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Origin and meaning of the name Dominic

What is the 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 the Lord" or "of the Lord". The name became popular as a Christian name during the Middle Ages due to Saint Dominic of Osma (1170-1221), the founder of the Dominican Order in the Catholic Church.

Learn more about the origin of the name Dominic

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
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

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