French word

patronyme

Pronunciation

IPA/patʁonim/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlast name

Example

Quel est votre patronyme?

What is your last name?

Illustration for patronyme (last name)

More examples

Le changement de patronyme doit être déclaré à l'état civil.

The change of surname must be reported to the civil registry.

Core concept

A name shared along a family line, like a label separating it from neighboring lines.

Common phrases

  • rubrique patronyme

    surname field

  • changement de patronyme

    change of surname

Similar words

nom de famille: A surname shared by members of the same family.
nom: A name used to identify a person or thing.
prénom: A personal name given at birth.
surnom: A nickname used among friends or close acquaintances.

Definition in French

Désignation portée par plusieurs générations d'une même famille et servant à distinguer une famille des autres.

Word origin

French patronyme comes through Latin patronymum from Greek patronymon, a term for a name connected with the father.

Usage tips

  • French patronyme commonly means 'surname', whereas English patronymic specifically describes a name derived from a father.

Opposites

Word lists with this word