agnomen

American  

[ag-noh-muhn] / ægˈnoʊ mən /

noun

plural

agnomina

1. an additional, fourth name given to a person by the ancient Romans in allusion to some achievement or other circumstance, as “Africanus” in “Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus.”

2. a nickname.

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agnomen British  

/ æɡˈnɒmɪnəl, æɡˈnəʊmɛn /

noun

1. the fourth name or second cognomen occasionally acquired by an ancient Roman See also cognomen nomen praenomen

2. another word for nickname

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Other Word Forms

• agnominal adjective

Etymology

Origin of agnomen

1745–55; < Late Latin, equivalent to ad- ad- + nōmen name, with alteration to ag- through influence of agnōscere; see agnize

Explanation

An agnomen is an extra descriptor added to someone's name. Having an agnomen may indicate that someone is noteworthy for a significant achievement, or it may be used to distinguish someone from others with similar names. The practice of using agnomens began in ancient Rome, where an agnomen was a fourth, optional part of a name, usually bestowed in recognition of military or civic achievement. For example, Africanus, meaning "of Africa," was added to the name of Publius Cornelius Scipio after his military victory over Carthage in Northern Africa. Over time, the term agnomen has been loosely applied to any additional descriptive name, also known as an epithet, such as "the Lucky" in "Leif the Lucky," or "the Conqueror" in "William the Conqueror."

Example Sentences

While its most familiar building is a Catholic cathedral and its most famous sports franchise carries a heavenly agnomen, New Orleans lacks a non-gridiron saint.

From Washington Times • Mar. 25, 2017

To these names was sometimes added another, the agnomen, given for some exploit, or to show that the person was adopted from some other gens.

From Ancient Rome : from the earliest times down to 476 A. D. by Pennell, Robert Franklin

I was a little anxious to know whether her ladyship would honour me with an agnomen.

From Tales and Novels — Volume 04 by Edgeworth, Maria

To counteract the confusion that would inevitably arise, an agnomen or "tee-name" is usually appended.

From Literary Tours in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Holmes, Daniel Turner

Metellus was recalled, enjoyed a triumph, and received the agnomen of NUMIDICUS.

From Ancient Rome : from the earliest times down to 476 A. D. by Pennell, Robert Franklin