Are there any gender-neutral Roman baby names?

Yes, several Roman baby names are gender-neutral, like Agrippa (wild horse), Aquila (eagle), Glaucia (bluish gray), Iovita (sky father), and Florens (blooming).

What are some unique and less common Roman baby names?

Some Roman baby names like Nonus, meaning ninth; Tullus of unknown meaning; Cassian, meaning empty or vain; and Domitia, meaning tamed, are unique and rare.

Did Roman parents have specific criteria for choosing baby names in ancient Rome?

In ancient times, Roman parents preferred ancestral and familial names when choosing baby names. It was considered a matter of dignity if the names of senior family members were chosen. Moreover, habitational names and occupational names were common in Ancient Rome (1).

How have Roman baby names evolved?

In the early Roman era, men had a praenomen (first name) and a nomen (clan name). By 100 BC, they also added a cognomen (family name) to official documents. Women may have had praenomina in the early era, but later, they were known as the feminine version of their fathers nomen. With the transition to the Roman Empire, the names started being influenced by the ruling class (2). Moreover, after Christianity was introduced in Rome in the 4th century, Christian saint names and biblical names were added to the mix (3). Major events like the Renaissance during the 15th and 16th centuries also had an impact on baby names (4). In recent years, globalization and international exchange have encouraged the introduction of new names in the Roman lexicon.

Were there any superstitions or beliefs associated with Roman baby names?

Yes. Names like Fortunatus (fortunate, blessed, happy), Felix (lucky, successful), Albus (white, bright), Faustina (auspicious, lucky), and Beata (blessed) were chosen because it was believed that such names brought good luck on the bearer.

Are there any famous Roman baby names that have fallen out of use today?

Roman names like Gaius (to rejoice), Decimus (tenth), Junia (young), and Drusilla (strong) are rarely used in todays times. However, naming trends keep changing, and these names may again attain popularity.

Home • Baby Names

25 Roman Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With S

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA

Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Sylas	Boy	Of the forest; Prayed for; God of the forest or the countryside
Selvin	Boy	Battle opportunity; Of the woods
Sabina	Girl	A Sabine
Savino	Boy	One of the Sabines
Shelia	Girl	Blind; Heavenly
Saturn	Boy	The planet Saturn; God of agriculture
Savine	Girl	A Sabine
Sevrin	Boy	One who likes being strict and restrained; Stern
Severyn	Boy	Stern
Savoy	Boy	Fir forest

Silis	Unisex	Blind
Silke	Girl	Heaven; Blind
Severa-Name-Complete-Guide:-Origin,-Meaning-&-Popularity-Trends	Girl	Stern
Syla	Unisex	From the forest
Sidonia	Girl	Of Sidon
Sabyn	Girl	A person from the Sabine tribe; From central Italy
Saccius	Boy	An empty and vain person; Form of name Cassius
Saccus	Boy	Bag; Sack
Satvrninvs	Boy	The Roman God of Saturn
Severena	Boy	Stern, severe, and hard in nature

Sylviane	Girl	Wood; Forest
Severu	Boy	Stern
Serephina	Girl	Fiery one
Sorine	Unisex	Stern
Sinatra	Unisex	Old

Infographic: Top Roman Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With S

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

Roman Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With S(infographic)

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Shikha ThakurMBA

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Siddharth KesirajuMA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi