Ancient Roman Names
- Varinia
Origin:
Latin, meaning obscureDescription:
An ancient Roman name rarely heard in modern times, though the related VARINA appears in Slavic families.
- Decima
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"tenth"Description:
In the days of huge families, this name of the Roman goddess of prophecy and childbirth, and one of the Fates, would be saved for bambina number ten. Now it might be used for a girl born in October, the tenth month.
- Maxima
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of MaximusDescription:
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want them to stay rare!) Maxima got some attention in 2015 when Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan used it for their daughter, but few parents have copied them.
- Martia
Origin:
Variation of Marcia, LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Martia, more distinctive than cousins Marta, Marcia and Marsha, also has a strong image and slightly unexpected feel.
- Laurentia
Origin:
Latin, feminine form of LaurenceDescription:
This pretty female form of Laurence originated in ancient Rome and is still sometimes heard in the Latino community. It is one of the many intriguing Latin names for girls worth consideration by modern parents, as a more distinctive spin on Laura or Lauren. The name's rhythm also makes it perfect for Ren or Wren as a nickname.
- Septima
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"seventh"Description:
Name for a seventh child, back when people had them.
- Hilaria
Origin:
Latin, SpanishMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.
- Aquilia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
This and two other female forms -- AQUILA and AQUILINA -- of the Roman family name Aquilius might live on in modern times.
- Crispus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"curly-haired"Description:
A potential hero name: Crispus Attucks, an African and Native American man, was the first colonist to die for independence in the Boston Massacre.
- Clemensia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
With Clementine on the rise and Clemence and Clemency considered chic in Europe, this unusual Latinate option could be a fresh alternative. Clementia is another, more common, spelling.
- Horatia
Origin:
Latin feminine variation of HoratioDescription:
Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer.
- Tauria
Origin:
Latin, place nameDescription:
The name of an area of Peru, this could be a possibilty for a springtime baby born under the sign of Taurus.
- Prima
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"first"Description:
Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.
- Tertia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"third"Description:
Tertia—which is occasionally used in the UK, but rarely in the US, would make an unconventional but interesting possibility for the third child in a family. Terza and Terzo are lively Italian female and male variations.
- Rufina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.
- Sergia
Origin:
Latin, female variant of Sergius and SergioMeaning:
"servant"Description:
Not as common as brother Sergio, but still quite frequently heard in the Hispanic community, as in Bolivian singer Sergia Llanos.
- Galla
Origin:
Spelling variation of GalaDescription:
Gala makes the name more festive.
- Fabia
Origin:
Latin female variation of FabianMeaning:
"bean grower"Description:
Fabia is one of several pleasant international-accented female versions of Fabian.
- Albia
Origin:
LatinDescription:
A rarely heard ancient Latin names for girls that has a not-so-appealing brand name feel. Try Alba instead.
- Nerilla
Origin:
LatinDescription:
A character name that makes an appearance in Shakespeare's King Lear, Nerilla has hardly been heard in modern times. But with the resurrection of many names from ancient Greece and Roman, Nerilla is one of the Latin names for girls we may be hearing again.