patronymic

[ pa-truh-nim-ik ]

adjective

1. (of family names) derived from the name of a father or ancestor, especially by the addition of a suffix or prefix indicating descent.
2. (of a suffix or prefix) indicating descent.

noun

1. a patronymic name, as Williamson (son of William) or Macdonald (son of Donald).
2. a family name; surname.

patronymic

/ ˌpætrəˈnɪmɪk /

adjective

1. (of a name) derived from the name of its bearer's father or ancestor. In Western cultures, many surnames are patronymic in origin, as for example Irish names beginning with O' and English names ending with -son; in other cultures, such as Russian, a special patronymic name is used in addition to the surname

noun

1. a patronymic name

Other Words From

• patro·nymi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of patronymic¹

1605–15; < Late Latin patrōnymicus < Greek patrōnymikós equivalent to patrṓnym(os) patronymic ( patri-, -onym ) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of patronymic¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek patronumikos, from patēr father + onoma name

Example Sentences

In many cases indeed there is good reason for doubting whether the name is a patronymic at all.

From Project Gutenberg

The unlucky individual whom she addressed with his Christian name and patronymic knew that a storm was impending.

From Project Gutenberg

Reference has already been made to the prevalence of Colombo as a patronymic in Genoa and the neighboring country at that time.

From Project Gutenberg

In doing so, the patronymic, which the person originating the name bore, was adopted as the surname.

From Project Gutenberg

But to what class are we to refer the settlements represented by the local names with the supposed patronymic suffix?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brand
• flag
• label
• nickname
• sign
• signature
• style
• term