matronymic

noun

mat·​ro·​nym·​ic ˌma-trə-ˈni-mik How to pronounce matronymic (audio)
: a name derived from that of the mother or a maternal ancestor

Word History

Etymology

matr- + -onymic (as in patronymic)

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matronymic was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near matronymic

Cite this Entry

“Matronymic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matronymic. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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