What does cognomina mean?
Cognomina is the plural of 'cognomen', a term with two closely related meanings. In its historical sense, it denotes the third and most individual element of the classical Roman three-part name, following the praenomen (personal name) and nomen (clan name). These family names were typically hereditary and could be colorful in origin, sometimes deriving from physical traits, occupations, or even old jokes — Cicero's cognomen is popularly linked to the Latin word for chickpea. Over time some Romans accumulated additional names known as agnomina. In modern general usage, 'cognomina' can simply mean surnames or distinctive nicknames. The word is formal in register, appearing mostly in classical studies, genealogy, and literary discussion. Because it is always plural, writers should reserve it for multiple such names and use the singular 'cognomen' when referring to one.
nounThe plural of 'cognomen': the family names or third personal names in ancient Roman naming conventions, or, more generally, surnames or distinguishing nicknames.
- The hereditary family names (the third element) in the classical Roman system of personal names.
- Surnames or distinguishing personal nicknames in a general sense.
"Roman citizens were formally identified by a sequence of names, with their cognomina often passed down through generations."
"Scholars still debate how certain cognomina like 'Caesar' and 'Naso' originally arose."
"He collected the cognomina of famous Romans as diligently as others collect coins."
This word is itself the standard plural of 'cognomen'; there is no further plural form.
"The inscription listed the cognomina of several members of the same gens."
In ancient Rome, your cognomen could be an unflattering nickname that stuck so hard it became the family brand for centuries — think Cicero, whose name may have come from a wart shaped like a chickpea.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cognomina
Cognomina comes directly from Latin 'cognomen', formed from the prefix 'co-' ('together, with') and 'nomen' ('name'), literally something like an additional or accompanying name. The term was adopted into English scholarly vocabulary during the early modern period, as Renaissance humanists studied classical texts. It shares the same root 'nomen' with English words such as 'nominal', 'nomenclature', 'nominate', and 'misnomer'.
How cognomina is actually used
Formal and scholarly in register; encountered chiefly in discussions of classical history, onomastics, and genealogy.
Easily confused with cognomina
'Cognomen' is the singular form referring to one such name, while 'cognomina' is its plural.
'Cognate' refers to things descended from the same origin (especially related languages or words), whereas 'cognomina' are Roman family names or nicknames.