surname

American  

[sur-neym, sur-neym, sur-neym] / ˈsɜrˌneɪm, ˈsɜrˌneɪm, sɜrˈneɪm /

noun

1. Also called last name.  the name that a person has in common with other family members, as distinguished from a first name or given name; family name.

2. a name added to a person's name, as one indicating a circumstance of birth or some characteristic or achievement; epithet.

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verb (used with object)

surnamed, surnaming

1. to give a surname to; call by a surname.

surname British  

/ ˈsɜːˌneɪm /

noun

1. Also called: last name.   second name.  a family name as opposed to a first or Christian name

2. (formerly) a descriptive epithet attached to a person's name to denote a personal characteristic, profession, etc; nickname

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verb

1. (tr) to furnish with or call by a surname

Other Word Forms

• surnamer noun
• unsurnamed adjective

Etymology

Origin of surname

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (noun); sur- ¹, name; modeled on Old French surnom

Compare meaning

How does surname compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• surname vs. maiden name
• surname vs. given name
• surname vs. forename

Example Sentences

This list, in alphabetical order by surname, will be updated once candidates have been confirmed.

From BBC

A chip shop owner has criticised "misinformation" after his business was targeted over a mistaken link to a Reform UK by-election candidate with the same surname.

From BBC

But an in-law having Beckham in her surname means that David and Victoria no longer have full control of how the name is used.

From BBC

Like others AFP spoke to, she refused to give her surname.

From Barron's

Liam, who did not want to give his surname to protect his future job prospects, is now 18 but started filming himself exploring abandoned buildings in Merseyside when he was 12.

From BBC

Related Words

• last name