Abstract
Nomen Omen (‘A name, A fate’) is a key concept in antiquity, specifically in Iambic poetry and Ancient Comedy, where speaking names, epithets and nicknames are usually coined, distorted or re-invented for personal abuse and mockery. A few examples will show that Aristophanic names symbolically ‘stand for’ their characters’ destiny, but also intertwine with other names and themes and with the entire context of each comedy.