Find out how popular the first name Romulus has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Romulus by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Romulus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Romulus.

The history of the first name Romulus

The given name Romulus has its origins in ancient Roman mythology and history. It is derived from the Latin word "romulus", which means "citizen of Rome". The name is closely associated with the legendary founding of the city of Rome by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus.

According to Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus were the sons of the war god Mars and the priestess Rhea Silvia. They were abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf, eventually founding the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill in 753 BCE. Romulus became the first king of Rome after a dispute with his brother Remus, which resulted in Remus' death.

The name Romulus appears in various ancient Roman texts and historical records, including the works of Livy, Plutarch, and Virgil. It is also mentioned in the Roman epic poem "The Aeneid" by Virgil, where Romulus is portrayed as a descendant of the Trojan hero Aeneas.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Romulus was Romulus Augustulus, who was the last Western Roman Emperor. He reigned from 475 to 476 CE and was deposed by the Germanic leader Odoacer, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Romulus, including:

1. Romulus Silvius (753-716 BCE), the legendary second king of Rome, according to Roman tradition.
2. Romulus Augustulus (475-after 476 CE), the last Western Roman Emperor.
3. Romulus of Genoa (c. 1390-1460), an Italian jurist and humanist scholar.
4. Romulus Whitaker (born 1943), an Indian herpetologist and conservationist known for his work with the King Cobra.
5. Romulus Linney (1930-2011), an American playwright and novelist.

The name Romulus has been used throughout history, primarily in areas with strong connections to Roman culture and mythology. It has remained a popular choice, particularly in Italy and other parts of Europe, as a tribute to the legendary founder of Rome and the rich heritage of the Roman civilization.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Romulus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Romulus, please contact us.

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