The name Dominic has its roots in the Late Latin name Dominicus, which means "belonging to the Lord" or "of the Lord." It is derived from the Latin word dominus, meaning "master" or "lord." The name gained popularity during the early Christian era and was initially used as a surname or title before becoming a widely adopted given name.

The earliest recorded use of the name Dominic dates back to the 3rd century AD, when it was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs. One of the most notable figures associated with this name is Saint Dominic, also known as Dominic de Guzmán (1170-1221), who founded the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Order.

In the Middle Ages, the name Dominic became widespread across Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain, and France. It was often chosen for its religious connotations and as a symbol of devotion to Christianity. Several notable historical figures bore this name, including Dominic Cavafia (c. 1300-1342), an Italian mathematician and astronomer, and Dominic Marius de Cubières (c. 1322-1405), a French Benedictine monk and writer.

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the name Dominic remained popular, particularly among Catholic families. One of the most renowned individuals with this name was Dominic Baudier (1598-1694), a French historian and biographer who served as the official historiographer of France.

In the 19th century, the name Dominic gained further prominence with individuals such as Dominic Ferrandis (1803-1857), a Spanish politician and statesman, and Dominic Servais (1835-1909), a renowned Belgian cellist and composer.

Another notable figure in history with the name Dominic was Dominic Savio (1842-1857), an Italian student and youth member of the Salesian Oratory. Despite his short life, he became renowned for his religious devotion and was declared a saint by the Catholic Church in 1954.

Throughout its long history, the name Dominic has transcended cultural boundaries and has been embraced by various societies, reflecting its enduring association with religious devotion and the concept of being "of the Lord."