Trajan, derived from the Latin word 'traeus', meaning 'dry' or 'war-like', was a popular given name during ancient Roman times. It is believed to have been used by several prominent families in ancient Rome, but it gained significant prominence with its usage as an imperial name during the reign of Emperor Trajan (r. 98-117 AD). This emperor, born Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus, was a renowned military leader and administrator whose deeds left an indelible mark on the Roman Empire. The name has since been passed down through generations, carrying with it a strong association with ancient Roman history and culture.
The name Trajan experienced significant popularity in the late 90s with a notable spike in 1999 (141 births), but has since seen a steady decline, reaching an average of around 10-15 births per year from 2003 onwards.