Definition of Cognomen

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Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
  • Cognomen
    Ballentine's Law Dictionary

    A family name.

  • Cognomen
    Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition

    In Roman law. A man's family name. The first name (prænomen) was the proper name of the individual; the secend (nomen) indicated the gens or tribe to which he belonged; while the third (cognomen) denoted his family or house. In English law. A surname. A name added to the nomen proper, or name of the individual; a name descriptive of the family.