Ukraine now allows matronymics alongside patronymics

Passport. Photo: Vechirnii Kyiv

In Ukraine, there have been cases of citizens replacing their traditional patronymics with the so-called matronymics – names derived from the mother’s name. One such case was described by lawyer Kateryna Yasko on her Facebook page. She reported that her daughter, upon turning 19, received a new first name, surname, and matronymic in place of her former patronymic.

"Before our eyes, a dear young person is creating herself step by step, choosing who to be, what name to have, what to love, where to live, what to learn, and what to leave behind,” Yasko wrote in a birthday message to her daughter.

The post sparked a discussion about the very concept of a matronymic. One user pointed out that the suffix "-ivna" is traditionally used to form the feminine patronymic. Yasko responded that a patronymic is a name derived from the father, while a matronymic is a name derived from the mother. As an example, she cited the form "Katerynivna," which in this case is derived from the mother's name Kateryna and is used specifically as a matronymic.

The possibility to independently change one's patronymic appeared in Ukrainian legislation following amendments to Article 295 of the Civil Code. From the age of 16, a person may change their surname, first name, and patronymic at their own discretion, while from the age of 14, a change is possible subject to the conditions prescribed by law.

As the UOJ reported, the Czech Republic rejected the Istanbul Convention due to gender ideology.

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