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.” Usually the “son” affix is attached to a baptismal name, but it is also possible to attach it to the father’s occupation (e.g., Clerkson). Sometimes a patronymic is simply the father’s given name (Thomas, Edward) or its genitive form (Edwards). In some cultures...