1. A name derived from a part of the body. This is the more traditional and literal meaning. Examples include:
* Longnose: This name would indicate someone with a long nose.
* Strongarm: This name could suggest someone with strong arms.
* Whitefoot: This name might refer to someone with pale feet.
2. A name derived from a parent's name, but not necessarily the full name. This usage is less common but is gaining traction.
In this sense, it's a broader category than a "patronymic" (which specifically means "derived from the father's name"). It could encompass names derived from:
* The mother's name: "Matronymic" is the more common term for this.
* A combination of both parents' names: For example, a name like "John-Marie" could be considered a partonymic if it's formed from parts of both John and Marie's names.
* Other family members' names: This could include grandparents, siblings, or even aunts or uncles.
Important Note: While the term "partonymic" is gaining popularity, it's still not universally recognized or understood. In most cases, "patronymic" or "matronymic" are more commonly used for names derived from parents.