Praenomen

A Praenomen (Latin) is the first name given at birth to a Roman citizen in what could be up to a four name naming convention which would be followed by the Nomen, the Cognomen and the Agnomen.

Example

A good commonly known example is that of Octavian who later became the adopted son of Julius Caesar and Emperor. Whereas his name Octavian was his family or gens nomen, which changed upon adoption to the gens nomen of Julius. While his personal / praenomen given upon birth remained the same: Gaius.

Etymology

Nomen, Latin, literally translated "Name" but in light of the praenomen, the nomen should be considered as a family name. See also cognomen and agnomen.

Prae, Latin, literally translated "before", "in front of", "forward" or "first".

Thereby the praenomen should be considered as one's personal or first name given by our parents at birth.