Roman naming conventions

Salvete omnes,

Not so long ago, I participated in a debate about the roman naming conventions. Although this issue has been thoroughly studied modern historical science, however, in my opinion, for the restored Roman Republic roman naming conventions should be of particular importance.

According to the Declaration of the Roman Republic, it follows that:

As everyone knows, the practice of naming that exists in Nova Roma does not entirely correspond to the historical realities. Thus, the practice of naming prevailing in Nova Roma, contrary to Roman cultural tradition. Of course, the premise of this practice is clear. It is also clear that over time the Nova Roma actually could not change anything. However, now our Roman Republic is at the origin of its historical path. In our power to avoid a conflict with the Roman cultural tradition, and start developing in accordance with it.

Here I primarily mean the rules (roman naming conventions) regarding the naming of women. As far as you all know, in the Roman «classic» society women do not use all three names – tria nomina (praenomen, nomen, and cognomen – ). Women’s names was not as ordered as the men, however, female names had their own special rules which were not applicable to male names. Naming – very important element of any cultural tradition, including the Roman cultural tradition. Therefore, it seems inappropriate to impose no-alternative rights of male naming to women, as it happens in Nova Roma.

As soon begin reception of citizens in our Roman Republic, this problem is very important.

I propose to allow women to choose all three names (praenomen, nomen, and cognomen) when registering, however, at the same time, should be accessible alternative for those women who want to strictly follow the Roman cultural tradition (nomen+cognomen, praenomen+nomen, only nomen etc.). This will help make the system of naming of our Roman Republic a more flexible and responsive to the requirements of the Roman cultural tradition.

In the community of historical reconstruction, which I lead, women use two-part names as it is historically accurate and original.

Women’s naming rules are well researched, so I do not see any reason to talk about them here separately.

With regard to male names and names in general, I would suggest the following:

– Expand the list of available praenomens, taking praenomens from the list of praenomens, which reliably known academic historical science. Everyone is familiar with a small list of praenomens, available when you select a name in Nova Roma. This list is considerably limits the choice of available praenomens;

– Remove cognomen from the list of mandatory parts of the Roman name. In ancient Rome, not all used cognomen. At least when registering on this forum cognomen was listed as a mandatory part ;

– Expand the list of available cognomens, taking from the list of cognomens known academic historical science. And also to make available to enter the desired cognomen, which will be approved by the censors.

In my opinion, all of the above should help to develop the Roman Republic in accordance with the Roman cultural tradition and to be more friendly to potential citizens. Everyone knows perfectly well that the Roman way, the path of the Roman citizen begins with the choice of the Roman name.

Who thinks about this? Does someone have any ideas?

Valete,

T. Fl. Severus