patronymic

American  

[pa-truh-nim-ik] / ˌpæ trəˈnɪm ɪk /

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.

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noun

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

2. a family name; surname.

patronymic British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a patronymic name

Other Word Forms

• patronymically adverb

Etymology

Origin of patronymic

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

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.

From 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.

From Seattle Times

As a legacy of the Russian empire and Soviet era, most people in Kyrgyzstan use Russian-style patronymics: middle names derived from the name of their father.

From Reuters

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

From New York Times

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

From Washington Post

Related Words

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