Aside from the classics, I am also a “name-nerd,” visiting the eponymous subreddit r/namenerds almost daily. As a writer, I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect name to encapsulate a character. I enjoy a timeless name, but also an occasional oddball.
I appreciate the wide variety of names across cultures. That is, current ones. However, I often look back to Ancient Rome for naming inspiration. Some names like Julia and Marcus have stood the test of time. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Antiquity has much to offer in this realm, and I would love to see more appreciation for these stunning Roman names.
Forgive me for some of the vague explanations for these. I often use very abstract terms to describe the “sense” of a name. Hopefully, you can understand what I mean. I find it hard to capture a name's essence with cookie-cutter language.
Fausta (honorable mention: Faustina)
While I am not a fan of its masculine version, Faustus, its feminine counterpart is perfect. Meaning “fortunate,” I love the way this name flows on the tongue. The most famous Fausta was the wife of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He executed her and ordered damnatio memoriae, the removal of her existence from all historical records. However, this bust of her still remains. With all that said…Fausta is a melodic name that will fit just right in the 21st century. There were many other Faustas in antiquity to lift the name’s legacy. It’s soft, but sharp when it needs to be. The “st” sound in part contributes to that, I believe.
Constantina (honorable mention: Constanza)
This connects to the prior story, as the feminine version of Constantine. The feminine version trumps the masculine, yet again. It turns a drab mouthful into a melodic harmony. Constantina will definitely stand out more than Fausta, but it evokes a sense of bravery and spunk. I would give this name to a character who’s a fighter while also maintaining some femininity. Constantina is all angular, and whenever you say it, you remember it. It’s a pleasant mouthful.
Regulus (honorable mention: Remus)
First male name! Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize this name. Regulus is also the name of one of the brightest stars in the night sky. If that doesn’t instantly impress you, then I don’t know what will. It may seem stiff, but I think of Regulus as more sturdy. The descending syllables contribute to its allure, in my opinion.
Lavinia (honorable mention: Larentia)
In Roman mythology, Lavinia is the last wife of Aeneas. She earned the legendary title of “Mother of Rome,” giving this name the most “aura” of all, according to 21st-century slang. Lavinia is light and fresh, and definitely in my top 3 for Roman names. While Constantina and Fausta are a bit more cutting, Lavinia’s subdued sound works perfectly. To me, it feels fragile, but not fragile in a way that can be easily shattered. More so, fragile in a way that she protects herself with care.
In conclusion, while names continue to evolve and seem more futuristic by the day, I implore us to seek beauty in the past. I strongly dislike the idea that outdated or “weird” names should be looked down upon. When used within reason, I think that they have much to offer, especially with their weighty legacies. Every time I sit down to write, I have a tab open with a list of Ancient Roman names. These are just a few of my favorites, and I hope it offered a creative boost, no matter if you’re a writer, a parent, or simply a lover of history and names!
