A patronymic, or patronym, is generally formed by adding a prefix or suffix to a name. Thus, a few centuries ago, the male patronymic of Patrick was Fitzpatrick ("Patrick's son"), that of Peter was …

A patronymic can be based on a full name (William-s) or a nickname (Will-s). Many family names are patronymics, so called because they are based on the first name of some long-ago father.

A patronymic, or patronym, is a personal name, or component of a personal name, based on the given name of one's father, grandfather (more specifically an avonymic), [1][2] or an earlier male ancestor. …

PATRONYMIC definition: (of family names) derived from the name of a father or ancestor, especially by the addition of a suffix or prefix indicating descent. See examples of patronymic used in a sentence.

patronymic, name derived from that of a father or paternal ancestor, usually by the addition of a suffix or prefix meaning “son.” Thus the Scottish name MacDonald originally meant “son of Donald.”

Definition of patronymic noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · A name acquired from one's father. (onomastics, by extension) A name acquired from the first name of one's father, grandfather or earlier (male) ancestor. Some cultures use a patronymic …

If something is patronymic, it comes from your father's name, or perhaps the name of one of his ancestors. Last names like "Wilson" and "Johnson" are patronymic.

Define patronymic. patronymic synonyms, patronymic pronunciation, patronymic translation, English dictionary definition of patronymic. adj. Of, relating to, or derived from the name of one's father or a …

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 …