Metellus was recalled, enjoyed a triumph, and received the agnomen of NUMIDICUS.

The agnomen adoptivum indicates his transference by adoption from one gens to another.

These were called the prænomen (forename), nomen (name), cognomen (surname), and agnomen (added name).

Sometimes there was also a fourth name, called the agnomen, added from some illustrious action, or remarkable event.

Thus also, Quintus Fabius Maximus received the Agnomen of Cunctator, from his checking the victorious career of Hannibal by avoiding a battle.