Roman

Associated with Rome and Roman identity; linked to Latin Romanus (“of Rome”).

Roman is a masculine given name used in many countries, and it often reads as modern because it is short, familiar, and easy to spell. Even when chosen purely for sound, the name carries an obvious cultural association with Rome and Roman history because of its form and meaning. The name is commonly linked to Latin Romanus, which is traditionally glossed as “Roman” or “of Rome.” Over time, related forms have appeared across European languages, and the modern given name Roman is part of that broader spread rather than a single new invention. In common English usage, a frequent pronunciation is ROH-muhn (two syllables). A practical tip is to clarify whether you prefer ROH-man versus ROH-muhn in multilingual settings, since different languages and regions may shift the vowel in the second syllable; Rome is also a straightforward short form.

Etymology: From Latin Romanus, meaning “Roman” or “of Rome”; used in various European languages and now common as a given name.