patronymy

noun3

1. •
   The practice of naming children after their fathers.

   • Neither of the two other Rodolfi in the oath can be Rodolfo di Andrea, it should he added, for they have other patronymies; and there are almost no other Rodolfi in the documents. — 1998
2. •
   A son's name which is derived from his father's name.

   • Masculine patronymies commonly terminate in ides, which is added to the stem of the proper name— as Priamides, Cecropides (from Cecrops). — 1862
3. •
   An extended family grouping centered around the father's family.

   • It was a hierarchical group which consisted of concentric 'circles which formed patronymies of the first, second and tertiary order. A totality of patronymies made up a Patriarchal Clan. — 1986