The patronymic is a Russian's second name. It is formed from the father's first name. In English, there are last names which are similar to the Russian patronymic: Johnson, Peterson. The ending for the patronymic will depend on whether it belongs to a son or a daughter. This table gives examples of common patronymics and shows how they are formed:

Adults address each other using a full first name and the patronymic: Ива́н Алекса́ндрович! Татья́на Никола́евна! Non-Russians will also use this form of address when speaking to Russians. But when Russians address foreigners in formal or diplomatic circles, they use господи́нMr. orгоспожа́Mrs./Ms. and the individual's last name.