NomOrigine

Origin and meaning of the name Dominic

What is the origin of the name Dominic?

Last updated : 14 June 2025

Langues disponibles 7

Dominic is a masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Late Latin name Dominicus, which means "belonging to the Lord" or "of the Lord". The name became popular as a Christian name during the Middle Ages due…

Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
Free access to all name and surname content

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Dominic

Dominic is a masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Late Latin name Dominicus, which means "belonging to Jupiter," as Jupiter was known by this name in the Roman world. The name gained popularity due to Saint Dominic de Guzman, a Spanish priest and founder of the Dominican Order in the 13th century. He is revered as the patron saint of the Catholic Church for his work in converting millions to Christianity during the Middle Ages. The name's use was further popularized by notable figures like Dominic Corker, a 16th-century explorer who circumnavigated the globe with Magellan, and Dominic Monaghan, an English actor best known for his role in the television series Lost.

Character traits associated with the name Dominic

Dominic is often characterized by a strong sense of determination and resilience. This name is frequently associated with individuals who are independent, ambitious, and self-confident. They possess a natural leadership quality that inspires others and encourages teamwork. Dominics are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness, making them effective problem solvers. They value honesty and integrity, preferring to approach situations transparently and fairly. However, they can also be impulsive at times, leading to hasty decisions that may require correction. Overall, a Dominic is typically an assertive, intelligent, and ambitious individual with a strong drive for success and a commitment to fairness and honesty.

Popularity of the name Dominic

The name Dominic has a significant presence in various regions worldwide, making it a popular choice for parents naming their children. In the United States, it ranks among the top 300 most common boy names, according to the Social Security Administration. Its popularity varies slightly from year to year, but it remains a consistent favorite. The name has a long history, originating from the Late Latin word "Dominicus," meaning "of the Lord." This Christian connection is one reason for its enduring appeal. Dominic is also a common name in countries like Italy and Spain, reflecting its cultural significance in these regions. Overall, Dominic is a versatile and timeless name that continues to resonate with parents seeking a classic yet modern choice for their child.

Famous people with the name Dominic

Dominic is a name associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, Dominic Monaghan is recognized for his role as Merry in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Charlie Pace in Lost. Dominic West is an English actor best known for roles such as Jimmy McNulta in The Wire and Norman Bates in the 2018 remake of Psycho. In the world of science, Sir Dominic John Lawrence Finkelstein is a British evolutionary biologist who contributed significantly to the fields of behavioral ecology and comparative psychology. Dominic Thiem is an Austrian professional tennis player who has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Lastly, Saint Dominic de Guzman, a Spanish priest, was the founder of the Order of Preachers, known as the Dominicans, a mendicant religious order within the Roman Catholic Church.

Variations of the name Dominic

Dominic is a popular male given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Dominicus, which means "of the Lord." Over time, it has undergone various spellings and forms, including:

* Doménique (French)
* Domingo (Spanish and Portuguese)
* Domenico (Italian)
* Dimtri (Bulgarian and Macedonian)
* Demetrios (Greek)
* Domencio (Romanian)

These versions reflect the regional phonetic variations and cultural adaptations of the name. Dominic is also used as a surname in some countries, with notable figures including the English medieval priest and preacher St. Dominic de Guzman, who founded the Order of Preachers, and the American actor Dominic Monaghan, known for his role in the television series "Lost."

Sources & References

About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated : 14 June 2025

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

#1 Dom hervé

First name • forenames > dom-herve

The first name Dom Herve is of French origin. Dom is a title used by monks in the Catholic Church, while Herve is a French name derived from the Germanic name Här(e)wig, meaning "...

#2 Domaine jean

First name • forenames > domaine-jean

The first name Domaine Jean is of French origin. Domaine is a French word meaning "domain" or "estate," while Jean is a common French given name derived from the Latin name Johanne...

#3 Domaji

First name • forenames > domaji

The name "Domaji" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon name with no specific etymology.

#4 Domanski

First name • forenames > domanski

The name "Domanski" is a surname of Polish and Slavic origin. It is derived from the place name Domany, which is found in several regions of modern-day Poland, such as Masovian Voi...

#5 Domantas

First name • forenames > domantas

The name Domantas is of Lithuanian origin. It is derived from the Lithuanian given name Domas, which is a diminutive form of the name Doma, meaning "judge" or "ruler." Domantas is ...

#6 Domante

First name • forenames > domante

The first name Domante is of Lithuanian origin. It is a feminine name derived from the Lithuanian word "domus", which means "clever" or "wise".

#7 Domareski

First name • forenames > domareski

The origin of the surname Domareski is Polish and Czech. It is derived from a geographical name, specifically a place name referring to a small settlement or farmstead. The name is...

#8 Domeni

First name • forenames > domeni

The name "Domeni" is of French origin, derived from the Latin name "Dominicus", meaning "belonging to the Lord" or "of the master".

#9 Domhnall

First name • forenames > domhnall

The first name "Domhnall" is of Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Old Irish name "Domnall," which means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world." The nam...

#10 Domi

First name • forenames > domi

The name Domi is a diminutive of the name Dominic, which has Latin origins. "Dominus" is a Latin word meaning "lord." The name Dominic was initially given to individuals born on th...

#11 Domina

First name • forenames > domina

The name "Domina" is of Latin origin and was used primarily in ancient Rome. In Latin, "domina" means "female master" or "mistress." It was a title given to women who held a positi...

#12 Dominga-marques

First name • forenames > dominga-marques

The name Dominga is a feminine given name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name Dominica, which means "of the Lord" or "belonging to the Lord." The name Mar...

#13 Domingues rodrigues

First name • forenames > domingues-rodrigues

The first name Domingues comes from Portuguese origin. It is a variation of the name Domingos, which is derived from the Latin name Dominicus, meaning "of the Lord." The surname Ro...

#14 Dominicus

First name • forenames > dominicus

Dominicus is a Latin name, derived from the Latin word "dominus," meaning "lord" or "master." It is used as a given name in various Christian traditions, often in honor of Saint Do...

#15 Domyny

First name • forenames > domyny

The name Domyny has Latin origins, derived from the name Dominicus, which means "belonging to the Lord" or "of the Lord". It is a masculine name that has been used in various Europ...