Bust of Cicero at the Musei Capitolini, Rome by Jose Louis Bernardes. Wikimedia Commons.

25 names from Ancient Rome and the stories behind them


 

‘What’s in a name?’ If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you’ve most definitely come across this famous line in Romeo and Juliet. It ends in asserting that indeed, ‘that which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet,’ meaning that it hardly matters what one’s name is when contrasted with their personal qualities.

Well, while that is arguably true to a considerable extent, Ancient Rome took their naming conventions seriously. They used the ‘tria nomina’ system, which included a nomen (family name), praenomen (personal name), and cognomen (additional personal name). A name announced your lineage even before you fully introduced yourself, and indeed, centuries later, there are Roman names so finely engraved in history that the mere mention of these sends one back in time.

I’ll tell you about 25 names from Ancient Rome that you’ve most likely come across in literature, their most popular bearers in history, a bit of the stories behind them, and their meanings, though in no particular order. Let’s go back in history for a moment, shall we?

Agrippa

Marcus Agrippa bust at the Louvre Museum. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

It is believed that the name is from a combination of the Greek ‘agrios’ for wild and ‘hippos’ for a horse. Ancient Romans used it as a given name, especially for the Furia and Menenia families. Interestingly, it features in the Bible too, borne by Herod Agrippa, from the lineage of Herod the Great. The name was also borne by the 1st century BC Roman general Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. He is credited for the victory over Mark Anthony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Agrippa was a close friend of Roman emperor Caesar Augustus, and he served as his right-hand man, serving him faithfully for three decades.

Augustus

Emperor Augustus by Till Niermann. Wikimedia Commons.

This is one of the most famous male names associated with Ancient Rome, and emperors bore it mostly. It is no wonder since the name means ‘exalted’ derived from the Latin ‘augere’. In Latin, it translates to ‘to increase. Octavian, the first Roman emperor was given the name Augustus by the Roman Senate in 26 BC. He was an adopted son of Julius Caesar, a famous dictator of ancient Rome who got assassinated before Augustus took up the throne to become the first Roman emperor. He ruled from 27 BC until he died in AD 14, and he is best known for establishing the Roman Peace, a peaceful period in Rome that lasted about two centuries.

Top 10 Sensational Facts about Augustus.

Aetius

Possible depiction of Aetius by Tataryn. Wikimedia Commons.

It is a male name derived from the Greek word ‘aestos’, meaning ‘eagle.’ It was used as a surname in Ancient Rome or a nickname. The 5th century BC Roman general, Flavius Aetius was one of the most famous bearers of the name. He was a great military commander and is credited for defeating Attila the Hun at the Battle of Chalons. He successfully ruled the Western Roman Empire from 433 to 454 BC and has often been referred to as the ‘Last true Roman of the West

Caesar

Portrait of Julius Caesar at the Vatican Museum. Wikimedia Commons.

You’ve most likely heard the name being used to refer to Roman rulers. Hail, Caesar! Or the Biblical analogy of ‘Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.’ It was derived from the Latin ‘caesaries’, to mean hairy. Indeed, the name was mostly used as a title by emperors that came after Julius Caesar and his adopted son Julius Caesar Octavian. The two were rulers of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. Julius Caesar was a dictator who got assassinated, and his adopted son became the first Roman emperor. Julius Caesar is majorly associated with the birth of the Roman Empire, and the preceding fall of the Republic. He grabbed power through reforms, ruling as a dictator from 49 BC until he was killed by some members of the Roman Senate in 44 BC.

Top 10 Interesting facts about Julius Caesar.

Claudius

Bust of Emperor Claudius by Marie Nguyen-Wikimedia Commons.

The name is an ancient Roman family name and was likely derived from the Latin ‘Claudus’, meaning lame or crippled. Claudius was the name of a patrician family dominant in Roman politics. Its ancestor was a 6th-century BC Sabine leader named Attius Clausus. He adopted the name Appius Claudius when he gained Roman citizenship. Several 1st-century Roman emperors came from this family, including the emperor simply known as Claudius. His birth name was Tiberius Claudius Nero. He was the fourth Roman emperor, and the first husband of Livia Drusilla, who later divorced him. He was killed by his fourth wife, Agrippina so that the adopted son Nero could assume power.

Cornelius

Baptism of Cornelius by Francesco Trevisani. Wikimedia Commons.

This is a Roman family name possibly derived from the Latin ‘cornu’ to mean horn.  It goes back to Biblical times, being borne by the Roman centurion, Cornelius in the New Testament. He is credited as the first gentile convert to Christianity, as he became Christian after Peter was sent to preach to him. He is believed to have belonged to the gens ‘Cornelia’, which was a prominent Roman family at the time. The name is also borne by several early saints, including a 3rd-century Roman pope.

Germanicus

(Toulouse) Portrait of Germanicus by Didier Descouens. Wikimedia Commons.

This male Roman name is derived from Germania, an area north of the Roman Empire. It was inhabited by early Germanic peoples. The name was an agnomen, or name given to honor Roman rulers for their achievements, for Roman general Decimus Claudius Drusus. He was given the name after his death for his victories in Germany in the 1st century BC. His son, Germanicus Julius Caesar also took up the name. He was a successful general in Rome too in the 1st century.

Cato

The Patrician Torlonia bust speculated to be that of Cato the Elder. Wikimedia Commons.

In Latin, this Roman personal name means ‘wise’. It was given to the famous 2nd-century Roman statesman and author; Cato the Elder. His full name was Marcus Porcius Cato, and he is known for his conservatism and opposition to the adoption of Greek culture by the Romans. His most famous saying goes, ‘Wise men profit more by fools than fools by wise men. His work, Origines, is the first prose of history in Latin. The name passed on to his descendants, one of the notable ones being his great-grandson Cato the Younger (Marcus Porcius Cato). The latter was a politician who was greatly against the self-proclaimed dictator Julius Caesar.

Cicero

Bust of Cicero at the Musei Capitolini, Rome by Jose Louis Bernardes. Wikimedia Commons.

Cicero was a personal name in ancient Rome, derived from the Latin ‘cicer.’ Its literal meaning is ‘chickpea’. A notable figure bearing the name is Marcus Tullius Cicero, who is usually referred to as simply Cicero by historians. He was a Roman statesman, great public orator, and a political sworn rival of fellow statesman Mark Anthony in the 1st Century BC. He accused him of using too much discretion in interpreting Caesar Augustus’ public will. He even attacked his reputation in a series of speeches called the Philippics. Mark Anthony ultimately had him killed, and his hands cut off. Cicero is revered as one of the greatest Roman orators and writers, who contributed significantly to philosophy, politics, and governance.

Top 10 Remarkable facts about Cicero.

Drusilla

Marble statue of Livia Drusilla in Pompeii by Siren-Com. Wikimedia Commons.

This was a Roman family name or nomen, but it was also used as a personal name ‘praenomen’. It is a feminine derivative of the Celtic word ‘Drausus’, meaning strong. Livia, the third wife of Caesar Augustus was named Drusilla. She served as Roman empress from 27 BC to 14 AD and is considered one of the greatest women figures in Roman history. She is believed to have been influential in the killing of some prominent figures such as Agrippa Postumus, a relative of the emperor. Livia Drusilla was the mother of Tiberius, who later became emperor after Augustus.

Brutus

Portrait of Marcus Brutus, Rome by Marie Nguyen. Wikimedia Commons.

A familiar name in Ancient Rome history, Brutus was one of the most famous conspirators in the assassination of Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The name has a Latin origin, meaning heavy or dull. Marcus Junius Brutus was a Roman statesman and orator, serving from 47 to 41 BC. Interestingly, Brutus had been Caesar’s friend, but after observing the autocratic tendencies of Caesar after the civil war of 49 to 45 BC, he, together with several members of the Senate made a plot to kill him. His betrayal is compared to that of Jesus by his disciple, Judas Iscariot.

Julian

Julian the Apostate on a bronze coin, by Classical Numismatic Group. Wikimedia Commons.

Julian was a Roman emperor from 361 to 363 BC, having succeeded Constantine II. He was also recognized as a philosopher and author in the Greek language. He is famously known as ‘Julian the Apostate’ due to his blatant rejection of Christianity, and adoption of pagan and philosophical beliefs. He is considered the last pagan ruler of Rome, and some of his surviving works are ‘To the Mother of the Gods, and ‘To King Helios.’ They are written verses of praise, but not theological treatises.

Gaius

Bust of Gaius Marius in Munich by Jose Louis Bernaders. Wikimedia Commons.

Gaius is a Roman name derived from the Latin ‘gaudere’, meaning ‘rejoice.’ It was one of the most common given names in Ancient Rome. Gaius Marius was a Roman general and statesman, famous for his reforms in the Roman army. He introduced a more cohesive unit, and opened up recruitment to the landless poor, abolishing social status as a relevant factor in serving Rome. This ultimately changed the course of Rome. He was also elected consul a record 7 times!

Helvius

Its derivation is linked to either Latin ‘helvus’ to mean honey-yellow, or a Celtic tribe living near the Rhone River, known as the Helvii. One of its notable bearers is Helvius Cinna, a Roman poet in the 1st Century BC. He was burnt to death at the funeral of Julius Caesar, after being mistaken for another Cinna Cornelius, who had shown support for Caesar’s assassins. William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright, captures his unfortunate death in his popular play ‘Julius Caesar.’

Horatius

Horatius Flaccus. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Horatius is a Roman family name derived from the Latin ‘hora’. It means hour or season in time. It is however highly likely that it was of Etruscan origin. A famous bearer is Quintus Horatius Flaccus, a leading Roman lyric poet from the 1st Century BC. He is best known as Horace in the English-speaking world. His style of poetry was mostly Epistles, satires, and epodes. He also wrote about his personal life, and to a great extent has been regarded as the world’s first autobiographer. The Ars Poetica is one of his most famous works, and it was first translated into English by Thomas Drant in 1556. It contains advice to poets on the art of poetry and has inspired many authors and poets.

Janurius

The Martyrdom of St Januarius in the Amphitheatre at Pozzuoli by Artemisia Gentilesch. Wikimedia Commons.

Derived from Janus, Latin for ‘archway’ and the name of the Roman god of gateways and beginnings, Janus. It was a Roman additional personal name or cognomen, and it meant January, the first month of the year. One of its bearers was Saint Januarius of Naples, who was beheaded during the Christian persecutions of Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. He is remembered as a martyr of the Catholic Church, and there’s a famous legend that his blood, which had been saved by a woman, liquefied every year.

Junius

Junius Brutus, semi-legendary founder of the Rome Republic by CNG. Wikimedia Commons.

This is a Roman family name most likely derived from the name Juno, the Roman goddess wife to Jupiter. The semi-legendary founder of the Rome Republic in the 6th century AD was named Lucius Junius Brutus. He was at the forefront of the revolt that eventually overthrew the Roman monarchy. The name was also borne by the famous assassination conspirator of Julius Caesar; Marcus Junius Brutus.

15 Interesting Ancient Rome Facts.

Julius

This is a Roman family name said to be derived from the Greek ‘ioulus’ to mean ‘downy-haired.’ It is also related to the Roman god Jupiter. Julius was a family name of a patrician family which claimed to be descendants of the mythological Julus, son of Aeneas. One of its most prominent members was Gaius Julius Caesar, who became a Roman general and conquered Gaul. After the civil war ended, he became a dictator until his assassination by the Roman Senate.

Longinus

Saint Longinus at the St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City by Use the Force-Wikimedia Commons.

A rare Roman cognomen, or additional personal name, Longinus is derived from Latin Longus. It means long. The Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear during his crucifixion is believed to have been named ‘Longinus, according to Christian legend. He is said to have later converted to Christianity. 

Lucius

Bust of Lucius Seneca the Younger, by Calidius. Wikimedia Commons.

A derivative from the Latin word ‘Lax’. Lucius is an ancient Roman name used as a praenomen or given name. It means light. Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a stoic philosopher in Ancient Rome in the 4th century BC. He was the son of Seneca the Elder, a Roman writer who also shared the name Lucius. The name was also born in the 3rd Century Saint Lucius.

Lucretia

The rape of Lucretia, by Titian-Wikimedia Commons.

It was a family name likely drawn from Latin Lucrum. It means wealth. There is a Roman Legend that states that Lucretia was a maiden who was raped by the son of the King of the Roman monarchy. The citizenry revolted and they overthrew the monarch.

Marcus

Bust of Marcus Aurelius. Photo by Bibi Saint-Wikimedia Commons.

You’ve probably heard of Marcus Aurelius, the 2nd century BC emperor of Rome who wrote the famous work ‘Meditations’. The name Marcus was a popular Roman given name, derived from ‘Mars’ of the Roman god of war, and was associated with valor. In Latin, its closest form is ‘mas’, meaning male. Other famous bearers of the name include Marcus Antonius and Marcus Tullius Cicero. Antonius was a Roman statesman in the 1st century, while Cicero was a politician who opposed the former.

Nero

Bust of Emperor Nero at the Musei Capitoline, Rome. Photo by cjh1452000. Wikimedia Commons

When the name ‘Nero’ is mentioned, the first figure that comes to mind is the infamous Emperor Nero, who was considered a tyrant. He ruled Rome in the 1st Century BC after his mother killed Nero’s father who was king. He later had her killed, and the theatrics surrounding his reign is quite interesting, to say the least. Nero was a Roman additional personal name, most likely of Sabine origin. It meant ‘strong’.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Nero.

Pontius

Jesus before Pilate by James Tissot. Wikimedia Commons.

The name Pontius makes an appearance in Biblical text, as the name of the Roman Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. He ordered the crucifixion of Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, after washing his hands to signify detachment from the act. He believed that Jesus had committed no crime, but upon the insistence of the crowd to crucify him, and fearing a revolt if he didn’t, he let their wish prevail. The name is of Samnite roots, with a possible meaning of ‘fifth’.

Postumus

Postumus by Rasiel Suarez. Wikimedia Commons.

This was both a family and personal,  Roman name. Derived from the Latin ‘postumus’ which means last, or next, it was mostly given to children who got born after the demise of their father. A notable bearer of the name was Roman Commander Marcus Cassianius Postumus, simply referred to as Postumus. He is known for having founded the Gallic Empire during the 3rd Century.

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