 The etymology of the Latin name "Arminius" is unknown; confusion is further created by contemporary scholars who alternately referred to him as "Armenus".Marcus Velleius Paterculus, in his "Historiae", mentions him as "Arminius, the son of Sigimer, a prince of [the German] nation" and states he "attained the dignity of equestrian rank".Due to Roman naming conventions of the time, it is likely "Arminius" is an adopted name granted to him upon citizenship, or otherwise not his Cheruscan name; although the theory that the name alludes to prior service on the eastern frontier of the Roman empire is now largely discredited.