ROMAN
NAMES
A
roman citizen generally had three names: a praenoemen, a nomen, and a cogomen.
praenomen-corresponding to our given name . the Romans had a very few given
names often abbreviated from writting. Some common abbreviations were:
A. Aulus D. Decimus M. Marcus Q. Quintus T. Titus
C. Gaius L. Lucuis P. Publius S. Setus Ti.Tiberius
nomen-- The family name, indicated the clan ( gens )
cogomen- indicated the particular branch ogf gens.
Thus, in the name Gaius Iulius Caesar, Gaius is the praenomen, Iulius is the
nomen, and Caesar is the cogomen
An honorary cogomen was osomtimes given for some noteworthy accomplishment.
thus Pompey recieved the Title Magnus for his military exploits. Scipio, after
desrtroying carthage, was surnamed Africanus, and the cogomen Augustus was bestowed
upon Octavian by the Romane Senate.