Roman

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROH-mun /ˈroʊ.mən/High

Meaning: Citizen of Rome; a Roman personHigh

In 30 seconds: A strong Latin name simply meaning 'Roman' or 'citizen of Rome.' With its ancient grandeur and single vowel-punch, it has become a modern favorite across many cultures.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningCitizen of Rome; a Roman person

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 64,933

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Roman derives directly from the Latin Romanus, meaning 'of Rome' or 'a Roman.' It was used as a given name by early Christians, including several popes and saints named Romanus.

Roman spread across Europe through the Catholic Church and has strong roots in Slavic, Spanish, and German cultures. In the United States it has climbed into the top 100 boys' names in the 21st century.

Did you know? Roman is a common name in Poland, Russia, and other Slavic countries, where it has been used since the medieval era through early Christian missionaries.

Variations

RomanoRomanusRomain

Nicknames

RoRomy

Famous Bearers

★Roman Polanski (1933–)
Polish-French film director, known for works including Chinatown and Rosemary's Baby.

If you like Roman…

Felix— Latin classic meaning happy, with a similar crisp modern feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Roman mean?

Roman comes from the Latin Romanus, meaning 'of Rome' or 'a Roman,' denoting a citizen of ancient Rome.

How do you pronounce Roman?

It is said ROH-mun /ˈroʊ.mən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Roman a boy or girl name?

Roman is primarily used as a boy's name.

How popular is Roman?

Roman has been steadily climbing in the U.S. and now ranks among the top 100 boys' names.