Pronunciation: [kˈɒɡnəmˌɛn] (IPA) 
The word "cognomen" is spelled C-O-G-N-O-M-E-N. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /kɒɡ.ˈnəʊ.mən/. The first syllable "cog" is pronounced with the short vowel "o" sound followed by the hard "g" sound. The second syllable "no" is pronounced with the short vowel "o" sound and the "m" is pronounced with a soft "m" sound. The final syllable "men" is pronounced with the short vowel "e" sound followed by the hard "n" sound.
Cognomen is a noun that refers to a person's surname or family name. It is an additional name or label that helps distinguish a person from others who may share the same given name or first name. Cognomen is often used to identify an individual within a family, clan, or community.
Derived from Latin, the term cognomen literally means "known together" or "known by recognition." In ancient Roman society, cognomen played a significant role in distinguishing various branches of a family or indicating a specific characteristic or achievement of an individual. It was especially common among Roman nobility, where some cognomina were inherited for generations.
Cognomen can also have other connotations. In the field of linguistics, it refers to a type of noun suffix that indicates membership in a certain group or class, such as professions or nationalities. For example, "-ician" in "physician" or "-ese" in "Japanese" can be considered cognomina.
Furthermore, in literary works and other creative disciplines, cognomen can refer to a nickname or pseudonym that an author or artist adopts as an identifying label. This alternative name allows individuals to express a distinct persona or to distance themselves from their real identities.
In summary, cognomen typically refers to a surname or additional name used to differentiate individuals, but it can also encompass noun suffixes indicating group membership or pseudonyms adopted by authors and artists.
A surname.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cognomen" comes from Latin. It is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "co-" meaning "together" or "with", and "nomen" meaning "name". Hence, "cognomen" literally means "with a name" or "additional name". In Ancient Rome, a cognomen was a third name that was added to the personal name and family name of an individual. It served to differentiate members of a family or branch and was often based on some distinguishing characteristic or accomplishment.
