The Roman family name Publius (Male) is of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin noun "pubes," which means "young adult" or "adolescent." In ancient Rome, it was a common practice to give children names that reflected their birth order, physical attributes, or social status. The name Publius was given to the first-born son because it symbolized youth and freshness. The feminine form of this name is Publia.
The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Publius
Publius is a Roman masculine given name that dates back to ancient Rome. The name originated from the Latin word "pubes" which means 'young adult' or 'adolescent'. It was often used as a cognomen, a surname denoting an individual's family origin or occupation, within the patrician class of Rome. One of the most notable figures bearing this name is Gaius Publius Valerius Poplicola (65-121 BC), who served as a consul five times in ancient Rome. However, perhaps the most famous Publius is Publius Vergilius Marone (70 BC - 19 BC), better known as Virgil, the revered Roman poet and author of the epic poem "The Aeneid". The name has been used throughout history and continues to be used in modern times, often Anglicized as Public or Pub.
Character traits associated with the name Publius
Publius, as a Roman name, is traditionally associated with qualities such as public service, dedication, and leadership. Named after one of Rome's founding fathers, Publius Valerius Publicola, this name suggests an individual who values the common good above personal interests. Publius is often characterized by a strong sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to the betterment of society. He is likely to be reliable, tenacious, and decisive, demonstrating the necessary qualities to navigate complex political environments. Publius is also known for his eloquence and persuasive abilities, skills that were highly valued in the Roman Republic for effective governance and diplomacy. This name, therefore, reflects a person who combines intelligence, integrity, and strong leadership, making them an influential figure in their community.
Popularity of the name Publius
The Roman family name Publius, derived from the Latin word 'pubes' meaning 'young, grown up', was popular among the Romans and is still used today, albeit less frequently. Historically, Publius was one of the three names used in ancient Rome for a freeborn citizen, the others being Gaius and Marcus. Notable figures with this name include Publius Valerius Publius Publicola, one of the seven original kings of Rome, and Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, also known as Scipio the African, a distinguished general during the Second Punic War. The name has seen resurgence in modern times due to its connection with notable figures, but overall it is not commonly used in contemporary Western cultures.
Famous people with the name Publius
Publius Valerius Publicola, also known as Gaius Valerius Publicola, was one of the seven original patricians who, according to Roman mythology, overthrew the Etruscan kings and established the Republic in 509 BC. Another well-known Publius was Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, known as Scipio Africanus the Elder, a prominent military and political leader of ancient Rome, who led the Roman army to victory over the Carthaginian general Hannibal in the Second Punic War. Another notable figure with the name Publius was Publius Vergilius Marone, commonly known as Virgil, a famous Roman poet best known for his epic poem "The Aeneid". In modern times, Publilius Syrus (often latinized as Publilius Gyrus) is known for being one of the four major ancient Roman comedians.
Variations of the name Publius
Publius is a Roman family name and praenomen (personal name), originating from the Latin word for "public" or "of the people". It was a common name among many prominent figures in ancient Rome, such as the brothers Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus Major and Minor, both key figures during the Punic Wars. Other notable individuals with this name include Gaius Publius Syrus, known for his contributions to Roman law, and Marcus Publius Terentius Varro, a prolific writer in various fields including literature, rhetoric, natural history, and religion.
Publius can also be spelled as Publicius or Publicio in some contexts. In modern usage, variants of the name include Publio, Publie, Publy, Publeo, Pablo (from Spanish), Paolo (Italian), Paulus (German), and Bill (short form in English).
In addition to its use as a given name, Publius is also associated with the anonymous author of several letters in the New Testament of the Bible, traditionally known as "The Epistles of Publius". These writings are believed to have been written by an early Christian leader who used the name Publius to preserve his identity.
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 :
Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends
The origin of the given name "Puby" is not universally agreed upon as it is a relatively uncommon name with varied sources of origin across different languages and cultures. Howeve...
