Prenominal

Signature, in this title, means the name of the party, written by himself; as evidence of his assent to an instrument as a party, or to attest it as a witness: the family name must be written at length—the baptismal or prenominal name may be abbreviated, or indicated only by the initial letter, or altogether omitted, if such has been the usual mode in which the signer has subscribed his name.

The personal name, on the other hand, is for the most part of parental choice; and as parents usually take an indulgent view of the defects and weaknesses of their offspring, we should not expect to find among our prenomens many of uncomplimentary character. Some such, however, there undoubtedly are; for instance, Giddy, Dirty, Faint, Fearful, Musty, Shady, Singular, Stubborn, Tempestuous, and Troublesome are all recorded names. It will be conjectured that the infants thus styled must have fallen into hands other than those of their natural guardians. One name on the list is capable of the same interpretation as many other prenominal absurdities.

In this instance, however, the prenominal abbreviation as well as the gentilician name is given; the House of the Treasure is also the House of Quintus Fulvius.