1. the first name of an ancient Roman, preceding the family name
Usage: historical; Roman antiquity

Examples

• Marcus was the praenomen of the famous Roman general Marcus Aurelius.
• In ancient Rome, the praenomen was typically abbreviated in formal inscriptions.
• Common Roman praenomina included Gaius, Lucius, and Marcus.
• The praenomen distinguished individuals within the same family clan.
• Roman women rarely used a praenomen in official documents.
• Historians study praenomina to understand Roman naming conventions.