Ancient Roman Second Names: A Collection of Cognomina

This list explores the fascinating world of ancient Roman second names, known as cognomina. These names, often derived from physical characteristics, personality traits, or family history, provide a unique insight into the lives and social structures of ancient Rome. Explore this comprehensive collection of cognomina to discover the rich tapestry of Roman naming traditions.
1. **Agrippa:** Derived from the Latin word "agrippa," meaning "swift" or "agile."
2. **Aemilius:** From the Latin word "aemulus," meaning "rival" or "emulator."
3. **Africanus:** Denoting "of Africa," perhaps indicating a family connection to the region.
4. **Ahenobarbus:** Meaning "bronze beard," a nickname likely given due to a prominent beard.
5. **Albinius:** A name of unknown origin, possibly connected to the Latin word "albus" meaning "white."
6. **Albinus:** Meaning "white" or "fair."
7. **Alexander:** Greek origin, meaning "defender of mankind."
8. **Antonius:** From the Latin word "antonius," meaning "priceless."
9. **Appius:** Derived from the Latin word "appius," meaning "father."
10. **Aurelius:** From the Latin word "aureus," meaning "golden."
11. **Balbus:** Meaning "stuttering" or "stammering."
12. **Barbarus:** Meaning "foreigner" or "barbarian."
13. **Basilius:** Greek origin, meaning "king."
14. **Bestia:** Meaning "beast."
15. **Bibulus:** Meaning "drinker."
16. **Caecilius:** Possibly derived from the Latin word "caecus," meaning "blind."
17. **Caesar:** Derived from the Latin word "caedere," meaning "to cut."
18. **Cato:** Meaning "wise" or "skillful."
19. **Cicero:** Derived from the Latin word "cicer," meaning "chickpea."
20. **Claudius:** From the Latin word "claudere," meaning "to shut" or "to close."
21. **Cornelius:** From the Latin word "cornu," meaning "horn."
22. **Crassus:** Meaning "thick" or "fat."
23. **Curius:** A name of unknown origin, possibly connected to the Latin word "cura" meaning "care" or "attention."
24. **Decimus:** Meaning "tenth."
25. **Domitius:** From the Latin word "domus," meaning "house."
26. **Fabius:** From the Latin word "faba," meaning "bean."
27. **Flaccus:** Meaning "flabby" or "weak."
28. **Flaminius:** From the Latin word "flamma," meaning "flame."
29. **Gaius:** From the Latin word "gaius," meaning "rejoice."
30. **Germanicus:** Meaning "of Germany."
31. **Gracchus:** From the Latin word "gratus," meaning "pleasing" or "grateful."
32. **Hadrianus:** From the Latin word "hadrianus," meaning "from Hadria."
33. **Horatius:** From the Latin word "hora," meaning "hour."
34. **Julius:** From the Latin word "iuvenis," meaning "youth."
35. **Livius:** From the Latin word "livere," meaning "to be livid" or "to be pale."
36. **Lucius:** From the Latin word "lux," meaning "light."
37. **Macrinus:** Meaning "thin" or "lean."
38. **Manlius:** From the Latin word "manus," meaning "hand."
39. **Marius:** From the Latin word "mare," meaning "sea."
40. **Maximus:** Meaning "greatest."
41. **Metellus:** From the Latin word "metallum," meaning "metal."
42. **Minucius:** A name of unknown origin, possibly connected to the Latin word "minuere," meaning "to lessen" or "to diminish."
43. **Nero:** From the Latin word "niger," meaning "black."
44. **Octavius:** From the Latin word "octo," meaning "eight."
45. **Pacuvius:** From the Latin word "pacuvius," meaning "peaceful" or "calm."
46. **Paetus:** Meaning "prominent" or "outstanding."
47. **Petronius:** From the Latin word "petra," meaning "rock."
48. **Philippus:** Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses."
49. **Piso:** Meaning "pea" or "lentil."
50. **Pompeius:** From the Latin word "pompa," meaning "procession" or "pomp."
51. **Porcius:** From the Latin word "porcus," meaning "pig."
52. **Postumus:** Meaning "last" or "after."
53. **Primus:** Meaning "first."
54. **Publius:** From the Latin word "populus," meaning "people."
55. **Quintilius:** Meaning "fifth."
56. **Rufus:** Meaning "red" or "ruddy."
57. **Scipio:** From the Latin word "scipio," meaning "staff" or "stick."
58. **Sextus:** Meaning "sixth."
59. **Silanus:** From the Latin word "silva," meaning "forest."
60. **Sulla:** From the Latin word "sulla," meaning "a plow."
61. **Tiberius:** From the Latin word "Tiberis," referring to the Tiber River.
62. **Torquatus:** Meaning "necklace" or "collar," likely given as a nickname for wearing a torque.
63. **Tullius:** From the Latin word "tuli," meaning "I brought."
64. **Valerius:** From the Latin word "valere," meaning "to be strong" or "to be healthy."
65. **Varro:** Meaning "warthog."
66. **Vettius:** A name of unknown origin, possibly connected to the Latin word "vetus," meaning "old."
67. **Vibius:** From the Latin word "vibere," meaning "to vibrate."
68. **Victor:** Meaning "victor" or "conqueror."
69. **Virgilius:** From the Latin word "vir," meaning "man."
70. **Vitellius:** From the Latin word "vitellus," meaning "yolk" or "egg."