Nomen gentilicium

The Latin nomen gentilicium (generally simplifed as nomen) was the second or family name in the Roman system of naming convension. Following the Praenomen, the nomen could be followed by a cognomen and an agnomen. Originally intended to convey ones gens or patrilineal ancestry, as non-Latin stock were conformed to Roman customs and conventions, the meaning of the nomen gentilicium was lost to the flood of non-Latin derived citizens which were added to the empire via conquest or migration. The Roman nomen conforms most closely to the modern English last name despite being regularly a direct cognomen..

Example

Despite frequent modern reference to Julius Caesar, Julius represents his father's linage. Thus when he adopted his nefew as his own, Octavian (actually being his family name), Octavian changed his nomen gentilicium to Julius.

Etymology

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