Early 19th century; earliest use found in Lord Byron (1788–1824), poet. From classical Latin nōminis umbra, literally ‘the shadow of a name’ from nōminis, genitive of nōmen + umbra shade, shadow.
Definition of nominis umbra in US English:
nominis umbra
noun
rare
An insubstantial thing or person.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Lord Byron (1788–1824), poet. From classical Latin nōminis umbra, literally ‘the shadow of a name’ from nōminis, genitive of nōmen + umbra shade, shadow.