What is "matriname"

A matrilineal surname is a family name inherited from one's mother (and maternal grandmother, etc.) and this line of descent or "mother line" is called a matriline. In this article, the scientific term matrilineal surname appears in its easier or shorter form instead, matriname.

Within some patrilineal cultures, patrilineal surnames are likewise inherited from fathers (and paternal grandfathers), and will likewise appear here in their shorter form patrinames.

This article aims to present what is known about these mother-line surnames, first as single surnames and then as part of double surnames. For clarity and brevity, exceptions such as adoption will be ignored, while clan names are handled in the matrilineality article.

The terms family name or surname are used interchangeably in this article—and similarly father-line or patrilineal, and mother-line or matrilineal.