matronym, metronym, metronymic A name derived from that of a mother or maternal ancestor.metronym, metronymy, metronymic 1. Derived from the name of a mother or other female ancestor; especially, by the addition of a suffix or prefix which indicates descent. 2. Also applied to a people or state of society where such a system of naming prevails. 3. A name derived from that of a mother or maternal ancestor.