The nomen Canuleius belongs to a large class of gentilicia formed using the suffix -eius, which was typically of Oscan names. It might perhaps be derived from the same root as Kanus, a surname originally referring to someone with white hair.[2][3]
None of the Canuleii mentioned by ancient writers bore a cognomen, except for Lucius Canuleius Dives, praetor in 171 BC. His surname originally signified someone possessing great wealth.[1][4]
Marcus Canuleius, tribune of the plebs in 420 BC, accused Gaius Sempronius Atratinus, the consul of 423, of misconduct during the Volscian war. Together with his colleagues, Canuleius also proposed a measure concerning the distribution of public land.[9]
Lucius Canuleius Dives, praetor in 171 BC, was assigned the province of Hispania, where the senate ordered Canuleius to investigate claims of extortion by his precesessors. During his term, Canuleius helped to establish a colonyatCarteia.
Canuleius, a senator, was one of the ambassadors to Egypt before 160 BC.[11]
Gaius Canuleius, tribune of the plebs in 100 BC, accused Publius Furius, who had been his colleague, for siding with Saturninus against the senate, and for opposing the recall of Metellus Numidicus from exile. His actions were so unpopular that he was slain by an angry mob, without having the opportunity to defend himself.[12]
Lucius Canuleius, one of the publicani, a collector of duties for the harbour of Syracuse, at the time when the government of Sicily was held by Verres.[13]
