Pompeia

Pompeia is the feminine form of the Latin nomen Pompeius, used as a given name for women of the Roman gens Pompeia. In ancient Rome, women's names often reflected their clan or family origin, and Pompeia identified kinship with the Pompeia gens. The corresponding masculine form is Pompeius.

Historically, Pompeia is best known as the wife of Julius Caesar. She is associated with the Bona Dea scandal of 62 BCE, when a male intruder attended a women-only ritual at Caesar’s house. After the episode, Caesar reportedly divorced Pompeia, and the traditional account records the remark that his wife must be above suspicion, though the details and emphasis vary among ancient sources.

Outside this notable episode, Pompeia appears in Roman genealogies and inscriptions as a typical Roman woman, without widespread historical notoriety. The name’s enduring significance lies in its connection to Caesar and in illustrating how Roman women were identified by their family names.

In modern usage, Pompeia as a given name is relatively rare but can be found in historical or literary contexts. Its primary importance remains its place in classical history as the name of Caesar’s wife and as an example of Roman naming conventions.

If you are looking for other uses or variations, consider the masculine Pompeius or related forms in Roman onomastics.