Definition
metronymic
adjective
- Relating to or derived from the name of a mother or female ancestor.
Usage: Linguistics and anthropology term; Contrasts with patronymic
noun
- A name derived from the name of a mother or female ancestor.
Usage: Linguistics and anthropology term; Less common than patronymic in most cultures
Examples
- In some cultures, metronymic naming practices honor the maternal line.
- The surname O'Brien is patronymic, while some Irish names are metronymic in origin.
- Scholars study metronymic systems to understand family structures in ancient societies.
- A metronymic name indicates descent through the mother rather than the father.
- The anthropologist examined metronymic traditions in the indigenous community.
- Unlike patronymic surnames, metronymic ones are relatively rare in European naming conventions.