Domitia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Domitius, derived from the Latin domitus meaning "having been tamed". It belongs to the ancient patrician gens Domitia, a family of considerable influence during the Roman Republic and Empire.EtymologyThe root Domitius traces ultimately to the Latin domare ("to tame"), suggesting a totemic or wished quality. As was customary for Roman women, the name Domitia adopted the masculine gentile form directly, without a distinctive suffix.Notable BearersMany women of the Domitian gens left their mark on Roman history. Domitia Longina (c. 54–128) was the wife of Emperor Domitian and played a role in palace politics. Her aunt, also named Domitia, was the grandmother of Nero and rival of Agrippina the Younger. Domitia Lepida was the mother of the infamous empress Messalina.Less politically but equally influencing: Domitia Decidiana was the wife of general Gnaeus Julius Agricola and mother-in-law of the historian Tacitus. Domitia Calvilla (also called Domitia Lucilla Minor, died c. 158) was the mother of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Domitia Paulina (died c. 85) was the mother of Emperor Hadrian, and her daughter Aelia Domitia Paulina (75–130) was his powerful sister.A less well-known figure is Domitia Faustina, a short‑lived infant daughter of Marcus Aurelius. Christian tradition also knows a Saint Domitia, venerated in Orthodox Christianity.Later InfluenceThe name persisted outside Rome. In France it evolved into Domitille, in Italy into Domitilla (and the diminutive, itself a separate name), and in Spanish to Domitila. It was never common outside aristocratic or Christian commemorative traditions after Antiquity.Meaning: Female form of Latin domitus, "having been tamed"Origin: Ancient Roman, gens DomitiaType: First name (historical female name)Usage: Roman (classical), rare in modern times