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, 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. …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Of, relating to, or derived from the name of one's father or a paternal ancestor. n. A name so derived. [Late Latin patr ō nymicus, from Greek patr ō numikos, from patr ō numos, named after one's father : …

Factsheet What does the word patronymic mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word patronymic. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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 …