The gens Vibullia, occasionally written Vibulia, was a minor plebeian family at ancient Rome. Members of this gens first appear in history in the years following the Third Samnite War, but after this they are hardly mentioned until the end of the Republic, at which time they were of senatorial rank. A wealthy family of this name rose to prominence at Athens during the latter part of the first century. Others are known from inscriptions.
Origin
The nomen Vibullius belongs to a relatively small class of gentilicia formed directly from cognomina ending in the diminutive suffix . The root appears to be the praenomen Vibius, uncommon at Rome but relatively common in Oscan-speaking regions of Italy. The name would thus be cognate with other gentilicia, such as Vibuleius and Vibidius.
Praenomina
The main praenomina of the Vibullii were Lucius and Marcus, two of the most abundant names at all periods of Roman history. These were supplemented as needed with other common praenomina, such as Gaius and Quintus. A few Vibullii bore other names, including Decimus, Publius, and Titus.
Branches and cognomina
The only distinct family of the Vibulii bore the cognomen Rufus, originally indicating someone with red hair, and belonging to a large class of surnames derived from the physical traits of individuals.