What does Romulo mean and where does it come from?
Romulo has its roots in Latin, where it means 'strong' or 'powerful'. It is most famously associated with Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. In modern usage, the name is well-recognized in Spanish-speaking countries and has also gained popularity in the Philippines. Notable bearers of the name
Cultural significance
Romulo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong, powerful.
Peak popularity
Reached #2172 in 1966 — currently #8784 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Romulo?
Romulo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Romulo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Romulo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Romulo Mae
Sweet · timeless
Romulo Claire
French influence · crisp
Romulo Jane
Literary · strong
Romulo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Romulo right now?
Rising fast — up 875 spots — currently #8784 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8784 | 9 | ▲ up 875 · +13% births |
| 2022 | #9659 | 8 | ▲ up 905 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #10564 | 7 | ▼ down 3549 · -36% births |
| 2020 | #7015 | 11 | ▲ up 3701 · +83% births |
| 2015 | #10716 | 6 | ▼ down 2527 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #8189 | 9 | ▼ down 1932 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #6257 | 12 | ▼ down 282 · +9% births |
| 2000 | #5975 | 11 | ▼ down 802 |
| 1995 | #5173 | 11 | ▼ down 717 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #4456 | 12 | ▼ down 45 · +33% births |
| 1985 | #4411 | 9 | ▼ down 1112 · -31% births |
| 1980 | #3299 | 13 | ▲ up 198 · +30% births |
| 1975 | #3497 | 10 | ▼ down 1162 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #2335 | 16 | ▲ up 341 · +60% births |
| 1965 | #2676 | 10 | — |
The story of Romulo
Romulo entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 801 total births recorded, Romulo remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3968 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8784 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Romulo in 1966:
Romulo by decade
Romulo peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 13 | |
| 1920s | 40 | |
| 1930s | 31 | |
| 1940s | 66 | |
| 1950s | 56 | |
| 1960s | 67 | |
| 1970s ★ | 122 | |
| 1980s | 111 | |
| 1990s | 115 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s | 77 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Romulo has only 801 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Romulo?
What names sound and feel like Romulo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Romulo also consider these
Common questions about the name Romulo
What does the name Romulo mean?
Romulo means "Strong, powerful" — a name rooted in Spain 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 Romulo?
Romulo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Romulo?
Romulo originates from Spain tradition. Spain 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 Romulo?
Romulo is a three-syllable name pronounced R OW1 M UW1 L OW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Romulo?
Romulo pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.