Surname

/ˈsɜːrneɪm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A hereditary name common to all members of a family, used to identify them as belonging to a particular lineage.

Her surname is Smith, which is quite common in English-speaking countries.

A name added to a person's given name, usually indicating family or lineage.

In many cultures, the surname is placed after the given name.

A surname can sometimes indicate the geographical origin of a family.

His surname suggests that his ancestors were from France.

Middle English: from sur- (Latin super ‘above’) + name.

maiden name

The surname a woman has before she gets married.

surname at birth

The surname that a person is given at birth.

family name

Another term for surname, emphasizing familial ties.

first name

The given name of an individual, typically used before the surname.

patronymic

A name derived from that of a father or ancestor.