Balbinus (Latin: Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus) was a Roman cognomen that was a derivative of Balbus, meaning "stammerer" in Latin. The name is chiefly known through the 3rd-century emperor who reigned briefly during the chaotic Year of the Six Emperors (238 AD).Etymology and FamilyThe root Balbus was a Republican and Imperial cognomen belonging to several notable families, including the mother of Emperor Augustus, Atia Balba Caesonia. As a derivative, Balbinus follows a common Latin pattern of forming agnomina (e.g., Balbina for the feminine, and Spanish Balbino in later languages).Historical BearerDecimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus (c. 178 – July/August 238) was joint emperor with Pupienus for three months in 238 AD, a year that saw six claimants to the throne. According to the historian Herodian, Balbinus was a patrician from birth, likely related to the consul Publius Coelius Balbinus Vibullius Pius (137 AD) and the family of Q. Pompeius Falco. He served as a priest of Mars (one of the Salii) and governed provinces, though seven provinces cited by unreliable sources. His lavish birth led the Senate to choose him to co-rule with Pupienus against the usurper Maximinus Thrax; however, both emperors were murdered by the Praetorian Guard after 99 days in power.Cultural SignificanceThe name Balbinus appears in several inscriptions, and the feminine Balbina survives in Christian hagiography (Saint Balbina). The Byzantine historian Zosimus characterizes the emperor Balbinus as a respected aristocrat whose short reign represented a Senate's effort to restore old republican traditions. Though uncommon after antiquity, the name persists in Spanish as the learned humanist form Balbino.Meaning: Derivative of Balbus ("stammerer")Origin: Roman cognomenFamous bearer: Emperor Balbinus (c. 178–238 AD)Usage: Ancient Roman, rare modern survival in Spanish