noun
cognomen
kog-NOH-mun/kɑɡˈnoʊmən/
An additional name identifying a person or family.
The runner is known by the cognomen "Fox."
Etymology
The pieces suggest a name accompanying other names: a Roman cognomen was the last of a citizen’s three names. English uses it more broadly for a distinguishing name, nickname, or surname.
In context
broadcast codes under their original cognomen
More examples
- In the Roman name Marcus Tullius Cicero, Cicero is the cognomen.
- Several generations of the family shared the same cognomen.
- Her friends gave her the cognomen "Sparrow."
Forms
cognomen · cognomens · cognomina
Similar words
- surname
- A family name, not necessarily an added personal nickname.
- nickname
- An informal name, rather than an inherited family name.