What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patronymic
Example
In Russia, a patronymic is commonly used as a middle name, such as Ivanovich for Ivan's son. [patronymic: noun]
Example
The Icelandic naming system uses a patronymic to identify a person's father, such as Jónsdóttir for Jón's daughter. [patronymic: adjective]
surname
Example
My surname is Smith, which has been in my family for generations. [surname: noun]
Example
In some cultures, women change their surnames after marriage to take on their husband's family name. [surname: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surname is more commonly used than patronymic in most cultures. Surnames are widely used across the world, while patronymics are more common in certain cultures such as Russia, Iceland, and parts of Scandinavia.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patronymic and surname?
Both patronymic and surname are formal names used in official documents and formal settings. However, surname is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while patronymic is less common and may be considered more formal due to its association with certain cultures and naming conventions.
