What does Roman mean and where does it come from?
Roman, typically a male name, may occasionally be used for females, especially in modern contexts. The name is derived from the Latin word 'Romanus' meaning 'of Rome'. It has historical significance dating back to the Roman Empire. While it is more common in male naming, literature and pop culture s
Cultural significance
Roman has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #73 in 2019 — currently #66 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Roman?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Roman?
Roman works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Roman Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Roman Rose
Floral · soft ending
Roman Mae
Sweet · timeless
Roman Claire
French influence · crisp
Roman Jane
Literary · strong
Roman Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Roman right now?
Holding steady — currently #66 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #66 | 4,796 | ▲ up 2 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #68 | 4,736 | ▲ up 6 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #74 | 4,567 | ▲ up 3 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #77 | 4,445 | ▲ up 25 · +15% births |
| 2015 | #102 | 3,882 | ▲ up 84 · +95% births |
| 2010 | #186 | 1,989 | ▲ up 19 · +7% births |
| 2005 | #205 | 1,863 | ▲ up 113 · +107% births |
| 2000 | #318 | 901 | ▲ up 50 · +39% births |
| 1995 | #368 | 647 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #373 | 623 | ▲ up 77 · +72% births |
| 1985 | #450 | 363 | ▲ up 85 · +41% births |
| 1980 | #535 | 258 | ▼ down 121 · -26% births |
| 1975 | #414 | 351 | ▲ up 9 · -6% births |
| 1970 | #423 | 375 | ▲ up 138 · +104% births |
| 1965 | #561 | 184 | — |
The story of Roman
Roman has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. Its peak popularity was #73 in 2019. A total of 79,007 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #822 in 1885 to #66 in 2023. Roman is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Roman in 2019:
Roman by decade
Roman peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 76 | |
| 1890s | 135 | |
| 1900s | 265 | |
| 1910s | 1,794 | |
| 1920s | 2,352 | |
| 1930s | 1,289 | |
| 1940s | 1,116 | |
| 1950s | 1,648 | |
| 1960s | 1,799 | |
| 1970s | 3,371 | |
| 1980s | 3,980 | |
| 1990s | 6,814 | |
| 2000s | 14,738 | |
| 2010s ★ | 35,157 | |
| 2020s | 4,473 | |
What are good nicknames for Roman?
What names sound and feel like Roman?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roman also consider these
How is Roman written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Roman?
Common questions about the name Roman
What does the name Roman mean?
Roman means "Latin" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Roman?
Roman is currently ranked #66 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Roman?
Roman originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Roman?
Roman is a two-syllable name pronounced R OW1 M AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Roman more of a girl or boy name?
Roman is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.