Domitia

Domitia was a common Roman female given name (praenomen) or, more often, a nomen, indicating membership in the gens Domitia. It is derived from the Latin domus, meaning "house." Women in Roman society were usually referred to by their nomen, particularly if they shared the same praenomen. Prominent women bearing this name include:

• Domitia Longina: The wife of the Roman Emperor Domitian. She was the daughter of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, a famous general under Nero. Their marriage was initially one of forced convenience, but she later became Empress upon Domitian's ascension. Her relationship with Domitian was turbulent, and she was briefly exiled on suspicion of involvement in a conspiracy, though she later returned.

• Domitia Lepida the Younger: A powerful and influential Roman noblewoman of the early imperial period. She was a daughter of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 16 BC) and Antonia Major. Thus she was a great-granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, a niece of Emperor Tiberius, a granddaughter of Mark Antony, and a mother of Empress Valeria Messalina. She was notorious for her wealth, influence, and complex relationships within the imperial family. She was eventually executed on the orders of Empress Agrippina the Younger.

The gens Domitia was a plebeian family that rose to prominence during the Roman Republic and produced several consuls and other important officials. The name, therefore, carried a certain social weight and indicated connection to a family with a history of involvement in Roman politics and society. The name itself signifies belonging and being of a "house," suggesting importance within the Roman familial and societal structure.