WHAT DOES PATERNAL AND MATERNAL MEAN?

IMAGE - FREEPIK

These two words are not common to normal conversations but are often referred to in the world of family history buffs.

So what does Paternal and Maternal mean?

 Paternal means:

• the fathers line.

• grandfathers line

• relating to or characteristics of a father or fatherhood

• inherited through the male line

 Maternal  means:

• the mothers line

• grandmothers line

• relating to the mother, especially after childbirth.

• Belonging or characteristics of a mother

• Meaning where the term maternal leave originated

• when a young female is longing to be a mother, the term ‘maternal instinct’ is used.

Maternal is the easiest to remember for the lettering of mother and maternal because they both start with the letter M for mother. Once you master this bit of information, it’s so much easier to recall paternal line for the father’s side.

I hope this helps you understand the difference between the two and you are able to recall names, dates and places quickly using these terms.