Agnomen

/æɡˈnoʊmən/ noun

Definition

A fourth name added to the three usual Roman names; typically given to honor an achievement or family connection.

Etymology

From Latin 'agnomen' literally meaning 'an additional name,' from 'ad-' (to, toward) plus 'nomen' (name). Romans added this as an honor, like a title.

Kelly Says

Julius Caesar's full name was Gaius Julius Caesar, but his agnomen 'Caesar' (meaning 'hairy') became so famous that people forgot his actual praenomen—showing how achievement can overshadow identity itself.

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