This list includes 16 Roman names that start with R, from “Ratius” to “Rutilus”. They appear in inscriptions, literary texts, and family records and often reflect occupations, physical traits, or ancestry.
Roman names that start with R are personal and family names used in ancient Rome beginning with the letter R. Some, like “Rufus” and “Regulus”, belong to notable figures in Roman history and surviving inscriptions.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Pronunciation, Meaning, Notes, and Source.
Name: The Roman name itself, shown in quotes when appropriate, so you can scan entries quickly.
Gender: Indicates whether the name is masculine, feminine, or used for both, helping you pick suitable options.
Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide lets you speak the name accurately in reconstructed classical Latin.
Meaning: A concise translation or etymology highlights common roots, so you understand cultural or literal significance.
Notes: Brief context on historical usage, notable bearers, or variant forms to help you assess suitability.
Source: Short citation of classical texts or inscription databases that record the name and its attestations.
Roman names that start with R
Name
Type
Gender
Meaning
Romulus
other
M
Romulus: little Roman, legendary founder
Remus
other
M
Possibly linked to “oar” or Sabine name
Rufus
cognomen
M
Red-haired, ruddy
Rufinus
cognomen
M
Little red-haired; diminutive of Rufus
Rufius
nomen
M
Nomen from Rufus (“reddish”)
Rutilius
nomen
M
From rutilus “reddish, golden-red”
Rutilus
cognomen
M
Reddish, golden-red
Regulus
cognomen
M
Little king (diminutive of rex)
Rubellius
nomen
M
From rubellus “somewhat reddish”
Ruber
cognomen
M
Red, ruddy
Roscius
nomen
M
Possibly from ros “dew” or personal root
Rupilius
nomen
M
Uncertain; possibly from rupes “rock”
Remmius
nomen
M
From Remus or Sabine root
Romanus
cognomen
M
Of Rome, Roman
Ratius
nomen
M
Origin uncertain; gentilic formation
Rogatus
cognomen
M
Asked for, agreed upon (pp. of rogo)
Descriptions
Romulus
Legendary founder of Rome, brother of Remus; attested in Liv., Verg., Dion. Hal. Widely used mythic personal name in Latin literature (Liv., Verg.).
Remus
Romulus’s brother in the foundation myth. Attested in Liv., Verg., Dionysius; a personal name in early Roman tradition rather than regular praenomen.
Rufus
One of the most common Roman cognomina; used across many gentes. Frequent in Cicero and inscriptions (Cic.; CIL); simple and recognizably Latin.
Rufinus
Diminutive cognomen derived from Rufus. Attested in imperial inscriptions and late-antique authors (CIL; inscriptions), e.g., officials named Rufinus.
Rufius
Gentilician name (gens Rufia/Rufia) attested in imperial sources; e.g., Rufius Crispinus (prefect) appears in Tacitus/Suetonius and inscriptions (Tac.; CIL).
Rutilius
Well-attested gens Rutilia; Quintus Rutilius Rufus is a famous Republican (Cic.; Liv.; inscriptions).
Rutilus
Common adjectival cognomen appearing in Republican and imperial contexts; used to describe hair or complexion (Liv.; CIL).
Regulus
Historic cognomen (e.g., M. Atilius Regulus, famed general). Attested in Liv., Polybius, and inscriptions (Liv.; Polyb.; CIL).
Rubellius
Nomen of gens Rubellia; notable members include Rubellius Blandus and Rubellius Plautus (Tacitus). Attested in Tac., inscriptions.
Ruber
Adjectival cognomen (ruber) used in inscriptions and literature to denote red hair or complexion (Cic.; CIL).
Roscius
Nomen of the actor Q. Roscius Gallus, defended by Cicero (Pro Roscio Amerino); attested in Cicero and inscriptions (Cic.).
Rupilius
Gentilician name attested in Republican/imperial records and inscriptions (CIL); members appear in magistracies and epigraphic sources.
Remmius
Nomen of gens Remmia; notably Remmius Palaemon, a 1st‑cent. grammarian cited by Quintilian (Quint.; inscriptions).
Romanus
Common cognomen from the adjective Romanus; found in imperial inscriptions and literary references (CIL; inscriptions).
Ratius
Nomen Ratius (gens Ratia) occurs in inscriptions and some Republican references; attested epigraphically (CIL).
Rogatus
Cognomen formed from the participle rogatus; attested in inscriptions (CIL) as a personal cognomen in provincial and Roman contexts.
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