He was notorious for his ego and considered himself above everyone else. Seneca is a Native American and Latin surname, which means people of the standing rock. The name has been used by ancient Romans and makes an interesting choice for a girl and a boy. I wanted to learn more about the gladiators and you helped me with that. However, the emperors aides couldnt reach Spiculus, and Nero ended up taking his own life. This is one of the most popular gladiator names. 86. Included on this list are names that were used in Ancient Rome. 10.Frank Lucas: A fierce gangster, from the movie 'American Gangster'. This happened because training and maintaining a good standard of fighters was an expensive business, and regular killing of such skilled fighters was not practical. But these fights were never fair as his opponents were armed with wooden swords. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. Spartacus Continued. According to Gaulish, Crixus was a well-known gladiator involved in a war with the Roman Empire. However, unlike her male counterparts, her fights were seen only as a curiosity, by making her fight animal opponents topless. The ancient Romans were not as into philosophy and teaching as the Greeks, but they absolutely loved finding new forms of entertainment to spice up their otherwise mundane lives. Hailing from Latin, the meaning of the name Torentius is a treacherous river., This ancient Roman surname from Latin origin means strength and health., Valentinus is a Roman name that means strong and healthy., The name hails from Latin origin, which means powerful.. 9.Forrest Bondurant: A famous warrior fighting against perpetrators of crime against him, from the movie 'Lawless'. Atrox (Latin origin) meaning "savage and bloody" or "cruel. Silvius is a Latin name that means wood or forest. It was also a name given to many early saints and legendary kings. ", 47. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. ", 90. Gerta- This Teutonic baby name means "warrior". Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, ", 37. Immortal through its association with the ancient Caesar (it was his clan name), Julius may still lag behind Julian, but is definitely starting to make a comeback, and in fact feels more cutting edge, in line with the current trend for Latin -us endings. Spartacus, the most famous Gladiator But surely the most famous gladiator of them all, even more so than Emperor Commodus, was Spartacus. These two gladiators are famed for their epic battle in the first century AD. 95. Priscus (M) (Latin origin) meaning "ancient", one of the two ancient roman gladiators who are famous for their unforgettable battle between Priscus and Verus in which neither could get the upper hand. She also specializes in baby names. Attilius scored a thumping victory over the gladiator veteran. It means brave., This Latin name is self-explanatory. Here are some Roman gladiator names for boys that are also rich and traditional Roman family names that you can consider as baby names: 16. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Vegetus (Latin origin) meaning "power" or "strength. Valentia (Latin origin) meaning "a powerful female. One of the most famous gladiators who lived in the first century AD in Rome was Spiculus. The meaning of this name is dynamic., Having a Latin origin, the meaning of Importunus is well-timed or suitable., In Latin, Incitatus means quick or swift., Iniuriosus is a Latin origin name given to gladiators, and it means spontaneous.. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, the life of a gladiator was usually far from comfortable. Gladiator battles drew thousands of people from all walks of life, including royals. The Best History Museums to Virtually Tour During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Virtual Reality Experiences That Let You See History Up Close, The Most Accurate Movies Based on History Worth Seeing, Drive Thru History: A Brief Guide to the Online Courses, History of Mobile Phones: From Bulky to Ubiquitous, History of Forensic Science: From the Ancients to the Present, Tom Holland Historian: Major Works of the BBC Presenter. 23 things you didnt know about ancient Rome | History101, That one time Nero tried killing his mom with a ship | History101. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Despite his awesome record, he was killed at a young age of 30, due to the risky nature of the sport. ", 28. The meaning of this name is from the city of sparta., Spiculus was a famous gladiator who built a close relationship with a Roman emperor Nero and won several battles in the amphitheater. ", 49. The top 10 most famous Roman Gladiators are listed below with their details. Updated on May 28th, 2021 by Kristen Palamara: Gladiator films were some of the most popular titles in genre movie history and have been popular for decades, from the 1914 movie Cabiria to the 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts and the more modern 2011 film The Eagle. ", 93. Not much is known about these two gladiators. In the poem, every line begins with the name Hermes, and Martial describes him as a skillful fighter who enjoyed overwhelming superiority over other gladiators. This Latin name symbolizes fierceness and courage. Copyright - 2013 - 2021 - Warriors and Legends. Titus, once seen as a slightly forbidding Roman, New Testament, and Shakespearean name, was brought back to contemporary life in the USA by the TV series, The powerful name of the powerful character played by Russell Crowe in the 2000 film. In Latin, the name Strenuus means vigorous.. Imperiosus (Latin origin) meaning "imperious" or "domineering. Flamma, the Syrian gladiator, chose to continue fighting and refused the rudis. In Latin, the meaning of the name Septimus is the seventh son. It is one of the Latin number names to be revived by the Victorians. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. His owner saw his skills as a gladiator, but Spartacus outsmarted him. However, records state that when these two gladiatorial rivals faced off against each other, they were so evenly matched, that their fight lasted for hours. Their main purpose was to entertain the royals and audience in the Roman empire. His fame, though, is derived less from his gladiatorial achievements and more from the fact that he led the largest and most successful slave revolt in the history of the empire. The name is after a famous Roman gladiator, whose story has been retold for a long time. He even had parts of his palace converted into an arena so he could fight gladiators whenever he desired. Spartacus, (died 71 bce), leader in the Gladiatorial War (73-71 bce) against Rome. Spartacus (M) (Latin origin) meaning "from the city of Sparta" was the most famous gladiator of ancient Rome and perhaps the greatest gladiator whose story has been told and retold throughout the ages. Velocianus (Latin origin) meaning "rapid" or "fast. Specializing in Bestiarii, Carpophorus was the best gladiator who combated beasts. After being captured he was condemned, and forced to fight in what would become a sport he excelled at. A gladiator is a skilled swordsman who is trained to fight mostly with their rudis (wooden sword) against other men or wild animals in an arena like the Colosseum. Celerianus (Roman origin) meaning "one who is fast." Hailing from the Roman era, Gladiators were skilled warriors who fought with a killer, wild animals, and other gladiators. After training to be a gladiator, Spartacus started a massive rebellion against the Roman empire, after escaping with several other slave fighters, and creating an army with over 70,000 men. There is a significant amount of evidence, however, that high-born women were as well. Despite the deadly nature of the sport, being a gladiator was considered one of ancient Rome's high-profile professions. ", 17. Looking for a strong and courageous name for your little? Spartacus himself started life as a Thracian soldier who in battle was captured and then sold, to a man called Lentuluas Batiatus. He specialized as a fighter was pitted against animals, but this makes his feat no less legendary and deserving to be on this list. Nero was particularly impressed by his heroics and awarded him with more palaces and riches than he could have asked for. 70. 'H' Girl Names Harimanna- A German derived name meaning "warrior maiden". Celeriana (Latin origin) meaning "a speedy woman. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. As a Roman family name, it derives from the uncommon forename Octavus, which designated an eighth son. One of the most famous gladiators who lived in the first century AD in Rome was Spiculus. Asper is an American origin gladiator name that means "hope and unity." Asprinus Asprinus was the name of a Roman Gladiator. Celerius (Roman origin) meaning "agility. Aemilius meaning "emulating". But parents attracted to this name are advised to read the legend first. Excitata (Latin origin) meaning "fatally spreading disease. The meaning of Xanthus is golden-haired.. The gladiator womans name is derived from Latin origin, which means cruel or persistent., It is a Latin origin name with several meanings, some of which are passionate, aroused, and fast-moving.. The most famous gladiator of them all, Spartacus has a name that was popular in ancient times, and also in modern times, with his story being told and retold throughout the ages. In Latin origin, this ancient Roman family name means yellow or blond. The name is linked with the emperors dynasty. Tetricilla (Unknown origin) meaning "a harsh and cruel woman. Spiculus built a close relationship with the then emperor Nero who in awe of Spiculus bravery and fighting ability awarded him with riches and rewards. Nervilla (Latin origin) meaning "tough and small.". ", 20. The vast majority of names in gladiator times ended in -ius. The roman female gladiator is suitable for someone with a small stature but violent nature. Rajnandini is an art lover and enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge. The Latin name Tiberius means of the Tiber. The name belongs to an important roman emperor. Chariot Races. Despite being captured Spartacus was a strong, powerful and skilled man who had a natural affinity towards fighting and leadership. Carpophorus is known for taking down a bear, leopard, and lion during the same battle at the opening of the Flavian Amphitheatre. But most were given a name specifically for the arena. Bellica We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. So Commodus had parts of his palace converted into an arena so as to fight as a gladiator in private. Imperious is a Latin name given to the gladiators. 2. Spiculus went on to win a number of battles and emerged victorious against many skilled adversaries. Gladiator baby names boys' names from Ancient Rome are suddenly hot again after a couple of millennia, thanks to Hunger Games, HBO's Rome, Atticus Finch, and Russell Crowe. Ferox (Latin origin) meaning "fierce", "untamable" or, "warlike. Most gladiators chose a certain type of fighting style and trained hard to master the relevant skills. Soon, other escapee gladiators joined their ranks and formed a fearsome group. Heres our list of five of the mostfamous Roman gladiators. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Mala (Latin origin) meaning "dreadful" or "terrible. By the 1st century BC, they had become established as an important way for politicians to gain public recognition and prestige. This Latin clan name means wealth. It was the name of a Roman philosopher who was the inventor of Epicureanism. Roman gladiators enjoyed unmatched popularity among the general public as gladiators were seen as true working-class heroes. Caius is classical and serious but also has a simple, joyful quality. Thank you for education :). They were both awarded freedom by the emperor of the time Titus. Eventually, both of them conceded their defeat to each other. The male gladiator name is from Latin origin, and means one with strength., Primus is a long-dormant Roman name of Latin origin, and it means first.. Although their following was not so great among the higher echelons of society, such was the attraction of these grand gladiator battles that even Roman emperors enjoyed being part of the spectacle. He was one of the leaders of a revolt at the gladiator school of Capua, which ended in 70 of the trainees escaping. This led to a dispute between him and the rebellion leader, and he left the group along with several of his supporters with the intention of destroying Southern Italy. 7. To be a famous gladiator could mean money, freedom, popularity and more. The first gladiatorial games were held in 246 BC by Marcus and Decimus Brutus as a funeral gift for their dead father, where the slaves fought each other to death. They had to train on their assigned weapon throughout their career, and had to fight at least 35 battles or for a duration of 6 years, whichever came earlier. Marcus Attilius was the unlikely victor in his first battle as a gladiator. The earliest known use of "gladiatrix" is post-Classical, in a 4th century gloss of Juvenal's comments on the beast-hunter Mevia. With the increasing popularity of this blood sport, free men volunteered to fight in such matches, as the rewards for winners were very rich. Attilius didnt stand a chance, but just like your favorite fictional stories, the underdog proved to be superior. In Latin, Lucius means light. It is also the name of an old and famous Roman clan. Nerviana (Sanskrit origin) meaning "bliss" or "liberation. ", 52. There were mainly four types of gladiators: Thraex, Samnites, Retiarius, and Myrmillo. Incitata (Latin origin) meaning "fast-moving", "aroused" or, "passionate. These two warriors faced off in the Flavian Amphitheatre, and neither gladiator could get the upper hand in the fight. The organizer of the event, Emperor Titus, was also moved by the way the battle had concluded. 99. Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Before he took to fighting in the Arena, Flamma was a soldier in the Syrian army, and this profession probably served him well. His opponents were often armed with wooden weapons or even physically disabled or crippled perhaps from birth or other injuries in the amphitheatres, making the matches largely unfair. A gladiator is a skilled swordsman who is an armed combatant appointed for entertaining the royals and the audiences in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. The most famous gladiator of them all, Spartacus has a name that was popular in ancient times, and also in modern times, with his story being told and retold throughout the ages. He was known as a violent and cruel ruler. 34. But a true soldier values his freedom far more than anything else. Ferullus (Latin origin) meaning "as strong as iron. Although he was initially a Syrian slave, this award enabled him to take early retirement and become a free man. Here are some of those names: 66. Flamma (M) (Unknown origin) meaning "the flame" was one of the most formidable and capable gladiators. He was involved in the Gladiator war against the Roman Empire. The vast majority of names in gladiator times ended in -ius. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Gertraud- A Teutonic name standing for "warrior". Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The name of an important ancient Roman emperor, Tiberius might sound a bit heavy for a modern boy to carry, but with the rise of Atticus, Tiberius and brothers begin to feel more baby-friendly, much in the same way as Old Testament names like Elijah and Isaiah have been rejuvenated. Fervidia (Latin origin) meaning "a fiery and angry woman.". Parents are beginning to look at imposing, somewhat fusty-sounding names like this one with fresh eyes: they definitely make a strong statement. In Greek origin, the ancient name has its roots connected to Acacia. A common Roman name. Although they were celebrated in art and applauded for their strength and fighting skills, it wasn't easy to be an ancient Roman gladiator. This gladiator was able to win many battles in the amphitheatre and this did not go unnoticed. Gladiators were traditionally purchased as slaves and given fancy gifts, even freedom, if they won enough victories. Though details of many of his fights remain largely undocumented, he is well known for his victory over Prudes. Soon he started fighting in public battles with absolute disregard for his royal status. The meaning of the name Vegetinus means powerful one in Latin. Citus (Latin origin) meaning "one with speed.". Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. 'G' Girl Names Gertrude- A German name that means "spear of strength". This profession was notorious for its ridiculously short life expectancy, even by gladiators standards. The following two tabs change content below. Crixus a famous gladiator in his own right, he was also the right hand man of Spartacus, and was involved in the Gladiator war, also known as the third servile war and was the last of a slave rebellion against the roman empire. Lucius is an old Roman clan name that has lots of religious and literary resonance, yet is still vital today. She is fond of classic British literature. ", 89. According . She was more of a venatore who fought animals rather than people. He had built a close relationship with Roman Emperor Nero, who awarded him riches and rewards because of his courage. Violentilla (Latin origin) meaning "small in stature but violent in nature.". 100. Spartacus: The most famous gladiator Mostly everyone has heard of the legend of Spartacus, portrayed by Russell Crowe in Gladiator. Fervida (Latin origin) meaning "boiling hot. Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, this is one of the Roman emperor names, like Augustus, now in the realm of possibility. Its construction was started by emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD. Pontius is a Roman name, which means bridge. The name also featured in the New Testament as the name of the governor of Judea. Hailing from Latin, the meaning of the name Marcus is dedicated to Mars. Here's a list of popular male gladiatorial names that resonate with strength and bravery. 4. 10.Carpophorus 10.Carpophorus 9.Gannicus 8.Spiculus 7.Marcus Attilius 6.Commodus 5.Tetraites 4.Priscus and Verus 3.Flamma 2.Crixus 1. Commodus is one of the most famous gladiators, most well-known in popular culture by Joaquin Phoenixs portrayal of the fighter in the 2000 film,Gladiator. Ultimately, Spartacus was unable to withstand the calculated attack from the Roman army and was killed in Southern Italy, thus ending the story of arguably the most famous gladiator in Roman history. ", 73. With the rise in interest in such Latin names as Maximus and Atticus, Marius might start attracting more attention. Commodus (M) (Latin origin) meaning "suitable", "convenient", or "opportune". It was one of the chief forms of entertainment for the people of ancient Rome. Your privacy is important to us. They appear occasionally around the end of the Roman Republic and were banned by the emperor Septimius Severus by AD 200. This Roman name was given to those gladiators who chose to become a gladiator as per their choice rather than choosing to be a slave. 11. Audacius (Latin origin) meaning "courageous" or "brave one. He was known to bring fear into any foe, and that he had the strength of three men. Variations: Celio, Coelius. ", 45. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. ", 68. While the certainty of some form of female gladiators is likely true, Mevia is actually a famous female gladiator, but perhaps not for all the right reasons. Bellicus is related to war, fierce in war, or warlike. Asprinus (Latin origin) meaning "peace. It means strong and independence., Derivative of Sanskrit origin, this pleasing name means liberation or bliss.. 30. However, the Roman armies killed Crixus before he could get revenge on his oppressors. This practice continued till these games were finally completely banned in the 5th century. It would be cool to go back in time and become a spectator of these fights. The name has Latin roots and is suitable for a courageous female warrior. Nocentianus (Latin origin) meaning "determined killer" or "fierce warrior. Perhaps the most famous gladiator of all time, Spartacus lived from 111 BC to 71 BC. Spiculuss fame did not only revolve around his relationship with Nero, and his depictions in several ancient Roman artworks bear testimony to his far-reaching popularity. His fame exists from battles with another gladiator Prudes who is also mentioned on the vessels. Crixus was among the escapees and soon he became Spartacuss right-hand man. Of course, his true name wasnt Flamma, which was just his battle name, meaning flame. With a Master of Arts in English, she has worked as a private tutor and, in the past few years, has moved into content writing for companies such as Writer's Zone. His real name was Gaulish, meaning 'one with curly hair'. Spectators were upset, but they also admired the new gladiator. They would have to face very violent confrontations with other gladiators, condemned criminals, and even wild animals. Hed be very popular with the crowds if he pretended to be a Greek God come to fight in the Roman arenas, wouldnt he? When Marcus Attilius fought his first battle as a gladiator, he was just a young novice and was given the designation of tiro which was a title given to a gladiator who was just commencing his career. Born roughly around 110 BCE, Spartacus was a Thracian tribesman from the region around modern-day Bulgaria or the small European part of Turkey. We hope this list will help you choose the best and the most meaningful name for your beloved child. Caius and derivatives like Caio come from the same root, and in ancient Roman times Caius was probably pronounced as Gaius. In Roman, Decimus means tenth, a Roman numeral. During the Colosseum's opening ceremonies, spectacles were held for 100 days in which 5,000 of animals and 2,000 gladiators were killed. Citior (Latin origin) meaning "with a lot of speed. He and his group set out to destroy Southern Italy. The Famous Gladiators Spartacus Probably one of the most well-known gladiators in history. Let us now look at the names of famous Roman gladiators, who were considered the best of their time. 9. Spiculus is one of the most famous gladiators, who found his popularity in the 1stcentury AD. Acacius is a Latinized form of the Ancient Greek Akakios and can be interpreted to relate to the same root as the name Acacia, for the thorn bush, or Akakios which means "not evil." In fighting fiercely or dying well, they were admirable symbols of bravery and valor. ", 35. There were four main types of gladiators: Thraex, Samnites, Retiarius, and Murmillo. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. ", 50. 1. So great were his feats, that he was given the name The Undefeated Gaul, by his comrades, although he was eventually killed in 72 BC. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Commodus was a roman emperor who liked to fight in the arena with gladiators, typically in unfair match ups however. Mala is often associated with Mary Magdalene, one of the most revered saints in Christianity. However, the profession was often short-lived due to its extreme danger. Using a small sword and a shield, and armor on only one half of his body, he terrorized his opponents for about 13 years in fights that attracted huge numbers of spectators. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The 10 Oldest Ancient Civilizations That Have Ever Existed, Top 10 Most Worshiped Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, Top 10 Inventions and Discoveries of Ancient Greece, Top 11 Inventions and Discoveries of Mesopotamia, Top 17 Fascinating Facts about Gladiators in the Roman Empire, Top 14 Decisive Ancient Battles in History, The 10 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know about the Colosseum, Top 12 Greatest Leaders in Ancient Mesopotamia, Top 7 Most Important Events in Ancient Persia, Top 11 Most Important Events in Ancient Babylonia, Top 23 Fascinating Facts about the Ancient Persian Empire, Top 19 Surprising and Fascinating Facts about Ancient Sumer. The Roman emperor Commodus (117 192 AD) was one of the most famous Roman gladiators in the history of the sport. Avilina the Cute. Asprilla (Unknown origin) meaning "harsh" or "cruel. 10. Mario, the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese version of Marius, is much more widely used. Commodus would fight as many people and animals he could findnot caring about the risks. Ferocina (Latin origin) meaning "a ferocious female warrior. Strenuus (Latin origin) meaning "vigorous. Here's a list of the famous gladiator names from history and pop culture. A well-known military leader during the Third Servile War, Crixus used to be a Gallic gladiator who enjoyed noteworthy success against much bigger opponents. Give an iconic Gladiator-inspired name to your fierce little fighter baby. Excitatus (Latin origin) meaning "to awaken". Spiculus fighting ability awarded him many riches and even palaces to live in when he wasnt fighting. They escaped to Vesuvius Mountain slopes. In Latin, it means magnificent and great.. This emperor had a huge ego and widely considered himself to be quite the warrior, however as we mentioned, his match ups were wholly one sided. Having to do all this topless made her quite the spectacle during the gladiator battles. Soon, Spartacus had amassed a formidable and skillful fighting force that went on to defeat the Roman legions sent to capture them on more than six different occasions. He was a Thracian prisoner of war, who served in the Roman army, and eventually became a thief. Flamma lived to fight in thirty-four battles, twenty-one of which he won. Roman gladiators are regarded as some of the most significant masculine figures in history. Here is a list of famous gladiator names for boys and gladitor names for girls. Crixus soon escaped the school and fought in a slave rebellion against the Roman Senate.