Rising since 1999, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Romulus since 1912
Babies named Romulus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 38 |
| 1920s | 45 |
| 1930s | 17 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 50 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 44 |
| 2010s | 88 |
| 2020s | 130 |
Meaning & origin
Romulus remains an exceptionally rare name in the United States, ranking 4,396th in 2025 with an estimated incidence of 1 in 74,264 births. Its first recorded use in U.S. data was in 1912, reflecting its status as a revived classical name rather than a continuous tradition. The name achieved its peak rank in 2024, suggesting growing interest, and its trajectory shows a rising trend since 1999. Though not widely used, Romulus carries the weight of Roman foundation myth, appealing to parents drawn to ancient history or distinctive mythological names.
Romulus is the legendary founder of Rome, one of the twin brothers nursed by a she-wolf in Roman myth. The name is likely connected to Roma (Rome), but an Etruscan origin has also been suggested. Though ancient, it was rarely used as a given name until the modern era.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Romy, Rom, Lus
Sibling names for Romulus
Names that share Romulus's style, for a brother or sister.
