Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The naming of a parent from his or her child.

Etymologies

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Examples

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  • Naming the parent after the child.

    May 16, 2008

  • As in Mary Motherofgod?

    May 16, 2008

  • In the Cocos (Keeling) Islands there is a traditional teknonymy. Let's say there is a man called Radal. His parents are known as Pak Radal (father) and Mak Radal (mother). If Radal has a daughter called Aini, he becomes known as Pak Aini and his wife as Mak Aini. The grandparents then become Nek Aini Laki-Laki (grandfather) and Nek Aini Ponpuan (grandfather). Officially Radal's name doesn't change, but Pak Aini is the name by which he is known in the community.

    May 16, 2008