How did Romans name their children?

Answer 1

The Roman naming system had three parts, the praenomen, nomen and cognomen. The praenomen was the first name, the nomen was the name of the clan.Originally, the cognomen was a nickname which helped to distinguishmembersof the same family as they often had the same name (therangeof first names was limited). It often referred to the appearance of the person or some personal characteristics. It couldalsorefer to a birth place, a job, or an ancestor. Over time, the cognomen became hereditary and lost its function as a nickname. A second nickname, the agnomen,was introduced. It was added to the name during the person's life. Nicknames could also refer to aperson'sachievements, especiallyvictoryin battle. For example Africanus (victor in Africa), Germanicus (victor inGermany) Gothicus (victor against the Goths).

An adoptee took on the name of the adoptive father, but he could add his nomen. Anexample,Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus meant that this man was adopted Publius Cornelius Scipio and wasoriginallyfrom the Aemilius family.