When we think of ancient Rome, grand emperors, fierce gladiators, and legendary philosophers come to mind. But have you ever wondered about the last names that carried their legacies? Roman surnames, or cognomina, were more than just identifiers; they told stories of ancestry, occupation, and even personality traits.
Whether you’re researching your own roots, writing historical fiction, or just love Roman history, this list of 140 common Roman last names will give you insight into their fascinating origins. We’ve categorized them for easy browsing!
1. Names Based on Occupations
Many Roman surnames came from a person’s job or role in society.
- Agricola – Means “farmer.”
- Faber – Means “craftsman” or “blacksmith.”
- Pistor – Means “baker.”
- Mercator – Means “merchant.”
- Nauta – Means “sailor.”
- Venator – Means “hunter.”
- Lignarius – Means “carpenter.”
- Lanius – Means “butcher.”
- Sartor – Means “tailor.”
- Piscator – Means “fisherman.”
- Figulus – Means “potter.”
- Tonsor – Means “barber.”
- Lorarius – Means “armorer.”
- Vitellius – Derived from vitulus (calf), possibly a cattle herder.
- Molitor – Means “miller.”
2. Names Based on Personal Traits
Some surnames described physical or personality characteristics.
- Longinus – “Tall” or “long.”
- Severus – “Serious” or “stern.”
- Rufus – “Red-haired.”
- Calvus – “Bald.”
- Crispus – “Curly-haired.”
- Paullus – “Small” or “humble.”
- Magnus – “Great” or “large.”
- Cato – “Shrewd” or “wise.”
- Pulcher – “Beautiful.”
- Lentulus – “Slow” or “deliberate.”
- Silvius – “Of the forest.”
- Flavius – “Golden” or “blonde.”
- Albus – “White” or “fair.”
- Niger – “Dark” or “black-haired.”
- Aurelius – Derived from aureus (golden).
3. Names Based on Geographic Origins
Many surnames indicated where a person was from.
- Romanus – “From Rome.”
- Sabinus – From the Sabine region.
- Tullius – Possibly from the town of Tullium.
- Campanus – From Campania.
- Lucanus – From Lucania.
- Gallus – “From Gaul.”
- Hispanus – “From Hispania (Spain).”
- Syriacus – “From Syria.”
- Afer – “From Africa.”
- Graecus – “From Greece.”
- Germanus – “From Germania.”
- Macedonius – “From Macedonia.”
- Parthicus – “From Parthia.”
- Dalmata – “From Dalmatia.”
- Etruscus – “From Etruria.”
4. Names Derived from Patron Gods or Mythology
Some Romans took names inspired by deities.
- Apollonius – Related to Apollo.
- Martius – Dedicated to Mars (god of war).
- Neptunius – Related to Neptune.
- Plutonius – Related to Pluto.
- Mercurius – Related to Mercury.
- Vulcanius – Related to Vulcan.
- Dionysius – Related to Dionysus.
- Herculeus – Related to Hercules.
- Januarius – Related to Janus.
- Saturninus – Related to Saturn.
5. Names Based on Family Lineage (Patronymic)
Some surnames indicated family descent.
- Julius – From the gens Julia (Julian family).
- Claudius – From the gens Claudia.
- Cornelius – From the gens Cornelia.
- Valerius – From the gens Valeria.
- Fabius – From the gens Fabia.
- Aemilius – From the gens Aemilia.
- Antonius – From the gens Antonia.
- Domitius – From the gens Domitia.
- Octavius – From the gens Octavia.
- Pompeius – From the gens Pompeia.
6. Names Based on Nature & Animals
Romans often drew inspiration from the natural world.
- Lupus – “Wolf.”
- Aquila – “Eagle.”
- Leo – “Lion.”
- Ursus – “Bear.”
- Corvus – “Raven.”
- Draco – “Dragon” or “serpent.”
- Cicero – “Chickpea” (possibly a nickname).
- Silvanus – “Of the woods.”
- Flora – “Flower.”
- Avis – “Bird.”
7. Names Based on Virtues & Ideals
Some surnames reflected admired qualities.
- Augustus – “Majestic” or “venerable.”
- Constantinus – “Steadfast.”
- Felix – “Fortunate” or “happy.”
- Victor – “Conqueror.”
- Honorius – “Honorable.”
- Pius – “Dutiful.”
- Justus – “Just” or “fair.”
- Clemens – “Merciful.”
- Prudentius – “Wise.”
- Fortis – “Strong” or “brave.”
8. Names with Military Connections
Given Rome’s warrior culture, many surnames had military ties.
- Centurio – “Centurion” (army officer).
- Gladius – “Sword.”
- Scipio – Possibly “staff” or “scepter.”
- Miles – “Soldier.”
- Legionarius – “Legionary.”
- Triumphus – “Triumph” (victory celebration).
- Bellator – “Warrior.”
- Dux – “Leader” or “general.”
- Castor – Named after one of the twin warriors (Castor & Pollux).
- Pollux – The other twin warrior.
9. Names Based on Physical Features or Nicknames
Some surnames were playful or descriptive.
- Naso – “Big-nosed.”
- Bassus – “Stout” or “thick.”
- Macula – “Spotted” or “blemished.”
- Varro – Possibly “bow-legged.”
- Strabo – “Cross-eyed.”
- Caecus – “Blind.”
- Mancinus – “Left-handed.”
- Gurges – “Glutton” or “voracious.”
- Celsus – “Tall.”
- Pavo – “Peacock” (possibly vain).
10. Names with Uncertain or Mixed Origins
Some surnames have debated meanings.
- Tiberius – Possibly from the Tiber River.
- Ovidius – Uncertain, possibly “sheep herder.”
- Horatius – Possibly from the Horatii clan.
- Virgilius – Possibly “rod-bearer.”
- Seneca – Possibly “old man.”
- Tacitus – “Silent” or “reserved.”
- Petronius – Uncertain, possibly “rock.”
- Sallustius – Possibly “leaper.”
- Terentius – Uncertain origin.
- Juvenalis – “Youthful.”
11. Names Adopted from Other Cultures
Rome absorbed many foreign names.
- Alexander – Greek origin, “defender of men.”
- Cleopatra – Greek, “glory of the father.”
- Hadrianus – From Hadria (modern Atri, Italy).
- Theodorus – Greek, “gift of God.”
- Zenon – Greek, “gift of Zeus.”
- Phoebus – Greek, “bright” or “shining.”
- Isidorus – Greek, “gift of Isis.”
- Heliodorus – Greek, “gift of the sun.”
- Callistus – Greek, “most beautiful.”
- Herminius – Possibly Etruscan origin.
12. Names of Famous Roman Families
Some surnames belonged to powerful dynasties.
- Brutus – Famous for Lucius Junius Brutus.
- Cicero – The great orator.
- Nero – Infamous emperor.
- Trajanus – Emperor Trajan.
- Vespasianus – Emperor Vespasian.
- Titus – Emperor Titus.
- Hadrianus – Emperor Hadrian.
- Commodus – Emperor Commodus.
- Caracalla – Emperor known for his edict.
- Maximinus – Emperor Maximinus Thrax.
13. Rare & Unique Roman Surnames
Some names were less common but still fascinating.
- Balbus – “Stammerer.”
- Blaesus – “Lisping.”
- Capito – “Big-headed.”
- Lurco – “Glutton.”
- Ravilla – Possibly “hoarse-voiced.”
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Final Thoughts
Roman surnames weren’t just labels; they were stories. Whether describing a person’s job, looks, or homeland, these names give us a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. Do you recognize any of these in your own family tree? Or does one stand out as a favorite? Let us know in the comments!
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Shakespeare (but the Romans would’ve agreed!).