Titus

♂ Boy

Pronounced TY-tus /ˈtaɪ.təs/High

Meaning: A Roman praenomen (personal name) of uncertain Etruscan or Latin origin, possibly related to the Latin 'titulus' (honor, title, inscription) — suggesting a man of honor or distinction.Medium

In 30 seconds: Titus is a powerful Roman name carried by emperors, saints, and Shakespeare's most violent tragic hero. Two short syllables that command respect — classical, strong, and experiencing a striking modern renaissance.

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Origin MediumLatin

MeaningA Roman praenomen (personal name) of uncertain Etruscan or Latin origin, possibly related to the Latin 'titulus' (honor, title, inscription) — suggesting a man of honor or distinction.

U.S. rank (2025)#358 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births910 boys (0.05% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 26,793

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Titus was a common Roman praenomen (personal name), used by distinguished figures in the Roman Republic and Empire. Its etymology is uncertain — it may derive from an Etruscan root or be connected to the Latin titulus (honor, inscription). In the New Testament, Titus was a Greek companion and co-worker of Saint Paul, to whom an epistle is addressed. Roman bearers include the historian Titus Livius (Livy) and Emperor Titus.

Titus was used in England during the Puritan era as a biblical name and fell in and out of fashion over the centuries. In the twenty-first century it has experienced a strong revival, entering the US top 100 boys' names in the 2010s. It shares the appeal of other two-syllable Roman names like Julius, Marcus, and Felix. Shakespeare's tragedy Titus Andronicus provides additional literary gravitas.

Did you know? The Roman Emperor Titus (39–81 CE) ruled for only two years but is best remembered for destroying the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE and completing the Colosseum — the largest amphitheatre ever built, still standing after nearly 2,000 years.

Overall data confidence 85%

Lewis and Short Latin Dictionary — Roman praenomen Titus and possible connections to titulusSocial Security Administration Name Data — US popularity trend for Titus

Variations

Tito

Nicknames

TiTito

Famous Bearers

★Emperor Titus (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (39–81 CE)
Roman emperor known for completing the Colosseum and overseeing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

If you like Titus…

Julius— two-syllable Roman name with the same classical imperial weight and modern revival

Marcus— two-syllable Roman praenomen with the same commanding Latin heritage

Caspian— three-syllable classical name with the same strong, adventurous character and literary associations

Frequently Asked

What does the name Titus mean?

Titus is a Roman name possibly related to Latin titulus (honor, title) — its exact Etruscan or Latin origin is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Titus?

Titus is pronounced TY-tus (/ˈtaɪ.təs/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Titus a boy or girl name?

Titus is a boy's name.

How popular is Titus?

Titus entered the US top 100 boys' names in the 2010s as classical Roman names experience a strong revival.