| Commonest are patronymic or matronymic surnames, which derive from a mother or father's forename. |
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| I've realised that giving children the matronymic surname at birth is rare. |
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| Similarly calling someone by his matronymic cognomen will draw attention to his mother's identity and family. |
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| A few countries, such as Spain, follow a matronymic tradition. |
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| Patronymic last names are based on the first name of the father, while matronymic names are based on the first name of the mother. |
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