Spartacus
A boy's name of Latin origin with 41 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A Thracian name, notably borne by a gladiator who was one of the slave leaders in a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic.
Spartacus is a boy's baby name of Latin origin via Thracian, borne by the famous slave leader who led a major uprising against the Roman Republic from 73–71 BC. The name is believed to be of Thracian origin, possibly connected to the ancient city of Sparta or a Thracian tribal designation.
As a given name, Spartacus is one of the boldest classical choices available — carrying the full weight of one of history's great resistance leaders. The legend of Spartacus has been retold in novels, films, and a long-running television series, ensuring the name carries an unmistakable aura of defiant heroism.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Spartacus is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1971–2018). Its Latin roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 41 total births, Spartacus exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Spartacus has 7+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1971.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 36 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 5 | — |
The Story of Spartacus
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2010, Spartacus is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Spartacus are most likely born between 2000 and 2018.
How rare is Spartacus?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Spartacus is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1971, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 36 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(7 years, 1971–2018)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | #13810 |
| 2015 | 7 | #10470 |
| 2014 | 5 | #13783 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13783 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10622 |
| 2010 | 7 | #10596 |
| 1971 | 5 | #5557 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was Spartacus most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1971–2018