professionym
Pronunciations
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/pɹəˈfɛʃ.ənɪm/
Pronunciation notes
- Canada
- General-American
- Received-Pronunciation
Noun
A term, title, or form of address used to designate or identify a person or group by their profession.
- Examples
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More examples (1)
In the Slavic languages, the transition from a professionym to a hereditary surname occurred over several centuries, as the title identifying the father's trade became the fixed identifier for the entire family.
A surname or proper name derived from the occupation of the initial bearer; an occupational surname.
- Examples
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More examples (1)
The third largest group of surnames is formed by professionyms (e.g. Kovář ‘smith’, Kolář ‘wheeler’, Mlynář ‘miller’), which make up about 12% of the total number of surnames.
Word forms
professionyms