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.
Etymology
Middle English: from sur- (Latin super ‘above’) + name.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
first name
The given name of an individual, typically used before the surname.
patronymic
A name derived from that of a father or ancestor.