"of the Tiber River, son of the Tiber"
Tiberius
A Roman emperor's name with sci-fi cool
Meaning & Origin
"belonging to the Tiber (sacred river of Rome)"
The Story of Tiberius
Tiberius is a Latin praenomen (personal name) derived from the Tiber River, the ancient river that flows through Rome and has been the lifeblood of the city since antiquity. The Romans considered the Tiber sacred, personified as the god Tiberinus. The name was carried by Roman Emperor Tiberius (born 42 BC, ruled 14-37 AD), who succeeded Augustus Caesar. The name has been kept alive in modern times largely through the Star Trek franchise, where it serves as the middle name of Captain James Tiberius Kirk.
Tiberius has never been common as a given name in the modern era, but it maintains a devoted following among Star Trek fans, history enthusiasts, and parents seeking powerful ancient Roman names. It sits at the extreme end of bold classical naming.
In Roman history, Tiberius was the second Roman emperor, whose reign saw the crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to Christian scripture. The Tiber River itself is central to Roman mythology and identity. In contemporary culture, the name is most famous as Captain Kirk's middle name, making it a meaningful choice for Star Trek fans.
Fun Facts
- Captain James Tiberius Kirk of the Starship Enterprise made this ancient Roman name known to millions of Star Trek fans
- Roman Emperor Tiberius ruled from 14 to 37 AD and was emperor during the ministry of Jesus Christ
- The Tiber River, source of the name, runs 406 km through central Italy and has flowed through Rome for over 2,700 years of recorded history
Tiberius in Other Languages
Famous People Named Tiberius
Emperor Tiberius Caesar Augustus
Politician
Second Roman Emperor who ruled from 14 to 37 AD, born 42 BC, emperor during the life of Jesus Christ
James Tiberius Kirk Fictional
Other
Captain of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek, one of science fiction's most iconic characters, portrayed by William Shatne...
Captain of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek, one of science fiction's most iconic characters, portrayed by William Shatner
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,572
- Total SSA Count
- 52
- Cultural Origins
- Roman American fans of Star Trek
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tiberius
What does the name Tiberius mean?
What is the origin of the name Tiberius?
Is Tiberius a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Tiberius
Tiberius is a boy name with Roman, American, and fans of Star Trek origins . The name means "of the Tiber River, son of the Tiber" in Latin .
Tiberius is currently ranked #2,572 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tiberius has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Tiberius include Tiber, Ty, and Tib. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.