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It's really not such a bad meaning. It's just subtle. I mean, the name was probably bestowed on the clan by someone else who considered them a recognizable rival, not just pathetic imitators. My guess is, since it became someone's name, it was probably intended as the kind of slight that is actually flattering -- the fact that they went by the name meaning "emulous" implies that they had enough status to bear the name in good humor. I think of it that way because names with "bad" meanings were not infrequent on ancient Romans of high status, and they were borne with self-conscious dignity. Claudius and Cicero (who is said to have had a chickpea-like wart on his nose), to name a couple.

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- chazda

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"I don't want to look like a loser for the rest of my life!" ~ Georgia Ford, on needing a signature