103 Gladiator Names for Babies With a Fighting Spirit

Choosing a name for your little warrior is an exciting milestone. And for those who are enchanted by history and the rise and fall of powerful empires, gladiator names offer both tradition and adventure. These names champion ideals like courage, resilience, and honor, all nods to the legendary fighters of ancient Rome. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of epic tales, or just searching for something as bold as your growing family, this list of our favorites is here to inspire your decision and let you battle the name out in the ring (of family opinion).

From the sands of the Colosseum to your own family living room, we’ll explore what makes gladiator names so unique, spotlight historical heroes (and heroines), and deliver a variety of battle-ready names based on Roman history that are brimming with fiery spirit.

What Is a Gladiator?

If your recent family movie nights have included titles like Gladiator, Pompeii, or Sparticus, or if ancient history fascinates you, you probably already know that gladiators were fighters in ancient Rome. Their bravest and most bloodthirsty matches were held in the mighty Colosseum, a magnificent amphitheater packed with citizens eager for bold entertainment and a jewel of the Roman Empire. Gladiators were often slaves or prisoners, but some volunteered, seeking the fame and fortune that came with the games—and winning.

These fighters were trained in various combat styles, including these names for gladiators:

• Retiarius: Used a net and trident, relying on agility and technique.
• Thracian: Fought with a curved sword and a small shield, dressed for movement.
• Secutor: Wore a heavy helmet and carried a large sword and shield, built for power and endurance.

Matches were an epic display of strength, intelligence, bravery, and sometimes mercy. Gladiators like Spartacus, Flamma, Priscus, and Verus became legends far beyond the arena, with their names stretching down in the annuls of history.

Gladiator Names for Boys

Looking for a boy’s name with a warrior’s soul? These names, both inspired by legendary warriors and the spirit of the arena, can give your son a powerful start.

1. Aelius - Sun; belonging to several Roman emperors
2. Aeneas - Praised; a famous Trojan hero
3. Albus - Bright, white, clarity
4. Aquila - Eagle, title for elite soldiers
5. Atticus - Man from Attica
6. Augustus - Great, magnificent
7. Brutus - Heavy, dull; a famous Roman general
8. Cassius - Vain; Muhammad Ali’s birth name
9. Cato - Wise; name of a Roman statesman, Cato the Younger
10. Crixus - Curly-haired; a Roman gladiator and ally of Spartacus
11. Decimus - Tenth
12. Dexion - Right-handed, skillful
13. Draco - Dragon, fierce
14. Felix - Lucky, successful
15. Flamma - Flame; a skilled gladiator from Syria
16. Gaius - Rejoice; a typical Roman praenomen
17. Germanus - From Germany, strength
18. Glaucus - Blue-gray
19. Hector - Holding fast; a Trojan prince's name
20. Julius - Youthful; made famous by Julius Caesar
21. Livius - Bluish; evokes the name of a Roman historian, Livy
22. Lucius - Light
23. Magnus - Great, powerful
24. Marcellus - Little warrior
25. Marcus - Dedicated to Mars, the god of war
26. Maximus - Greatest, heroic; famously the fictional hero in Gladiator
27. Nero - Strong; name of a Roman emperor
28. Orion - Son of fire, hunter
29. Priscus - Ancient; the name of a freed gladiator
30. Quintus - Fifth; a common Roman name
31. Remus - Oar; name of Rome’s founder
32. Retiarius - Net-man; relating to a gladiator type
33. Romulus - Of Rome; name of Rome's other legendary founder
34. Scipio - Staff; Roman general name
35. Seneca - Old; name of a famed philosopher
36. Spartacus - From Sparta; the name of an iconic gladiator who led a revolt
37. Sulla - Little calf
38. Secutor - Pursuer; also a gladiator type
39. Tiberius - Of the Tiber; name of an emperor
40. Titus - Title of honor; a Roman emperor's name
41. Verus - True, honorable

Gladiator Names for Girls

Gladiator names aren’t just for the boys. Many parents want a name for their daughter that embodies power, courage, and independence.

42. Aelia - Sun, brilliance, warmth
43. Aemilia - Rival; a feminine Roman name
44. Aquila - Eagle, vision, strength
45. Aria - Lioness
46. Aurelia - Golden, radiance, worth
47. Aurora - Dawn
48. Bellona - War goddess
49. Camilla - Ceremonial attendant; a warrior in the Aeneid
50. Claudia - Lame; a noble Roman family name
51. Cornelia - Horn
52. Diana - Divine
53. Domitia - Tamer
54. Drusilla - Strong
55. Fausta - Fortunate, lucky
56. Flavia - Blonde; a popular patrician name
57. Floria - Flowering, blossoming
58. Gloria - Glory
59. Helena - Bright, shining light
60. Honoria - Woman of honor
61. Julia - Youthful
62. Junia - Strong, youthful
63. Laelia - Well spoken
64. Livia - Bluish; after the first empress of Rome
65. Lucia - Light
66. Lucretia - Wealthy
67. Marcella - Little warrior
68. Marcia - Dedicated to Mars
69. Maxima - Greatest
70. Octavia - Eighth, matriarchal
71. Priscilla - Ancient
72. Pulchra - Beautiful
73. Rhea - Flowing
74. Sabina - Sabine; representing legendary moral strength
75. Secunda - Second; a Roman traditional name
76. Seneca - Old
77. Sibilla - Prophetess
78. Titiana - Giant, great one
79. Valeria - Strong, healthy
80. Vibia - Alive, vibrant
81. Vita - Life
82. Vivia - Alive, lively

Unisex Gladiator Names

Gladiators weren’t defined just by their gender, and neither are these names. Here’s a lively, modern selection of gender-neutral, gladiator-inspired names for any child who deserves a name as bold as they are!

83. Alexis - Defender, strong
84. Arden - Great forest, resilience
85. Aurelius - Golden, shining personality
86. Bellator - Warrior; also a gladiator type
87. Camillus - Attendant, historic
88. Celsus - Lofty, aims high
89. Clemens - Gentle, merciful, and empathetic
90. Dexter - Skillful, right-handed
91. Echo - Sound, reflection
92. Felix - Lucky, successful
93. Honor - Dignity, reputation
94. Juno - Queen of the heavens
95. Maximus - Greatest
96. Nova - New star
97. Onyx - Black gemstone
98. Phoenix - Dark red; evokes the mythical bird of rebirth
99. Remus - Oar
100. Roman - From Rome
101. Seneca - Old
102. Tiber - Reminiscent of the Tiber River that is central to Rome
103. Valiant - Brave, courageous

Celebrating the Power Behind Gladiator Names

The world of gladiators was filled with spectacle, drama, and heart-stopping courage. And whether your family is drawn to the resourceful Retiarius, the fearless Secutor, or the noble stories of Spartacus, Flamma, Priscus, or Verus, these names are more than a simple tribute to the past. They carry timeless values of bravery, honor, and individuality into the future.

Not sure which name feels right? Read historical epics, watch classics like Gladiator, or explore more ancient legends together as a family. You'll discover that the perfect name is the one that makes your heart say, “Yes! That’s the one for our little champion.”

For more information check out these popular topics:

• 255 Names Inspired by Mythology That Stand the Test of Time
• 100 Greek Mythology Boy Names for Your Little Hero
• 108 Powerful Names for Boys for Your Little Hero

Do you have any parenting questions for our parenting coach and expert, Dr. Ana Aznar? Ask for free today!