Meaning & use
Aptronym
Last updated
A person's name that is regarded as amusingly or peculiarly appropriate to their occupation or character.
See it in a sentence
The dentist named Dr. Toothman is a classic aptronym.
Journalists love pointing out an aptronym, like a baker named Mr. Bread.
A note on using this word
The term "aptronym" was popularized by newspaper columnist Franklin P. Adams, who coined it by rearranging letters in "patronym" to reflect the word "apt."
Words with a similar meaning
fitting name
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