In ancient Rome, individuals were identified by three names: a praenomen (personal name), nomen (family name), and cognomen (a nickname that later became another family name). For instance, the renowned politician Cicero was known as Marcus Tullius Cicero (pronounced kee-ker-oh in Latin), with “Cicero” being a cognomen meaning “chickpea.” Legend has it that one of his ancestors had a nose cleft resembling a chickpea, hence the moniker. Other cognomens such as Lentulus, Fabius, and Piso were related to legumes, meaning “lentil,” “bean,” and “pea” respectively. Many cognomens followed earthly or simple themes. The meaning of the “Caesar” in Julius Gaius Caesar varied among historians, with interpretations ranging from “head of hair” to “bluish-gray.”
