Roman names typically consisted of three parts: the praenomen, nomen, and cognomen. The praenomen was a personal name, similar to a first name today, while the nomen indicated the family or clan, akin to a last name. The cognomen served as a nickname or additional identifier, often reflecting personal traits or achievements. For example, the name Gaius Julius Caesar breaks down into Gaius (praenomen), Julius (nomen), and Caesar (cognomen). This naming system helped distinguish individuals within the large Roman society and provided insights into their family lineage and social status.