115 Great Roman Last Names: With Unique Meanings

Discovering these classic Roman last names will make you feel connected to an ancient empire.

History, mythology, and innovation all come together in this list of traditional Roman family names. These surnames fit families of any background.

We included the meanings and origins behind each name to help you explore your heritage. You will feel like a Roman god, gladiator, or general in no time.

115 Amazing Roman Last Names (For All the Family)

Start your own empire with these impressive Roman family names that fit any warrior.

1. Adrianus: A handsome choice derived from the ancient Italian river Adria.
2. Aemilius: Great for a competitive family, since this name means “rival.”
3. Aeneas: This Roman surname earns plenty of praise and recognition.
4. Albinus: Another form of Albus with the illuminating meaning of “white.”
5. Albus: Meaning “white,” this surname starting with A glows with positive energy.
6. Amabilia: A softer surname that brings charm and happiness with its “lovable” meaning.
7. Amadeus: Meaning “love of God,” this strong name carries plenty of spirit and grace.
8. Amato: A Late Roman name meaning “beloved” that also names a town in Italy.
9. Anatolia: A cool place name to use if you have Roman and Turkish heritage.
10. Antonius: The Roman root that gave us names like Anthony, meaning “praiseworthy.”
11. Aries: A popular pick among Roman family names, constellations, and Zodiac signs.
12. Arria: Despite having an unknown meaning, this unusual pick sounds quite handsome.
13. Atticus: For a family from Attica, the historical region surrounding Athens in Greece.
14. Augustus: A majestic and venerable choice for a family full of summer sunshine.
15. Aurelius: One of the most radiant Roman surnames, meaning “golden.”
16. Avitus: Meaning “ancestral,” this name acts like a family heirloom you can treasure.
17. Balbus: With the unique meaning of “stammerer,” this surname provides a cool historical footnote.
18. Barbara: Meaning “stranger,” this familiar name still carries a foreign feel.
19. Benedictus: A blessed name for spiritual and worshiping families.
20. Blandus: Meaning “flattering” or “charming,” this name suits princely boys.
21. Blasius: With the unconventional meaning of “lisping,” this ranks as a unique pick among Roman family names.
22. Brutus: This famous Latin name carries a heavy and commanding presence.
23. Byzantine: A rare surname named after the empire that ruled Rome during the Middle Ages.
24. Caecillius: Both this and the plebeian family name Caecilii hold the unusual meaning of “blind.”
25. Caelius: Derived from the Latin “caelum,” this family name dazzles with the meaning of “heaven.”
26. Caesar: A famous name and emperor title from the Roman Empire given to those with a fine head of hair.
27. Candida: A fancy family name meaning “white.”
28. Carina: A pretty surname and Roman feminine name for a beloved baby.
29. Cassius: Pretty in sound but carries the rather shallow meanings of “vain” or “empty.”
30. Castor: A Roman mythological twin whose divine name means “shining.”
31. Catallus: A late Roman era poet with a sprightly name meaning “puppy.”
32. Cato: Meaning “intelligent” or “wise,” this fits a family of geniuses.
33. Cestus: An obscure Latin name named after a type of glove or binding tie.
34. Christianus: A powerful and traditional surname for a follower of Christ.
35. Cicero: Adorably, this Roman last name means “chickpea” for the hummus lovers among us.
36. Clarus: An Old Latin name meaning “clear” or “famous” that made way for the popular female name Clara.
37. Claudius: Despite meaning “lame” or “crippled,” this Roman surname holds only the strongest connotations.
38. Cornelius: A regal Roman given and family name with the triumphant meaning of “horn.”
39. Corvinus: With the haughty meaning of “raven,” this bird name feels beady and mystifying.
40. Crepereius: A Sabine-rooted Roman surname of unknown meaning that reminds us of French pancakes.
41. Decimus: Meaning “tenth,” making it a nice, rounded pick among Roman family names based on numbers.
42. Delphi: A smart surname named after an ancient Roman city that perhaps means “womb.”
43. Domitius: For a tamed family, this surname sounds fresh from the wild.
44. Drusus: A perfect fit for a person who proves strong and courageous.
45. Ephesus: Named after an ancient Greek city taken over by the Roman Republic.
46. Fabius: An ancient name with the wholesome meaning of “bean.”
47. Falto: A strong and powerful pick with the flighty meaning of “falcon.”
48. Faunus: A rugged and earthy pick named after the ancient Roman god of forests.
49. Faustus: A cool literary pick among Roman surnames with the sweet meaning of “fortunate” or “lucky.”
50. Flaccus: With the unusual meanings of “flabby” or “droopy,” this surname remains one of the more obscure on this list.
51. Flamen: A spiritual pick given to a type of ancient Roman priest.
52. Flavius: Meaning “gold” or “yellow,” serving as a perfect Roman name for a blonde family.
53. Florentius: A floral pick among ancient Roman surnames for a flourishing and blooming family.
54. Fulgentius: If your family is bright and brilliant, this could be the shining Roman name for you.
55. Gallus: Meaning “rooster,” this surname will have you up bright and early.
56. Geminius: Meaning “twin” and sharing the same root as the zodiac sign and constellation.
57. Gordian: A locational name given to those from Gordium, an ancient city in Turkey.
58. Hadrianus: A commanding surname named after the ancient northern Italian city of Hadria.
59. Heraclius: A Byzantine dynasty name derived from the Greek goddess Hera.
60. Hilarius: An amusing pick for the most cheerful of people.
61. Horatius: Named after a mythical Roman hero who fought successfully against Etruscan invaders.
62. Hortensius: Meaning “garden,” this gorgeous nature-inspired name suits a green-fingered family.
63. Italus: If your family comes from Italy, you will love this powerful surname used for the ancient founder of Rome.
64. Janus: Given in relation to the ancient Roman god of beginnings.
65. Julius: One of the best-recognized Roman names with the unusual meaning of “downy-bearded.”
66. Junius: Relating to the gorgeous goddess Juno, making it great for heavenly rulers.
67. Juventus: Meaning “youthful,” perfect for a lively and bouncy family.
68. Laelius: An unusual surname of unknown meaning that has a gorgeous lilt and standout spelling.
69. Laurentius: Named after the ancient city of Laurentum and signifying victorious laurel leaves.
70. Livius: From the Latin verb “liveo,” Livius holds the green-eyed meaning of “envious.”
71. Lorenzo: A variant of Laurentius with the earthy meaning of “laurel leaves.”
72. Lucilius: A glowing pick among Roman last names meaning “light.”
73. Magnus: This one means “great” or “mighty” and ranks as an all-around champion of a name.
74. Manlius: Meaning “morning,” this Roman family name signifies a bright future ahead.
75. Marcellus: Meaning “warlike” or “strong,” best bestowed in recognition of the Roman god of war, Mars.
76. Martini: A boozy option referring to Mars, the Roman god of war.
77. Martinus: Like Martini, Martinus relates to the war-like deity Mars.
78. Maximus: The greatest of Roman last names for a family destined to achieve it all.
79. Mors: The Latin word for “death” stands out as an especially morbid pick among Roman surnames.
80. Octavius: Another Roman number surname for the eighth family.
81. Orbius: A plebeian Roman name that possibly means “orphan.”
82. Otho: One of the shortest surnames on this list with unknown meaning but a unique flair.
83. Ovidius: An occupational surname for a shepherd.
84. Pacheco: A cool surname used to denote someone from France.
85. Paulus: This Roman surname may mean “small” but it sure proves mighty.
86. Pollux: Named after the mythological twin to Castor, Pollux adorably means “very sweet.”
87. Pompeius: A unique family name meaning “five.”
88. Porcius: A powerful Roman gens with the farmyard meaning of “pig.”
89. Postumulenus: An obscure name that offers a bit of a mouthful, meaning “last.”
90. Priscus: Meaning “ancient,” this name suits those who love heritage and history.
91. Quirinius: Meaning “spear,” this sharp-shooting name also belonged to a Roman god.
92. Romano: This Italian surname perfectly captures the power, majesty, and innovation of ancient Roman times.
93. Romeo: A romantic given name and surname meaning “from Rome.”
94. Rufus: Meaning “red,” this one looks cute for an auburn-haired clan.
95. Sabinus: Refers to the Sabine people who resided in central Italy before the Roman republic.
96. Salvius: Meaning “safe,” Salvius serves as a strong and confident bet among these Roman-era family names.
97. Scipione: From the Latin “scipio,” this carries the obscure meaning of “walking stick.”
98. Senaca: This standout name option means “old,” connoting wisdom.
99. Severus: Meaning “stern,” Severus makes a great pick for a fictional bad guy.
100. Sextus: This Roman family and given name means “sixth.”
101. Soranus: A locational surname for a family hailing from Sora.
102. Tatius: A traditional name named after a king of the Sabines.
103. Tiberius: Fit for a family residing on or near the Roman river Tiber.
104. Titan: An epic name for a great warrior family full of history and strength.
105. Tullius: Meaning “supporter” or “helper,” Tullius offers an honest and loyal family name.
106. Ulpius: A feisty and cunning animal-inspired name that perhaps means “wolf” or “fox.”
107. Umbrius: A rare surname given to a family residing in the central Italian region of Umbria.
108. Valentinus: Also from the Latin “valens,” this surname feels romantic, healthy, and strong.
109. Valerius: Meaning “to be strong” in Latin, this virtuous name helps a family through tough times.
110. Venator: The Latin word for “hunter” suits an eagle-eyed family.
111. Venti: Not just a coffee size, this refers to wind gods in Roman mythology.
112. Virgilius: Meaning “flourishing,” this handsome name carries plenty of stature and personality.
113. Vita: Meaning “life,” this dignified Latin name radiates warmth and possibility.
114. Volpi: A tough pick for cunning clans, meaning “fox.”
115. Vulcan: A scorching hot surname given in honor of the Roman god of fire.

FAQs

Did the Romans Have Surnames?

As you can tell from this list, the Romans did have surnames. In fact, they used up to three various names. This naming structure included a personal name and a hereditary or family name.

What Are Some Strong Roman Surnames?

Thanks to history, we view Roman last names such as Caesar, Maximus, Magnus, and Antonius as strong options for powerful warriors. Options such as Marcellus, Drusus, and Valerius also offer strong and confident meanings.

How Did Roman Naming Conventions Work?

Ancient Romans used a system called the tria nomina. This included a praenomen (first name), nomen (clan name), and cognomen (family branch or nickname).

What Is the Most Common Roman Last Name?

While hard to pinpoint a single most common name, nomen like Julius, Claudius, and Cornelius were widespread among prominent families in ancient Rome.

Did Roman Women Have Last Names?

Roman women traditionally took the feminine form of their father’s nomen. For example, the daughter of Julius Caesar was named Julia.

Are Roman Surnames Still Used Today?

Yes, many ancient Roman surnames evolved into modern first names and last names used across Europe. You will easily spot variations of names like Rossi or Romano in modern Italy.

What Does the Name Caesar Mean?

Caesar started as a cognomen for the Julian clan. Scholars believe it means “hairy” or “plentiful hair,” which became ironic since Julius Caesar was famously balding.