207+ Roman Last Names [With Meanings]

Roman last names, also known as cognomina, were an important part of the Roman naming system.

Here are some key characteristics of Roman last names:

  • They were added to a person’s name to distinguish them from others who had the same first and middle names.
  • Roman last names were hereditary, passed down from father to son. They often referred to a person’s family or ancestry, such as “Julius Caesar” (Caesar being the family name).
  • Roman last names could also refer to a person’s occupation, nickname, or physical characteristics. For example, the last name “Cicero” meant “chickpea” and may have been given to someone who sold or grew chickpeas.
  • Some Roman last names were based on the name of the person’s birthplace or where they lived. For example, the last name “Gallus” meant “from Gaul” (modern-day France).
  • Roman last names were typically composed of one or two words and were often abbreviated. For example, the last name “Nero” was short for “Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.”
  • Roman women did not typically have last names, but were identified by their family name or their husband’s name.

Overall, Roman last names were a way to identify and distinguish individuals in a society that had a complex naming system.

They provided information about a person’s family, occupation, or other important characteristics.

Roman Last Names and Meanings

Roman last names, also known as “nomen gentilicium,” were a crucial part of the Roman naming system.

Here are some common Roman last names and their meanings:

  • Julius – a Latin praenomen (first name) that was used as a surname to indicate a person’s descent from a family with this name.
  • Flavius – from the Latin word “flavus,” meaning “yellow” or “golden.”
  • Claudius – from the Latin word “claudus,” meaning “lame” or “crippled.”
  • Nero – from the Latin word “nero,” meaning “strong” or “vigorous.”
  • Augustus – from the Latin word “augustus,” meaning “revered” or “exalted.”
  • Tiberius – from the Latin word “tiberius,” meaning “of the Tiber,” referring to the Tiber River in Rome.
  • Cicero – from the Latin word “cicer,” meaning “chickpea.”
  • Livius – from the Latin word “Livius,” the name of an ancient Roman gens (clan).
  • Marius – from the Latin word “marius,” meaning “of Mars,” referring to the Roman god of war.
  • Valerius – from the Latin word “valere,” meaning “to be strong.”

These names were often passed down from generation to generation, and some have been adopted and modified in various cultures and languages over time.

Ancient Roman Last Names

Here are some examples of Ancient Roman last names:

  • Caesar – a prominent family name in ancient Rome, famously associated with Julius Caesar.
  • Augustus – a name given to Octavian, the first Roman Emperor, meaning “revered” or “venerable”.
  • Cicero – a surname meaning “chickpea” that belonged to the famous Roman statesman and orator, Marcus Tullius Cicero.
  • Brutus – a name that may have originally referred to someone who was perceived as dull or stupid, but became famous as the last name of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar.
  • Crassus – a name meaning “thick” or “fat,” associated with the wealthy and powerful Crassus family.
  • Sulla – a family name of the Roman general and dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla.
  • Pompey – a surname belonging to the Roman general and politician Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey the Great.
  • Drusus – a name that may have originally referred to someone who was “sturdy” or “strong,” but became a prominent family name associated with the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

These are just a few examples of Ancient Roman last names.

Other common types of last names in ancient Rome included names related to professions or physical characteristics, names based on geographic locations or origins, and names that were given as nicknames.

Famous Roman Last Names

Here are some famous Roman last names that you may recognize:

  • Caesar – the surname of the famous Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar.
  • Antonius – the surname of Mark Antony, a prominent Roman general and politician who was an ally of Julius Caesar.
  • Octavius – the surname of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome.
  • Brutus – the surname of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the leaders of the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar.
  • Cato – the surname of Marcus Porcius Cato, a statesman and scholar in the Roman Republic.
  • Galba – the surname of Servius Sulpicius Galba, a Roman general who became emperor in 68 AD.
  • Nero – the surname of the infamous Roman emperor who ruled from 54 to 68 AD.
  • Titus – the surname of Titus Flavius Vespasianus, a Roman general and politician who became emperor in 79 AD.
  • Hadrian – the surname of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who ruled from 117 to 138 AD.
  • Trajan – the surname of the Roman emperor Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 AD and is known for his military conquests and building programs.

These names are still in use today and are recognized as being a part of Roman history and legacy.

100 Roman Last Names with Meanings and History

Powerful Roman Last Names

There were many powerful Roman last names in ancient Rome, often associated with prominent families or individuals who held positions of influence and authority.

Here are some examples:

  • Caesar – a powerful family name associated with Julius Caesar, who rose to become the dictator of Rome.
  • Augustus – the last name of Octavian, who became the first Roman emperor and established the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability.
  • Pompey – the last name of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, a military leader and politician who was a rival of Julius Caesar.
  • Cicero – the last name of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a famous Roman statesman, lawyer, and orator.
  • Crassus – the last name of a wealthy and influential family in ancient Rome, whose members included the famous general and politician Marcus Licinius Crassus.
  • Sulla – the last name of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a Roman general and politician who became the dictator of Rome.
  • Scipio – the last name of a powerful and influential family in ancient Rome, whose members included the famous military commander Scipio Africanus.

These are just a few examples of powerful Roman last names.

Other notable names from ancient Rome include Nero, Caligula, Trajan, and Constantine.

Roman Last Names That Start With… (A-Z)

A list of Roman last names starting with each letter of the alphabet:

A:

  • Antonius
  • Augustus

B:

  • Brutus

C:

  • Caesar
  • Claudius
  • Cicero

F:

  • Flavius

G:

  • Galba

H:

  • Hadrian

L:

  • Livius

M:

  • Marius

N:

  • Nero

O:

  • Octavius

T:

  • Titus
  • Tiberius

V:

  • Valerius

This is by no means a comprehensive list, as there were many more last names used by the ancient Romans.

However, these are some of the most well-known and historically significant names.

Roman Last Names Generator

Below is a list of some common Roman last names:

  • Caesar
  • Augustus
  • Cicero
  • Brutus
  • Crassus
  • Sulla
  • Pompey
  • Drusus
  • Scipio
  • Claudius
  • Nero
  • Antonius
  • Caligula
  • Trajan
  • Constantine
  • Tiberius
  • Flavius
  • Marcellus
  • Valerius
  • Gracchus

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there were many other last names in ancient Rome.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that some of these names may have been used by multiple individuals, and it was not uncommon for individuals to have multiple names and titles throughout their lives.

Common Roman Last Names

Some common Roman last names:

  • Caesar
  • Augustus
  • Cicero
  • Brutus
  • Crassus
  • Sulla
  • Pompey
  • Drusus
  • Scipio
  • Flavius
  • Marcellus
  • Valerius
  • Gracchus
  • Aurelius
  • Fabius
  • Aemilius
  • Julius
  • Vitellius
  • Vespasian
  • Trajan

Old Roman Last Names

Here is a list of some old Roman last names:

  • Aemilius – a surname derived from the praenomen (first name) Aemilius.
  • Appius – a surname derived from the praenomen Appius.
  • Decimus – a surname derived from the praenomen Decimus.
  • Fabius – a surname derived from the praenomen Fabius.
  • Gaius – a surname derived from the praenomen Gaius.
  • Horatius – a surname derived from the praenomen Horatius.
  • Lucius – a surname derived from the praenomen Lucius.
  • Manius – a surname derived from the praenomen Manius.
  • Publius – a surname derived from the praenomen Publius.
  • Quintus – a surname derived from the praenomen Quintus.

These last names were used by families in ancient Rome to indicate their family history and descent from a particular ancestor with the same first name.

Some of these names have been passed down through the generations and are still in use today.

Roman Last Names List

Below is a list of Roman last names:

  • Caesar
  • Augustus
  • Cicero
  • Brutus
  • Crassus
  • Sulla
  • Pompey
  • Drusus
  • Scipio
  • Claudius
  • Nero
  • Antonius
  • Caligula
  • Trajan
  • Constantine
  • Tiberius
  • Flavius
  • Marcellus
  • Valerius
  • Gracchus
  • Vitellius
  • Vespasian
  • Aurelius
  • Fabius
  • Aemilius
  • Junius
  • Cassius
  • Maximus
  • Varro
  • Longinus

Roman Clan Names

Roman clan names, also known as “gens,” were a significant part of the Roman naming system.

Here are some common Roman clan names:

  • Julius – a gens (clan) named after the praenomen (first name) Julius.
  • Flavius – a gens named after the praenomen Flavius.
  • Claudius – a gens named after the praenomen Claudius.
  • Nero – a gens named after the praenomen Nero.
  • Augustus – a gens named after the praenomen Augustus.
  • Tiberius – a gens named after the praenomen Tiberius.
  • Cicero – a gens named after the praenomen Cicero.
  • Livius – a gens named after the praenomen Livius.
  • Marius – a gens named after the praenomen Marius.
  • Valerius – a gens named after the praenomen Valerius.

These clan names were used to identify individuals as belonging to a particular family or lineage.

They were a crucial part of the Roman naming system and often passed down from generation to generation.

Some of these names have been adopted and modified in various cultures and languages over time.

Badass Roman Last Names

Roman last names were often an indication of a person’s family background or profession, and many of them had a powerful and memorable sound.

Here are some examples of badass Roman last names:

  • Brutus: This last name was famously associated with Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar.
  • Caesar: The name of the famous Roman dictator, Julius Caesar, became a surname for his descendants and is still used as a last name today.
  • Maximus: This name means “greatest” or “largest” in Latin, and was often given to soldiers or gladiators who were renowned for their size or strength.
  • Scipio: The Scipio family was one of the most powerful and influential in ancient Rome, and produced several famous generals and statesmen.
  • Augustus: The name of the first Roman emperor, Augustus was originally a title given to him by the Senate and later became a popular last name for his descendants and other members of the imperial family.

Powerful Latin Last Names

Here are some powerful ancient Latin last names:

  • Caesar
  • Augustus
  • Titus
  • Brutus
  • Aquila
  • Fabius
  • Galerius
  • Maximus
  • Publius
  • Scipio

Modern Roman Last Names

Modern Roman last names have evolved over time and are often influenced by a mix of Italian and Latin culture.

Here are some examples of modern Roman last names:

  • Rossi: This is one of the most common surnames in Italy and is derived from the Latin word “rubeus,” meaning “red.” It may have originated from a nickname given to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
  • Bianchi: Another common Italian surname, Bianchi means “white” in Italian and may have been given to someone with fair or light-colored hair.
  • Marino: This name means “of the sea” in Italian and may have been given to someone who lived near the coast or worked on ships.
  • Romano: This name means “from Rome” in Italian and may have been given to someone who was born or lived in the city of Rome.
  • Rizzo: This name is derived from the Latin word “rutilus,” meaning “reddish-brown,” and may have been given to someone with auburn hair or a ruddy complexion.

Rare Roman Last Names

There are many rare Roman last names that are less commonly found today.

Here are some examples:

  • Agrippa: This last name was associated with the family of the famous Roman general and statesman, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
  • Lentulus: The Lentulus family was an ancient Roman patrician family that produced several prominent politicians and statesmen.
  • Marcellus: The Marcellus family was one of the most distinguished and powerful in ancient Rome, and produced several famous generals and statesmen.
  • Metellus: The Metellus family was another ancient Roman patrician family that produced many distinguished politicians and generals.
  • Scaevola: The Scaevola family was known for producing several famous jurists and scholars in ancient Rome. The name means “left-handed” in Latin, and was probably given to someone who was left-handed.

Cool Roman Last Names

Cool Roman last names can be both modern or ancient and may evoke images of strength, power, or ancient history.

Here are some examples of cool Roman last names:

  • Aurelius: This last name means “golden” in Latin and was associated with the famous Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
  • Corvinus: The Corvinus family was an ancient Roman family that produced several famous generals and statesmen, including the legendary hero Gaius Mucius Scaevola.
  • Decius: The Decius family was an ancient Roman family that produced several famous generals and statesmen, including the famous consul Publius Decius Mus, who sacrificed his life in battle to ensure victory for the Roman army.
  • Octavius: This last name was associated with the first Roman emperor, Augustus, whose original name was Gaius Octavius.
  • Valerius: The Valerius family was an ancient Roman family that produced several famous generals and statesmen, including the famous consul Publius Valerius Publicola.

Greek and Roman Last Names

Below are some Greek and Roman last names with their meanings:

  • Alexander (Greek origin) meaning “defender of the people”
  • Antonius (Roman origin) meaning “priceless, invaluable”
  • Demetrius (Greek origin) meaning “follower of Demeter”
  • Dionysius (Greek origin) meaning “of Dionysus”
  • Flavius (Roman origin) meaning “yellow, blond”
  • Hercules (Roman origin) meaning “glory of Hera”
  • Julius (Roman origin) meaning “youthful, downy”
  • Lysander (Greek origin) meaning “liberator”
  • Marcus (Roman origin) meaning “warlike, martial”
  • Titus (Roman origin) meaning “title of honor”

Old Latin Surnames

Old Latin surnames often reflected an individual’s family, tribe, or birthplace.

Below are examples of old Latin surnames:

  • Flavius: This last name was associated with the Flavian dynasty, which included the emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.
  • Livius: The Livius family was an ancient Roman patrician family that produced several famous historians, including the famous writer Titus Livius, also known as Livy.
  • Quinctilius: The Quinctilius family was an ancient Roman family that produced several famous generals and statesmen, including the consul Lucius Quinctilius Varus, who famously lost three legions in the Teutoburg Forest.
  • Sergius: The Sergius family was an ancient Roman family that produced several famous politicians and military leaders, including the consul Lucius Sergius Catilina, who led a conspiracy against the Roman Republic.
  • Tullius: The Tullius family was an ancient Roman family that produced several famous writers and orators, including the famous orator Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Roman Families Names

Some notable Roman family names:

  • Aemilius
  • Brutus
  • Caesar
  • Claudius
  • Flavius
  • Gracchus
  • Julius
  • Licinius
  • Octavius
  • Valerius

FAQs – Roman Last Names

Do Romans have surnames?

Yes, Romans did have surnames.

These surnames were adopted during the time of the Roman Republic for easier identification of individuals and families.

Common Roman surnames include Cornelius, Aemilius, Fabius, Valerius, and Tullius.

How did Romans do last names?

Romans generally used the names of the family’s ancestors to form the surnames.

For example, a man whose father was named Marcus could take on the surname Marci or Marcianus.

In addition, Romans also often used descriptive words and titles to create surnames, such as Julius (“Youthful”) and Silvius (“forest-dweller”).

A person’s profession also sometimes served as a surname, such as Iulius Agricola (Julius the Farmer).

What are common ancient Roman names?

Common ancient Roman names included Gaius, Marcus, Lucius, and Quintus for males and Valeria, Julia, Claudia, and Livia for females.

Aemilius and Fabius were among the most prominent Roman family names during the Republic.

Emperor Augustus’ given name was Gaius Octavius before he assumed the name Augustus as his imperial title.

What is the most ancient last name?

It’s difficult to determine the most ancient last name because surnames as we know them today did not exist in many ancient cultures.

However, some ancient cultures did have naming practices that evolved into surnames over time.

In terms of Western surnames, the oldest known surname that is still in use today is the Japanese surname “Fujiwara,” which has been used since the 7th century.

In terms of surnames in the Western world, one of the oldest known surnames still in use today is the Irish surname “O’Brien” (meaning “descendant of Brian”), which dates back to the 10th century.

Another example is the French surname “de Montmorency,” which dates back to the 11th century.

However, it’s important to note that many surnames have changed over time and that the oldest recorded surnames may not necessarily be the oldest in continuous use.

What were Ancient Roman last names known as?

Ancient Roman last names, also known as cognomina, were an important part of the Roman naming system.

Conclusion – Roman Last Names

Roman last names were an important part of the Roman naming system and generally followed certain conventions.

Common examples of ancient Roman family names include Aemilius, Fabius, Valerius, Tullius, and Caesar.

Roman last names are quite interesting and varied. Generally, they tend to be composed of two parts – the family name, or ‘nomen’, and the clan or branch name, or ‘cognomen’.

On rare occasions, there may even be a third part – which might refer to an ancestor’s profession or place of origin.

Most Roman last names are derived from patronymic roots; for example, the classic Latin adjective ‘Caecilius’ is thought to have been used as a cognomen by many patrician families from around the 2nd century BC onwards.

Another common source of Roman surnames came from military ranks: centuriones (centurions) and tribuni (tribunes) both appear in several classic Roman last names.

In addition to these more traditional sources, some families adopted new surnames in order to distinguish themselves; these might come from geographical features such as rivers or mountains, animals, plants and trees, and even fictitious creatures!

It has even been recorded that some Roman citizens took on a cognomen based on their own physical characteristics.

No matter where they originated from though, all of these classical Roman last names are steeped in history and tradition – a reminder of the ancient power of Rome and its legacy that still remains with us today.

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