Dominic

male

Origin

Latin origin from 'Dominicus', meaning 'of the Lord'. The name was popularised in medieval Europe by Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. In Australia, the name has been consistently used among both Christian communities and secular families, largely due to its religious and classic appeal.

Meaning

'Belonging to the Lord' or 'of the Lord'. In Australian English contexts, it conveys a sense of spiritual connection or heritage, often associated with Christian traditions.

Pronunciation

'ˈdɒmɪnɪk' (Australian English IPA, with emphasis on the first syllable) /ˈdɒmɪnɪk/ and guide: DOM-in-ik, with the 'o' as in 'lot'.  (Syllable stress pattern: DOM-in-ik).

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Dominick
  • Dominicus
  • Domino

Nicknames

  • Dom
  • Domo
  • Nico (less common)

Name Days

  • 08 August (Feast of Saint Dominic)
  • 16 August (Assumption of Mary, celebrated by some Catholic communities)
  • Rātapus (Māori equivalent, commemorating Māori saints and spiritual figures, date varies)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with dominic:

  • James and William
  • Charlotte and Elizabeth
  • Oliver and Henry

Fun Facts

  • The name Dominic saw a resurgence in Australia during the 1980s, partly due to popular Australian actors and sportspeople bearing the name.
  • In Australian rugby league culture, the nickname 'Dom' is quite common among players.
  • The name is also associated with Australian churches and schools named after Saint Dominic.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name dominic:

  • Loyal
  • Dependable
  • Religious
  • Traditional

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and balanced typographically; the name’s clean, symmetrical appearance makes it aesthetically appealing in various font styles used in Australian branding and media.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with moderate use in regional areas. Often associated with Catholic communities and immigrant families.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power, success, and material mastery, aligning with popular Australian traits of resilience and ambition. Astrology suggests strong ties to the Capricorn zodiac, reinforcing qualities of discipline and pragmatism.

Astrological Connections

Often associated with Capricorn, indicating traits such as responsibility and perseverance, fitting with Australia's rugged and resilient national identity.

Historical Context

Famous Australians with this name include Dominic Perrottet, former Premier of New South Wales, known for his political leadership. The name often appears in Australian literature and media representing loyal, noble, or committed characters.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across many languages, with variations like Dominik in German and Polish, and Domenico in Italian, reflecting Australia's multicultural fabric.

Famous People Named dominic

  • Dominic Perrottet (Politician)
  • Dominic Purcell (Actor)
  • Dominic West (Actor) - internationally known, with Australian connections through his work and residence

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 18
2020 99
2019 100
2018 74
2017 187