Spurius

In Roman nomenclature, Spurius was a praenomen, or personal name, frequently given to foundlings or children of uncertain parentage. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is generally believed to be derived from the Latin spurius, meaning illegitimate, false, or of doubtful origin. The term essentially served as a placeholder name, signaling the individual's lack of a traceable familial lineage or legitimate birth within a recognized Roman family.

The use of Spurius as a praenomen allowed individuals of unknown or illegitimate parentage to be integrated into Roman society, at least nominally. While the stigma of uncertain origins likely remained, providing a name enabled legal and social interaction to some extent. Other common praenomina, such as Marcus or Gaius, implied a connection to established family lines and were therefore inappropriate for those of unknown birth.

Over time, the praenomen Spurius lost its direct connection to illegitimacy and was occasionally adopted by members of established families. However, its original meaning as a marker of uncertain parentage remained its primary association throughout Roman history.