Surname

/ˈsɜːˌneɪm/ · noun

Meaning

The portion of a person's name that is generally hereditary or treated as an indicator of a person's family, which may be shared with other members of the family, or otherwise derived from their names in some fashion; distinguished from that person's given name(s)..

Definitions by Sense

1. The portion of a person's name that is generally hereditary or treated as an indicator of a person's family, which may be shared with other members of the family, or otherwise derived from their names in some fashion; distinguished from that person's given name(s).
2. (obsolete) Synonym of epithet, an additional name, particularly those derived from a birthplace, quality, or achievement.
3. (obsolete) Synonym of nickname, an additional name given to a person, place, or thing, a byname.
4. (Classical studies) The cognomen of Roman names.
5. (transitive) To give a surname to.
6. (transitive) To call by a surname.

Example Sentences

James is my first name, and Smith is my surname.

In late yeeres Surnames have beene given for Christian names among vs, and no where else in Christendom.

The Norman Conquest...brought with it the novelty of family nomenclature, that is to say, the use of hereditary surnames.

Barsabas (whose syrname was Iustus).

My sirname is Peace-Maker, one that is but poorely regarded in England.

To his sur-name Coriolanus longs more pride Then pitty to our Prayers.

I have before declared that Baal was the Sun, and Baal Peor, a sirname, from a particular place of his worship.

“Lord,” said Sir Launcelot, “I am hight Launcelot, and am surnamed ‘He of the Lake.’”

Synonyms for surname

Antonyms for surname

Related Words

Word Forms

• surnames
• sirname
• sur-name
• surnaming
• surnamed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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