1. Roman Names

2. Marcus Flavius Aquila How Roman Names Worked
The Roman word for “name” was “nomen”---like you see on your class handouts and tests.
Roman men usually had 3 names:
Marcus
Flavius
Aquila

3. Would never address him by “Marcus”
How Roman Names Worked
The first name was the PRAENOMEN (think “pre-name”)
This was his “personal” name, used by family and close friends
Would never address him by “Marcus”
Marcus
Flavius
Aquila

4. Would also be a “Flavius” as his dad’s brother
How Roman Names Worked
The second name was the NOMEN
This was his family name. It worked like our “last names” work today
Marcus
Flavius
Aquila
Would also be a “Flavius” as his dad’s brother

5. He’s just “Esca.” He’s not Roman. But wait…
How Roman Names Worked
The third name was the COGNOMEN
This told what particular branch of your family you were.
Marcus
Flavius
Aquila
He’s just “Esca.” He’s not Roman. But wait…

6. Wouldn’t be happy to know Esca got a cool new Roman name.
How Roman Names Worked
Freed slaves often took the praenomen and nomen of their masters, and used their original name as a cognomen.
Wouldn’t be happy to know Esca got a cool new Roman name.
Marcus
Flavius
Esca

7. How Roman Names Worked: Girls
Girls used the feminine form of their father’s nomen. Nicknames could be added.
Her name would be “Flavia” if she were Marcus’ sister or daughter.
Marcus
Flavius
Aquila=
Flavia

8. Make Your Roman Name! Put your Roman name on 1 side of the card and your real name on the other side and turn in to Mrs. Sellers!
GIRLS:
Pick 1 NOMEN and change the –us to –a
Pick 1 COGNOMEN (Female Form)
Put them in that order
BOYS:
Pick 1 PRAENOMEN
Pick 1 NOMEN
Pick 1 COGNOMEN (Male Form)
Put them in that order.