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Cognomen: meaning, definitions and examples

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cognomen

 

[ kษ’ษกหˆnษ™สŠmษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sobrenome

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคจเคพเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Nachname

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ nama belakang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะฑัƒั‚ะพะฒะต ะฟั€ั–ะทะฒะธั‰ะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nazwisko

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅๅญ—

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท nom de famille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ apellido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท soyadฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุณู… ุงู„ุนุงุฆู„ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™รญjmenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ priezvisko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅง“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ priimek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ eftirma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะตะณั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ•แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ soyadฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.