In Roman society, what does "nomen" specifically reference?

In Roman society, "nomen" specifically refers to the family name, which is a crucial part of a Roman citizen's full name. A Roman name typically consisted of three parts: the praenomen (given name), the nomen (family name), and the cognomen (a nickname or branch of the family). The nomen indicates the gens, or clan, to which an individual belongs, thus reflecting their heritage and social standing within Roman culture.

Understanding the importance of the nomen provides insight into the social structure of ancient Rome, where family lineage and connections played a significant role in one's identity and status. While the other choices address related concepts, they do not accurately represent the specific definition of "nomen" as it is understood in the context of Roman names.