A patronymic is a name derived from the father's name, often used to indicate lineage or ancestry. For example, in many cultures, a child's surname may be formed by adding a suffix to the father's first name, such as “-son” in Johnson (meaning "son of John") or “-dottir” in Icelandic naming conventions, where a daughter might be named Sigridur and her father's name is Sigurd. Patronymics are common in various cultures around the world, including Russian, Greek, and Scandinavian traditions. They serve as a way to honor family heritage and can provide insight into a person's ancestry, reflecting the importance of familial connections in many societies.