Literary notes about Cognomen (AI summary)
In literature, the term cognomen plays a versatile role that shifts with context and purpose. In historical texts, it often functions as a formal label that denotes familial branch or personal distinction, as seen when a freedman changes his cognomen to reflect his status ([1]) or when ancient figures carry names that underscore inherited honor ([2], [3]). In contrast, more contemporary writings use the cognomen as a creative or descriptive moniker, lending a character an added layer of identity or irony—consider the “Lisping Poet” ([4]) or a moniker that captures heroic or symbolic traits ([5]). This blend of historical gravitas and modern inventiveness enriches narratives by connecting characters to both their cultural pasts and the expressive potentials of language.
- LUCIUS CRASSITIUS, a native of Tarentum, and in rank a freedman, had the cognomen of Pasides, which he afterwards changed for Pansa.
— from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete by Suetonius - The Cognomen was put last, and marked the familia; as Cicero, Caesar, etc.
— from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 03: Tiberius by Suetonius - Scipio is his praenomen, bestowed on him by me to match the cognomen his already by nature--Africanus, to wit.
— from One of Clive's Heroes: A Story of the Fight for India by Herbert Strang - My recognised cognomen was the Lisping Poet.
— from My Reminiscences by Rabindranath Tagore - "Robin" is a classically endearing cognomen, recording the errant heroism of old days—the name of the Bruce and of Rob Roy.
— from On the Old Road, Vol. 2 (of 2)A Collection of Miscellaneous Essays and Articles on Art and Literature by John Ruskin