surname
5 synonyms for surname, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person's family name, usually shared with relatives and passed down through generations.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use surname
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
maiden surname
change your surname
Etymology
From Old French surnoun ("surname, nickname"), from Late Latin supernomen — literally a "name added on top", from super- ("above") + nomen ("name").
Full origin of surname →Frequently asked questions
What does “surname” mean?
The word “surname” means a person's family name, usually shared with relatives and passed down through generations. In plain terms, a family name, as opposed to a first or given name.
How do you pronounce “surname”?
“Surname” is pronounced SUR-naym (/ˈsɝˌneɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “surname” in a sentence?
Here is “surname” used in a sentence: “Her surname changed when she got married.”
What is another word for “surname”?
Words with a similar meaning to “surname” include last name, byname, cognomen, family name and to-name.
What part of speech is “surname”?
“Surname” is a noun.
Where does the word “surname” come from?
The word “surname” comes from Late Latin. From Old French surnoun ("surname, nickname"), from Late Latin supernomen — literally a "name added on top", from super- ("above") + nomen ("name").
Is “surname” a common word?
“Surname” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
