1. a surname or family name
Usage: formal
2. a nickname or epithet
Usage: formal
3. in ancient Rome, the third name of a citizen, often indicating a branch of the family or personal characteristic
Usage: historical

Examples

• Smith was his cognomen, passed down through generations.
• The warrior earned the cognomen ‘Ironhand’ for his strength.
• Julius Caesar’s cognomen indicated his branch of the Julian family.
• Her cognomen reflected her family’s noble heritage.
• The poet’s cognomen became more famous than his given name.
• Ancient Roman citizens typically had three names, including a cognomen.