When and why did identifying a person by their name as well as there father's become commonplace? Also when did it stop becoming a normal way of identifying oneself?

by uprootsockman

AbuseOfDiscretion

I think the word you're looking for is patronymic

Searocksandtrees

hi! not discouraging other responses to cover various cultures, but you'll find some info on this in the FAQ (link on sidebar)