Romelo
A name of unknown etymology, possibly derived from the Spanish name "Romelo".
Name Census estimates that about 1,069 living Americans carry the first name Romelo. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Romelo today is around 15 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Romelo births was 2021 (54 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Romelo. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Romelo is a relatively new arrival in the SSA data. The average bearer is just 15 years old, meaning it gained most of its traction in the last two decades.
People living today
1.1K
~ 1 in 320,631 Americans
Peak year
2021
54 babies that year
Average age
15
years old
2024 SSA rank
#2,538
Tracked since 1994
Popularity
Romelo: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Romelo from the 1990s through to the 2020s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 456 total registrations. Although the numbers have come down from the 2010s peak, Romelo remains solidly in use and shows no sign of disappearing from maternity wards.
Babies born per year
Decades
Romelo by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Romelo during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Romelos live
The SSA's state-level files cover 8 states and territories. Florida, Texas, Georgia recorded the most babies named Romelo, while Ohio, Louisiana, Michigan recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 35 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Romelo
The name Romelo is a unique and intriguing moniker with a rich cultural heritage. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire, deriving from the Latin word "romus," which translates to "citizen of Rome." This linguistic connection suggests that the name may have initially been bestowed upon individuals of Roman descent or those residing within the boundaries of the mighty empire.
During the height of Roman civilization, the name Romelo was often associated with nobility and civic pride. It carried a sense of belonging to the esteemed Roman society, which valued virtues such as honor, courage, and loyalty. While no definitive historical records exist to pinpoint the earliest use of the name, it is believed to have been in circulation among the upper echelons of Roman society.
As the Roman Empire expanded its influence across Europe and the Mediterranean, the name Romelo likely spread to conquered territories, adapting to local dialects and cultural influences. Over the centuries, various spellings and variations emerged, such as Romelus, Romulus, and Romolo, but the essence of the name remained tied to its Roman roots.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Romelo can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who chronicled the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus in the 8th century BCE. While the historicity of this account is debated, the name Romelo may have drawn inspiration from this iconic tale, symbolizing the spirit of Rome's origins and the resilience of its people.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Romelo. One such individual was Romelo Ferretti (1512-1585), an Italian Renaissance painter renowned for his frescoes adorning churches in Rome and the surrounding regions. His works embodied the artistic brilliance and cultural richness of the era, solidifying the name's association with the epicenter of Western civilization.
Another prominent figure was Romelo Gonzalez (1879-1943), a Mexican revolutionary and political leader who played a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century. His unwavering dedication to social justice and the pursuit of equality for the Mexican people has cemented his place in the annals of history.
In the realm of literature, Romelo Sánchez (1928-2018), a celebrated Colombian poet and writer, left an indelible mark on Latin American letters. His poetic works, infused with vivid imagery and profound symbolism, explored themes of identity, love, and the human condition, resonating with readers across generations.
The name Romelo also found its way into the world of sports, with Romelo Lukaku (born 1993), a Belgian professional footballer of Congolese descent, making a name for himself as a prolific striker in Europe's top leagues. His athletic prowess and determination have earned him accolades and a legion of fans worldwide.
While the name Romelo may not be as widely recognized as some more common monikers, its rich history and cultural significance cannot be denied. From the ancient streets of Rome to the modern-day arenas of artistic expression and athletic endeavors, this name has left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human civilization.
People
Romelo + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Romelo as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with R
Other first names starting with R with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Romelo: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Romelo?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 1,069 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Romelo going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 320,631 US residents.
Is Romelo a common name?
We classify Romelo as "Rare". It ranks above 90.5% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 1,080 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Romelo most popular?
The single biggest year for Romelo was 2021, when 54 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Romelo is about 15 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Romelo a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Romelo in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.