noun
- the first name of an ancient Roman, preceding the family name
Usage: historical
Examples
- Marcus was the prenomen in the full Roman name Marcus Tullius Cicero.
- Ancient Roman citizens typically had three names, beginning with the prenomen.
- The prenomen Gaius was commonly abbreviated as ‘C.’ in Roman inscriptions.
- Only a limited number of prenomina were used by Roman families.
- Lucius served as both a prenomen and later as a family name in Roman society.
- The prenomen distinguished individuals within the same Roman household.