What is "matronymic"

Matronymic \Mat`ro*nym"ic\, n. [L. mater mother + -nymic, as in patronimic.] See Metronymic.

1794, a hybrid from Latin mater (see mother (n.1)) + Greek-based ending from patronymic. As an adjective from 1874.

a. Of, relating to, or derived from the given name of one's mother or a female ancestor. n. A surname or byname acquired from the given name of one's mother's or from a female ancestor's given name.

n. a name derived from the name of your mother or a maternal ancestor [syn: metronymic]

A matronymic is a personal name based on the given name of one's mother, grandmother, or any female ancestor. It is the female equivalent of a patronymic. In most societies, matronymic surnames are far less common than patronymic surnames. In the past, matronymic last names were often given to children of unwed mothers. Other times when a woman was especially well known or powerful, her descendants would adopt a matronym based on her name.