Patronymics are names derived from the name of a father or ancestor, often used to indicate lineage. In many cultures, a child's surname is formed by adding a suffix to the father's name, such as “-son” in English or “-sen” in Scandinavian languages. This practice helps to trace family heritage and connections. Different cultures have unique patronymic systems. For example, in Iceland, a child's last name is created by combining the father's first name with “-dóttir” for daughters and “-son” for sons. This system emphasizes the importance of family ties and ancestry in naming conventions.