patronym or matronym , names based on the name of one's father, mother or ancestor, (Johnson, Wilson, Tiffany, Megson). Each is a means of conveying lineage ; occupation (i.e., Carpenter, Cooper, Brewer, Mason); habitationa l ( Middleton, Sidney, or Ireland ) or topographical (i.e. Hill, Brook, Forrest, Dale); n icknames (i.e.,