Cognomen: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งฌ
cognomen
[ kษษกหnษสmษn ]
historical name
A cognomen is a surname or family name that is used in conjunction with a given name. In ancient Rome, it referred specifically to the third name in a three-part naming system, distinguishing families and individuals within larger clans. Cognomina often indicated personal attributes, accomplishments, or ancestry. They were an essential aspect of Roman identity and social status, helping to delineate the complexities of lineage and heritage.
Synonyms
family name, last name, surname.
Examples of usage
- The cognomen usually reflected a person's family lineage in ancient Rome.
- She traced her cognomen back to a prominent clan.
- In Roman history, the cognomen played a vital role in social hierarchy.
Translations
Translations of the word "cognomen" in other languages:
๐ต๐น sobrenome
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคจเคพเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Nachname
๐ฎ๐ฉ nama belakang
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะฑััะพะฒะต ะฟััะทะฒะธัะต
๐ต๐ฑ nazwisko
๐ฏ๐ต ๅๅญ
๐ซ๐ท nom de famille
๐ช๐ธ apellido
๐น๐ท soyadฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฑ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงุณู ุงูุนุงุฆูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ pลรญjmenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ priezvisko
๐จ๐ณ ๅง
๐ธ๐ฎ priimek
๐ฎ๐ธ eftirma
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะณั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ soyadฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ apellido
Etymology
The term 'cognomen' originates from the Latin word 'cognomen,' which means 'to name' or 'to recognize.' In ancient Rome, the naming convention for citizens consisted of three parts: the praenomen (given name), the nomen (family name), and the cognomen, which indicated branch or distinction within the family. Cognomina became essential for identity, reflecting personal qualities or notable achievements, and they often evolved over time as families grew and changed. As the use of surnames became more standardized in Europe during the Middle Ages, the concept of the cognomen continued to persist, offering insights into personal histories and social structures. Today, though the specific Roman lineage system has long fallen out of use, the idea of a cognomen lives on in modern surnames, which serve to connect individuals with their familial heritage.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,882 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
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- 31884 reinvigorated
- 31885 mystically
- ...