Roman God Names

Quirinus is the Roman god of thunder and lightning, believed by some to be the Sabine god of war. While this is an intriguing and distinctive classic name, it also might provoke some middle school teasing.

The meaning of this ancient Roman god's name relates to transitions, hence its connection to the name of the first month of the new year, a time of fresh beginnings. Janus is usually depicted as a two-faced god facing in opposite directions, since he looks both to the future and the past. It's no surprise then, that Janus is one of the premiere January baby names. The Slavic form Janusz is more commonly used than the English, represented by the Polish cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, who has shot all of Steven Spielberg's films from Schindler's List to Lincoln.

The Roman god of the underworld, the former ninth planet, a cartoon dog...but not a baby.

Sylvanus or Silvanus was the Roman god of the forest whose name is much more often found today in such variations as Sylvia, Sylvie and even Silas than in its original form. But if you're looking for a genuine mythological or Ancient Roman name with a nature connection, this might be the perfect choice.

Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.

Common Roman name mentioned in the Bible that has a crisply attractive sound.

Vulcan was the Roman god of fire (from which, volcano) and metalworking, but this name is now more familiar as the pointy-eared humanoids on "Star Trek," represented by Mr. Spock.

This Roman mythology (and planet) name would be very hard to handle. It derives from a root meaning cloud.

Liber was the name of the Roman god of wine, freedom, and male fertility. It is etymologically linked to the word "libation," referring to the ritual practice of sharing drinks.

Tiberinus was the god of the Tiber in Roman mythology and appears as a character in Virgil's Aeneid. It's related to the name Tiberius, that of an Ancient Roman emperor. Tiberius may be the better choice between the two, if only because it's more familiar.