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 Word Forms

• patronymically 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

During his education he stayed in a hostel at Portree High School and patronymics and nicknames were used almost like a secret code.

Read more on BBC

It will also allow the use of traditional patronymic and matronymic names used by the Frisian minority, which entail children’s surnames being based on their father’s or mother’s first name.

Read more on Seattle Times

The court ruled that children should still be given patronymics from birth to protect them from harassment and bullying.

Read more on Reuters

Another time he had addressed a prison official by his military rank rather than the more respectable name and patronymic.

Read more on New York Times

We learned his birth date, his birthplace, his wife’s — my grandmother’s — patronymic.

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

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