Difference between revisions of "Nomen gentilicium"
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The [[Latin]] '''nomen gentilicium''' (generally simplifed as '''nomen''') was the second or '''family name''' in the [[Roman]] system of naming convension. Originally intended to convey ones [[gens]]/family or patrilineal ancestry, the mass conversion of non-Latin stock to Roman customs and conventions found the meaning of the ''nomen gentilicium'' lost to the flood of adoption of classic [[Latin]] names by the non-Latin derived subjects which now flooded the empire via conquest or migration. | The [[Latin]] '''nomen gentilicium''' (generally simplifed as '''nomen''') was the second or '''family name''' in the [[Roman]] system of naming convension. Originally intended to convey ones [[gens]]/family or patrilineal ancestry, the mass conversion of non-Latin stock to Roman customs and conventions found the meaning of the ''nomen gentilicium'' lost to the flood of adoption of classic [[Latin]] names by the non-Latin derived subjects which now flooded the empire via conquest or migration. | ||
| − | Following the [[Praenomen]], the '''nomen''' could be followed by the embelishing [[cognomen]] and more honourary [[agnomen]]. It can also be said that the [[Roman]] '''nomen''' conforms most closely to | + | Following the [[Praenomen]], the '''nomen''' could be followed by the embelishing [[cognomen]] and more honourary [[agnomen]]. It can also be said that the [[Roman]] '''nomen''' conforms most closely to modern European '''last names'''; despite modern last names being regularly a direct [[cognomen]] such as ''Smith, Thatcher, Weaver, White, Black, Yellow, van Dam<ref>Dutch: literally "from the dam"</ref>, von Albrecht<ref>German: literally "from Albrecht"</ref> Duchateau<ref>French: literally "from the castle"</ref>, Deschamps<ref>French: literally "from the fields"</ref>, Castellano<ref>Spanish: literally "from Castile"</ref>'' and sometimes more closely resembles an [[agnomen]] such as ''Brilliant''). |
==Example== | ==Example== | ||
Despite frequent modern reference to [[Gaius Julius Caesar|Julius Caesar]], Julius is not his first name, but rather his '''nomen''' representing his father's linage: his first name, or [[praenomen]], is Gaius while ''Caesar'' was his [[cognomen]]. | Despite frequent modern reference to [[Gaius Julius Caesar|Julius Caesar]], Julius is not his first name, but rather his '''nomen''' representing his father's linage: his first name, or [[praenomen]], is Gaius while ''Caesar'' was his [[cognomen]]. | ||
| − | Thus when [[Gaius Julius Caesar]] adopted his nephew in his will | + | Thus when [[Gaius Julius Caesar]] adopted his nephew in his will: [[Gaius Octavius Thurinus]] ("octavian" being the family name), Octavius changed his '''nomen gentilicium''' to "Julius" and accepted the associated [[cognomen]] of "Caesar". But [[Octavian]] logically kept his first name/[[praenomen]] of "Gaius". It must also be noted at that time [[Octavian]] had not yet been honoured with the [[agnomen]] of "Augustus". |
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
Revision as of 09:45, March 1, 2024
The Latin nomen gentilicium (generally simplifed as nomen) was the second or family name in the Roman system of naming convension. Originally intended to convey ones gens/family or patrilineal ancestry, the mass conversion of non-Latin stock to Roman customs and conventions found the meaning of the nomen gentilicium lost to the flood of adoption of classic Latin names by the non-Latin derived subjects which now flooded the empire via conquest or migration.
Following the Praenomen, the nomen could be followed by the embelishing cognomen and more honourary agnomen. It can also be said that the Roman nomen conforms most closely to modern European last names; despite modern last names being regularly a direct cognomen such as Smith, Thatcher, Weaver, White, Black, Yellow, van Dam[1], von Albrecht[2] Duchateau[3], Deschamps[4], Castellano[5] and sometimes more closely resembles an agnomen such as Brilliant).
Example
Despite frequent modern reference to Julius Caesar, Julius is not his first name, but rather his nomen representing his father's linage: his first name, or praenomen, is Gaius while Caesar was his cognomen.
Thus when Gaius Julius Caesar adopted his nephew in his will: Gaius Octavius Thurinus ("octavian" being the family name), Octavius changed his nomen gentilicium to "Julius" and accepted the associated cognomen of "Caesar". But Octavian logically kept his first name/praenomen of "Gaius". It must also be noted at that time Octavian had not yet been honoured with the agnomen of "Augustus".
Etymology
Nomen, Latin, literally translates as "Name".[6] But in light of the praenomen, the nomen should be considered as a gens/family name.
See also cognomen and agnomen.