Patronymic (noun)

A surname derived from the father's name.

Origin:

Early 19th century: from french patronyme, or via late latin from greek patronymia, from patronymos "son of the father", from patēr "father" + onoma "name".

Examples:

1. In many cultures, children take their father's patronymic as their surname.
2. The patronymic system was used to keep track of families and genealogy.
3. Some patronymics are formed by adding a suffix, such as -son or -vich, to the father's name.
4. Patronymics were commonly used in Iceland until the 19th century.
5. The patronymic system was prevalent in many ancient cultures, such as those of Greece and Rome.