patronym

American  

[pa-truh-nim] / ˈpæ trə nɪm /

noun

1. patronymic.

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Etymology

Origin of patronym

First recorded in 1825–35, patronym is from the Greek word patrṓnymos (adj.) patronymic. See patri-, -onym

Explanation

If your last name was handed down from your father or his ancestors, you can call it a patronym. Across the world, patronyms are the most common type of surname. Inheriting your father's last name doesn't make it a patronym — instead, patronyms add a suffix or prefix that means "son of." Common surnames like Johnson and Fitzgerald are patronyms, having the literal meanings "son of John" and "son of Gerald," respectively. Patronyms are still used in Iceland, where if your dad's first name were Grímur, your last name would be Grímsson. Patronym combines Greek roots pater, "father," and onym, "name."

Example Sentences

But for sheer domination, the patronym “Mc” or “Mac” appears a combined 35 times starting with Bob MacDonald and ending with Harold “Jug” McSpaden.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 7, 2020

Director Marco Bellocchio's family name means "beautiful eye"� and European cinema buffs are satisfied that it is a highly suitable patronym.

From Time Magazine Archive

O'Brien succeeds John A. Gronouski, whose fortune is in his patronym.

From Time Magazine Archive

The real patronym of M. "Anatole France" is, I am informed, Monsieur Chaussepied, which interpreted into English means "Mr. Shoe-horn".

From The Grip of Desire by France, Hector

He ate in the Lotus and of its patronym, and was lulled into blissful peace with the other fortunate mariners.

From The Voice of the City: Further Stories of the Four Million by Henry, O.