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Romulus

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROM-yoo-lus /ˈrɑm.jə.ləs/High

Meaning: From Latin Romulus — linked to Roma, 'Rome'; the legendary founder and first king of Rome, raised by a she-wolfHigh

In 30 seconds: The founder of Rome himself: Romulus, raised by a she-wolf with his twin Remus, gave the Eternal City its name. Epic, ancient, and grand — a name with a whole empire behind it.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningFrom Latin Romulus — linked to Roma, 'Rome'; the legendary founder and first king of Rome, raised by a she-wolf

U.S. rank (2025)#4510 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births23 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 454

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Romulus comes from Latin, linked to Roma, 'Rome'. In legend he and his twin Remus, sons of Mars, were raised by a she-wolf; Romulus founded Rome, gave it his name, and ruled as its first king. The last Western Roman emperor was, fittingly, also Romulus.

In the U.S. it is rare, chosen for its epic classical weight. Rome-founding at the root, ancient, and grand.

Did you know? Legend says Romulus and his twin Remus were suckled by a she-wolf — and that Romulus founded Rome, named it for himself, and became its first king.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Romulus — etymology

Variations

RomoloRomulo

Nicknames

RomeRomy

Famous Bearers

★Romulus
Legendary founder and first king of Rome, central figure in Roman founding mythology
★Romulus Augustulus
Last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, deposed in 476 AD
★Romulus Linney (1930-2011)
American playwright and novelist known for his works set in Appalachia

If you like Romulus…

Cassius— a fellow ancient Roman name

Augustus— a companion imperial name

Maximus— another grand Latin name

Marius— a fellow Latin choice

Atticus— shares Romulus's Latin roots

Explore names like Romulus

By themelatin mythological roman

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Romulus mean?

Romulus is Latin, linked to 'Rome'; he was the legendary founder and first king of Rome.

How do you pronounce Romulus?

It's said ROM-yoo-lus /ˈrɑm.jə.ləs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Romulus a boy or girl name?

Romulus is a boy's name.

How popular is Romulus?

Romulus is a rare name in the U.S.