Surname: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
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surname

 

[ หˆsษœrหŒneษชm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

family name

A surname is a hereditary name shared by members of a family. It is often passed down from one generation to another and typically reflects lineage. Surnames can denote geographic origin, occupation, or some ancestral trait. They are used in formal and legal contexts as a means of identifying individuals and establishing family relationships.

Synonyms

clan name, family name, last name

Examples of usage

  • Her surname is Smith, which is quite common.
  • In many cultures, the surname comes after the first name.
  • He changed his surname after getting married.
  • The document required her full name, including her surname.

Translations

Translations of the word "surname" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sobrenome

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคจเคพเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Nachname

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ nama belakang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ั–ะทะฒะธั‰ะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nazwisko

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅง“ (ใ›ใ„)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท nom de famille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ apellido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท soyadฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ฑ (seong)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุณู… ุงู„ุนุงุฆู„ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™รญjmenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ priezvisko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅง“ (xรฌng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ priimek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ eftirnafn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะตะณั– (tegi)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ•แƒแƒ แƒ˜ (gvari)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ soyad

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ apellido

Word origin

The term 'surname' comes from the Middle English words 'surname' or 'sormname', which meant 'additional name' or 'over name'. The prefix 'sur-' means 'over' or 'above,' while 'name' refers to an individual's designation. Surnames started to develop in various cultures as populations grew and the need for distinct identities became essential for taxation, legal recognition, and social organization. In England, surnames began to appear around the 11th century, often derived from occupations, locations, or physical characteristics. As societies evolved, surnames were standardized and passed down through generations, becoming a crucial element of personal identity and heritage.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,873, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.