surname

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noun

sur·​name ˈsər-ˌnām How to pronounce surname (audio)
1
: an added name derived from occupation or other circumstance : nickname sense 1
2
: the name borne in common by members of a family

surname

2 of 2

verb

surnamed; surnaming; surnames

transitive verb

: to give a surname to

Examples of surname in a Sentence

Noun judging from your surname, I'd guess that your family is Italian “da Vinci” was Leonardo's surname but not his family name, Vinci being the town near Florence where the great artist was born
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The suspect, a 62-year-old man identified only by his surname, Fan, was said to be upset by the division of property after his divorce. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024 His surname is derived from Ar-Ramtha, a city on the northern edge of Jordan which grew prosperous through the illicit transit of goods in and out of the country. Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
The individual, surnamed Yang, declined to share his first name due to concerns about speaking with foreign media. Eunice Yoon,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2024 The zoo’s manager, surnamed Huang, said the dogs are one of its top attractions. Alex Stambaugh, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for surname 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surname was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near surname

Cite this Entry

“Surname.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surname. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

surname

noun
sur·​name
ˈsər-ˌnām
1
: an added name : nickname
2
: the name held in common by members of a family
surname verb

More from Merriam-Webster on surname

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