Another Word For Surname

Meaning

The word "surname" refers to the family name or last name of a person. It is a name shared by members of the same family and is often passed down from one generation to the next. Surnames are important for identifying individuals in the context of their family heritage and lineage.

Synonyms

• Last name
• Family name
• Clan name
• Ancestral name

Antonyms

• Given name
• First name
• Christian name

Etymology

The term "surname" comes from the Middle English word "surnome," which itself is derived from the Old French "surnom," meaning "over name" or "additional name." The prefix "sur-" means "over" or "above," indicating that a surname adds to a person's given name.

Examples

1. My surname is Johnson, and it has been in my family for generations.
2. In many cultures, the surname is placed after the given name, which is common in East Asian countries.
3. When filling out official documents, you are usually asked for both your first name and surname.
4. He decided to change his surname after getting married to take his spouse's family name.