Jewish family memory
Patronymic naming: meaning and family-history use
A patronymic identifies a person through a parent's name. In historical research, distinguish that relationship information from an inherited surname.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
How to record it in a family archive
Transcribe the full name string before splitting it into fields. Note the language and source, and explain which part you interpret as a relationship.
A practical example
A record naming a person as the son of someone supplies a possible parental link. It does not establish that two records with similar name strings refer to the same household.
Keep the original context
A glossary definition helps orient a reader; it cannot resolve an individual document, identity, or observance question. Save the original source and note who supplied any interpretation. Ask a qualified reader or the relevant community authority when the context is unclear.