Suffixes in Names: What You Need to Know
What is a Suffix?
A suffix is an affix added to the end of a word to create a derivative of the original word. Suffixes are most often used to indicate the grammatical function of the original word, such as making a noun into an adjective or a verb into a past tense.
In names, suffixes are used to show some kind of authority, status, or to indicate ancestry. Suffixes are also used to differentiate between a father and a son, or a man and a woman, as well as to give specification to a surname.
Types of Name Suffixes
There are several types of name suffixes, some of which are commonly seen in everyday life, while some are less common. The most common suffixes in names are:
-Jr./ Sr.: These are usually seen together and are used to indicate which generation of a family a person belongs to. For example, the name Robert Smith Jr. tells us that this is the son of Robert Smith.
-III/IV: These suffixes are also used to denote generation, as in Robert Smith III. It also indicates that there are two other Robert Smiths who have come before him.
-Esq./Esq.: This suffix is a title reserved for lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. It stands for “Esquire” and is used to indicate that a person holds a certain degree of authority in the legal world.
-M.D./Ph.D.: These suffixes are known as academic credentials and are used to indicate that a person holds a certain degree in some academic field. M.D. is an abbreviation of “Medical Doctor” and is used to denote someone who has an M.D. degree, while Ph.D. stands for “Doctor of Philosophy” and is used to denote someone who has a doctorate degree.
-I/II: These suffixes are used to distinguish between two people with the same name, such as Robert Smith I and Robert Smith II. It is often used when two people in the same family share the same name.
-D.C.: This equals “Doctor of Chiropractic” and is reserved for those who hold a doctorate degree in chiropractic medicine.
The Importance of Knowing Name Suffixes
Knowing the various types of name suffixes can help you to understand more about a person’s family history, status in society, and overall identity. By understanding the meaning behind each suffix, you can gain a better understanding of who a person is and what their past has been like. Knowing name suffixes can also be helpful when searching for someone’s records. For example, knowing that someone has a Jr. or a III after their name can help you to distinguish between multiple people who have the same name.
Moreover, using suffixes in your own name can be a way of honoring your family or standing out in the crowd. For example, adding a Jr., Sr., or III to your name can be a way of honoring your father or grandfather, while adding a Ph.D. or M.D. to your name can be a way of showing your academic achievements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, name suffixes can be incredibly useful in determining a person’s identity and family history. They can also be used to denote status and authority in academics or the professional world. It is important to understand the various types of name suffixes, as well as their subtle meanings, so that you can have a better understanding of who a person is and where they come from.