surname
SUR-naym
Surname (noun) means a person's family name, usually shared with relatives and passed down through generations. Example: “Her surname changed when she got married.”
noun
1
A person's family name, usually shared with relatives and passed down through generations.
"Her surname changed when she got married."
"Please list your surname before your first name on the form."
How to use surname
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA family name, as opposed to a first or given name.
UK vs US
In UK forms, "surname" is standard; American forms more often say "last name", though both are understood everywhere.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
maiden surname
change your surname
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Word forms
- Plural
- surnames
- Third person singular
- surnames
- Past tense
- surnamed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ changed when she got married.
Etymology
From Old French surnoun ("surname, nickname"), from Late Latin supernomen — literally a "name added on top", from super- ("above") + nomen ("name").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for surname
See all rhymes for 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.
