Matronymic is a term that originates from the combination of two Greek words: 'mater,' signifying mother, and 'onyma,' denoting name. This naming convention involves creating a person's name based on their mother's name or a female ancestor's name, in contrast to patronymics, which are derived from a father's name or male ancestor's name. Matronymic names serve as an alternative method of indicating lineage or family connections through the maternal line.
While matronymic names can be found in diverse cultures around the world, they are notably less common than their patronymic counterparts. The specific form that a matronymic takes varies depending on the cultural and linguistic context in which it is used. Similar to patronymics, matronymics are often formed by adding a prefix or suffix to the mother's name, reflecting the local linguistic and cultural traditions.
In certain societies, matronymics may be employed as a secondary naming system or used in specific circumstances, such as when a mother's name carries greater prestige or importance than the father's name, or when the father's identity is unknown. Additionally, matronymics can be useful for genealogical research and tracing family histories, particularly in situations where the maternal lineage is of particular interest or significance.
Icelandic matronymics
See also: Icelandic surnames
In Icelandic culture, matronymic names are used alongside patronymic names. A person can have a matronymic name by using their mother's first name followed by the suffix "-dóttir" (daughter) for girls or "-son" (son) for boys. For example, if a mother's name is Helga, her daughter's matronymic name would be "Helgudóttir," and her son's name would be "Helguson."
Popular Icelandic Matronymic surnames:
- Katrínsdóttir: This surname means "daughter of Katrín." If a woman named Katrín has a daughter, her daughter's matronymic surname would be "Katrínsdóttir."
- Ingibjörgsson: This surname means "son of Ingibjörg." If a woman named Ingibjörg has a son, his matronymic surname would be "Ingibjörgsson."
- Sigríðurson: This surname means "son of Sigríður." If a woman named Sigríður has a son, his matronymic surname would be "Sigríðurson."
- Guðrúnardóttir: This surname means "daughter of Guðrún." If a woman named Guðrún has a daughter, her daughter's matronymic surname would be "Guðrúnardóttir."
- Ástríðsdóttir: This surname means "daughter of Ástríður." If a woman named Ástríður has a daughter, her daughter's matronymic surname would be "Ástríðsdóttir."
Malayan matronymics
See also: Malayan surnames
In Malayan culture in India, matronymic naming conventions are prevalent in the Nair caste. Children take their mother's or grandmother's name as their last name.
Popular Malayan Matronymic surnames:
- Amma: This surname is derived from the word "amma," which means "mother" in Malayalam. A child could take the name "Amma" as their surname to honor their mother or female ancestor.
- Parvathy: If a child's mother or grandmother is named Parvathy, they could adopt "Parvathy" as their surname to represent their matrilineal connection to her.
- Devi: This surname is derived from the name "Devi," which is commonly associated with goddesses in Hinduism. A child could take the name "Devi" as their surname to honor a female ancestor named Devi or as a reference to the name of their theravad (ancestral home).
- Lakshmi: If a child's mother or grandmother is named Lakshmi, they could adopt "Lakshmi" as their surname to represent their matrilineal connection to her.
- Kalyani: This surname is derived from the name "Kalyani." A child could take the name "Kalyani" as their surname to honor a female ancestor named Kalyani or as a reference to their tharavad's name.
Explore more about matronymics
- Search Your Last Name on MyHeritage
- Understand Worldwide Naming Patterns on the MyHeritage Blog
- Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (2006). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Room, A. (2010). Dictionary of Pseudonyms: 13,000 Assumed Names and Their Origins. McFarland & Company, Inc.
- Cottle, B. (1967). Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Penguin Books.