or “opposite” and Jovis, related to Jupiter, signifying a lesser or alternative form of the god. It’s another way of spelling Vediovis.
Roman Mythology: Vejovis was a Roman god considered an ancient deity of healing and protection. Often depicted with a goat, he was invoked to ward off illness and misfortune. Some traditions view him as a youthful counterpart (or antithesis) to Jupiter, embodying a protective aspect for the city of Rome.
Roman baby names influenced by Roman goddesses
Where most Roman gods were known for their strength, power, dominance, and authority, Roman goddesses were more often connected to fertility, family, domestic spaces, agriculture, and the home.
For example, Juno, the queen of the gods and the consort of Jupiter, was the protector of marriage and childbirth, and the guardian of Roman women. She was also considered a protector of the Roman state.
Yet, some goddesses like Minerva broke this mold by embodying wisdom, strategic warfare, and crafts, which highlighted the nuanced roles Roman mythology assigned to divine figures of different genders.
With that said, here are 20 other Roman baby names inspired by Roman goddesses for your baby girl.
20. Ceres
Origin: Ceres is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Ceres is derived from the Latin word ceres, meaning “to grow” or “to create.”
Roman Mythology: Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, closely associated with the nurturing of crops and the harvest. She was revered for her role in providing food and sustenance, and her worship included rituals to ensure the prosperity of Roman farmlands.
19. Diana
Origin: Diana is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Diana is derived from the Latin word divius, meaning “divine.”
Roman Mythology: Diana was the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature. As a protector of wild animals and young women, she was often depicted with a bow and arrow. She was also considered a guardian of childbirth and a symbol of independence and strength.
18. Juno
Origin: Juno is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Juno is derived from the Latin word iuvenis, meaning “youthful” or “vitality.”
Roman Mythology: Juno was the queen of the Roman gods, the goddess of marriage, childbirth, and the protector of the Roman state. As the wife of Jupiter, she represented loyalty and devotion, and her festival, Matronalia, honored her role as the guardian of women and marriage.
17. Minerva
Origin: Minerva is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Minerva is derived from mens, the Latin word for “mind” or “intellect.”
Roman Mythology: Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, representing strategic warfare and knowledge. She was the patroness of artisans, teachers, and doctors, and her influence extended over all intellectual pursuits. Her Greek counterpart is Athena.
16. Venus
Origin: Venus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Venus is derived from the Latin word venus, meaning “love” or “desire.”
Roman Mythology: Venus was the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, revered as the bringer of charm and desire. She played a key role in Roman mythology as the mother of Aeneas, the legendary ancestor of the Romans, linking her to Rome’s origins and divine destiny.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Powerful & Inspiring Goddess Names Inspired By Greek, Roman, and Hindu Mythology
15. Vesta
Origin: Vesta is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Vesta is derived from hestia, the Greek word for “hearth” or “home.”
Roman Mythology: Vesta was the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family. Her eternal flame, tended by the Vestal Virgins, symbolized the stability and unity of the Roman household and state. She represented the warmth and sanctity of domestic life.
14. Carmentis
Origin: Carmentis is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Carmentis is derived from carmen, meaning “song” or “prophecy.”
Roman Mythology: Carmentis, also known as Carmenta, was a Roman goddess of childbirth and prophecy. She was believed to be able to see into the future and was invoked during childbirth for a safe delivery. Her festival, Carmentalia, was celebrated by Roman women.
13. Flora
Origin: Flora is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Flora is derived from the Latin word flos, meaning “flower.”
Roman Mythology: Flora was the Roman goddess of flowers, spring, and youthful vitality. She symbolized the blooming of plants and the renewal of nature. Her festival, Floralia, marked the arrival of spring and celebrated the abundance of blossoms.
12. Palatua
Origin: Palatua is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Palatua is derived from the Latin word palatium, meaning “palace” or “hill.”
Roman Mythology: Palatua was a lesser-known Roman goddess responsible for the protection of the Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. She symbolized the safety and sanctity of this central part of the city, highlighting its importance in Rome’s early history.
11. Luna
Origin: Luna is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Luna is derived from the Latin word luna, meaning “moon.”
Roman Mythology: Luna was the Roman goddess of the moon, embodying its phases and influence over time. She represented the cyclical nature of life and was often depicted riding a chariot across the night sky. Her Greek equivalent is Selene.
10. Pomona
Origin: Pomona is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Pomona is derived from the Latin word pomum, meaning “fruit” or “apple.”
Roman Mythology: Pomona was the Roman goddess of fruit trees, orchards, and gardens. Unlike other nature deities, she focused specifically on the cultivation and ripening of fruit. Her role was essential to the agricultural life of the Romans, ensuring plentiful harvests.
9. Furrina
Origin: Furrina is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Furrina is derived from furia, meaning “fury” or “rage.”
Roman Mythology: Furrina was an ancient Roman goddess associated with water, springs, and possibly the underworld. Although her role became less prominent over time, she was originally honored through the festival of Furrinalia, emphasizing her connection to fresh water sources.
8. Salus
Origin: Salus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Salus is derived from the Latin word salus, meaning “health” or “welfare.”
Roman Mythology: Salus was the Roman goddess of health, safety, and well-being. She was often associated with the protection and prosperity of the Roman people. Offerings were made to her for the health of individuals and the security of the state.
7. Larunda
Origin: Larunda is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Larunda is derived from the Latin word lar, referring to household deities.
Roman Mythology: Larunda, or Lara, was a Roman goddess associated with silence and the dead. According to myth, she was transformed into a nymph and became a guardian spirit of household lares, linking her to the protection of the home and its inhabitants.
6. Lucina
Origin: Lucina is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Lucina is derived from the Latin word lux, meaning “light.”
Roman Mythology: Lucina was a Roman goddess of childbirth, often identified with Juno and Diana in this role. She presided over the safe delivery of children and was invoked by expectant mothers during labor, ensuring a smooth and healthy birth.
RELATED: 50 Popular Latin and Roman Baby Names for Your Newborn Baby Boy and Girl
5. Decima
Origin: Decima is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Decima is derived from the Latin word decimus, meaning “tenth.”
Roman Mythology: Decima was one of the Parcae, or Roman Fates, who controlled the destinies of mortals. She specifically measured the length of a person’s life with a thread, determining the lifespan and ensuring the order of fate.
4. Libitina
Origin: Libitina is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Libitina is derived from a Latin term related to funerals and death.
Roman Mythology: Libitina was a Roman goddess of funerals, death, and burial rites. She was associated with the underworld and the rituals surrounding the passage from life to death. Funeral arrangements were often carried out in her sacred grove.
3. Moneta
Origin: Moneta is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Moneta is derived from the Latin word monere, meaning “to advise” or “to warn.”
Roman Mythology: Moneta was an epithet of Juno and later became the goddess of memory and money. Her temple housed the Roman mint, leading to the origin of the word “money.” She symbolizes wisdom, guidance, and financial prosperity.
2. Rumina
Origin: Rumina is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Rumina is derived from ruma, meaning “breast” or “nourishment.”
Roman Mythology: Rumina was a Roman goddess of breastfeeding and the nurturing of infants. She protected the young and the maternal bond, making her an important figure for mothers seeking her blessing for their children’s well-being.
1. Venilia
Origin: Venilia is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Venilia is derived from venire, meaning “to come” or “to arrive.”
Roman Mythology: Venilia was a Roman goddess associated with the sea, winds, and coastal waters. She represented the gentle, calming waves that could transform into powerful forces, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sea. Her presence ensured the safety and abundance of coastal regions.
Other Roman baby names to consider for your boy or girl
The ancient Romans were so much more than the deities they worshipped. For example, they were revered for their impressive engineering feats, architectural innovations, and construction techniques.
Not only that, but their contributions to law and governance have had a lasting impact on legal systems worldwide, and they even built one of the most powerful and dominant armies in the history of the world.
They also gave us the Latin language, some of the most detailed sculptures you’ll ever see, philosophy and theories that were unheard of at the time, and mastered urban planning and public infrastructure.
Here are 10 more Roman baby names that help tell the history of one of the most iconic empires of all time.
10. Alexandria
Origin: Alexandria is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Alexandria is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning “defender of the people” (alexein, meaning “to defend” and aner, meaning “man”).
Roman Significance: Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria became a major center of culture and learning in the Roman Empire. Located in Egypt, it was famous for its Great Library, which housed a vast collection of knowledge and manuscripts, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
9. Antioch
Origin: Antioch is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Antioch is derived from the Greek word Antiokhos, which means “stubborn” or “resolute.”
Roman Significance: Antioch, founded by Seleucus I Nicator around 300 BCE, became one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire in the East. Located in present-day Turkey, it served as a key administrative center and a cultural crossroads, linking Roman and Eastern traditions.
8. Julius
Origin: Julius is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Julius is derived from the Roman family name Iulius, which is thought to come from Ioulos, a Greek word meaning “downy-bearded” or “youthful.”
Roman Significance: Julius Caesar was a military general, statesman, and author who played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. His conquest of Gaul and his crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BCE triggered a civil war that led to his rise to power as a dictator.
7. Augustus
Origin: Augustus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Augustus is derived from the Latin word augere, meaning “to increase” or “to exalt.”
Roman Significance: Augustus, originally known as Octavian, was the first Roman emperor and the adopted heir of Julius Caesar. After defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BCE, he established the Roman Empire and ushered in a period of relative peace known as the Pax Romana.
6. Crassus
Origin: Crassus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Crassus is derived from the Latin word crassus, meaning “thick” or “fat.”
Roman Significance: Marcus Licinius Crassus was a wealthy Roman general and politician known for his role in the First Triumvirate alongside Julius Caesar and Pompey. His vast fortune enabled him to wield significant political influence, and he played a crucial role in suppressing the slave rebellion led by Spartacus.
RELATED: 100 Ancient Roman Baby Names for Boys That Still Sound Fresh Today
5. Antony
Origin: Antony is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Antony is derived from Antonius, a Roman family name of uncertain meaning, possibly related to ante, meaning “before.”
Roman Significance: Mark Antony was a Roman general and close ally of Julius Caesar, who rose to power as part of the Second Triumvirate after Caesar’s assassination. Known for his romantic and political alliance with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, Antony became a formidable rival to Octavian (Augustus).
4. Hadrian
Origin: Hadrian is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Hadrian is derived from the Latin Hadrianus, meaning “of Hadria,” a town in northern Italy.
Roman Significance: Hadrian was a Roman emperor who ruled from 117 to 138 CE, known for consolidating the empire’s borders and focusing on internal stability. He is famous for commissioning Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, marking the northern limit of Roman territory.
3. Titus
Origin: Titus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Titus is derived from the Latin word titulus, meaning “title of honor” or “honored.”
Roman Significance: Titus was a Roman emperor from 79 to 81 CE, best remembered for his role in completing the Colosseum in Rome and his efforts to restore the city after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. As a general under his father Vespasian, Titus led the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, resulting in the destruction of the Second Temple.
2. Aurelius
Origin: Aurelius is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Aurelius is derived from the Latin word aureus, meaning “golden” or “gilded.”
Roman Significance: Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 CE, renowned for his philosophical writings and his stoic approach to leadership. His reign was defined by military challenges, including conflicts along the Danube frontier, and he is often considered one of the last “Five Good Emperors,” guiding Rome through a period of relative stability.
1. Trajan
Origin: Trajan is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Trajan is derived from Traianus, referring to the Roman Emperor Trajan, whose name likely comes from the Celtic word tragos, meaning “strong” or “fierce.”
Roman Significance: Trajan was a Roman emperor from 98 to 117 CE, known for expanding the empire to its greatest territorial extent. His successful campaigns in Dacia (modern-day Romania) and the construction of the massive Trajan’s Column in Rome celebrated his military achievements.
How do you feel about Roman baby names?
The Roman Empire is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history. It left a lasting impact on Western culture, primarily through the period of peace known as Pax Romana.
With that said, it’s no surprise to see how popular Roman baby names are today. Whether you go with a name like Roman, Alexandria, Minerva, or Sol, parents simply can’t go wrong with Roman baby names!
But if you couldn’t find what you were looking for in Roman mythology, I recommend researching other mythological names. Some of the most popular come from the Greeks, Egyptians, Celts, and Norsemen.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Check Out Our Online Baby Name Generator for More Baby Name Ideas!
And if you want something entirely different, then you can always head over to our Mamas Uncut blog for thousands of more unique baby name ideas. We upload names daily, so check back tomorrow for more!