This list includes 21 Roman names that start with D, from “Dacianus” to “Duilius”. These names often reflect family lineage, occupations, or geographic origins. They suit writers, parents, genealogists, and students seeking authentic Roman names.
Roman names that start with D are personal and family names found in Latin inscriptions and literature. For example, the name “Duilius” belongs to a noted naval consul from the First Punic War.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Pronunciation, and Meaning.
Name: The Roman name listed as it appears in sources, so you can pick it for characters or genealogical references.
Gender: Indicates traditional usage (masculine, feminine, or neutral), helping you choose appropriate names for individuals or characters.
Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide shows how the name is spoken in reconstructed Classical Latin, so you can say names confidently.
Meaning: A concise translation or origin note that reveals literal sense, root, or cultural associations useful for interpretation.
Roman names that start with D
Name
Type
Gender
Meaning
Decimus
praenomen
Masculine
tenth
Decima
praenomen
Feminine
tenth
Decius
nomen (gens)
Masculine
from Decimus; tenth
Decia
nomen (gens)
Feminine
from Decius
Didius
nomen (gens)
Masculine
Unknown
Duilius
nomen (gens)
Masculine
Unknown
Domitius
nomen (gens)
Masculine
Unknown
Domitia
nomen (gens)
Feminine
from Domitius
Domitianus
cognomen
Masculine
derivative of Domitius
Domna
cognomen
Feminine
Unknown (Syrian origin)
Drusus
cognomen
Masculine
Unknown
Dentatus
cognomen
Masculine
toothed
Dexter
cognomen
Masculine
right-handed; skilful
Dolabella
cognomen
Masculine
possibly “small axe”
Dives
cognomen
Masculine
rich, wealthy
Donatus
cognomen
Masculine
given, gifted
Dacianus
cognomen
Masculine
from Dacia
Dalmatius
cognomen
Masculine
from Dalmatia
Dionysius
other
Masculine
follower of Dionysus
Dardanus
other
Masculine
Trojan origin
Denter
cognomen
Masculine
prominent front tooth
Descriptions
Decimus
A common Roman praenomen attested in literature and inscriptions (e.g., Decimus Junius Brutus). Widely used in the Republic and Empire; very authentic for historical fiction and genealogical study.
Decima
Rare female praenomen attested in inscriptions and funerary monuments; reflects the numeral-based female naming practice (e.g., Decima may appear on tombstones).
Decius
Nomen of the gens Decia attested in Republican sources; famous bearers include Publius Decius Mus and Emperor Trajan Decius (3rd century).
Decia
Feminine form of the gens name Decius; women of the Decia gens are known from inscriptions and literary references.
Didius
Nomen of the Didia gens, attested in inscriptions and history; most famous bearer Marcus Didius Julianus (emperor, 193 AD).
Duilius
Gens Duillia (often spelled Duilius) attested in Republican history; Gaius Duilius, consul and naval victor at Mylae (260 BC), is well documented.
Domitius
Nomen of the Domitia gens; prominent from Republic through Empire, including Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. Widely attested in inscriptions and literary sources.
Domitia
Feminine form of Domitius; women like Domitia Longina appear in literary and epigraphic records.
Domitianus
Imperial cognomen borne by Titus Flavius Domitianus (Emperor Domitian); attested in Suetonius, Tacitus and inscriptions.
Domna
Used as a personal name/cognomen by Julia Domna, empress of Septimius Severus; attested in literary sources (Cassius Dio) and inscriptions.
Drusus
Prominent Claudian cognomen; Nero Claudius Drusus and members of the Claudian family are frequently named in Tacitus, inscriptions, and coins.
Dentatus
Republican cognomen attested in Livy and inscriptions (e.g., Manius Curius Dentatus, famed commander); literal descriptive cognomen common in early Rome.
Dexter
Widely attested cognomen in Republican and Imperial inscriptions; used across social ranks as a compliment or descriptive byname.
Dolabella
Well-attested Cornelii Dolabellae cognomen; appears in Cicero, inscriptions, and prosopographical records (e.g., Publius Cornelius Dolabella).
Dives
Literary and epigraphic cognomen meaning “wealthy”; used descriptively in Republican and Imperial contexts.
Donatus
Attested in inscriptions and late-classical literature; became common in Christian contexts but has classical epigraphic attestations as a cognomen.
Dacianus
Geographic cognomen indicating origin or service in Dacia; attested in imperial inscriptions and military diplomas.
Dalmatius
Cognomen formed from Dalmatia; attested in late-antique imperial family records (4th century) and inscriptions.
Dionysius
Greek personal name widely borne by freedmen and citizens in Roman contexts; attested in Latin literature and numerous inscriptions across the Empire.
Dardanus
Mythological name (Dardanus, ancestor of the Trojans) attested in classical literature (e.g., Vergil); occasionally appears as a personal cognomen or literary epithet.
Denter
Attested as an old Roman cognomen in literary and epigraphic records; descriptive cognomen seen in Republican prosopography.
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