Surname: meaning, definitions and examples
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ฆ
surname
[ หsษrหneษชm ]
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:
๐ต๐น sobrenome
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคจเคพเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Nachname
๐ฎ๐ฉ nama belakang
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟััะทะฒะธัะต
๐ต๐ฑ nazwisko
๐ฏ๐ต ๅง (ใใ)
๐ซ๐ท nom de famille
๐ช๐ธ apellido
๐น๐ท soyadฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฑ (seong)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงุณู ุงูุนุงุฆูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ pลรญjmenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ priezvisko
๐จ๐ณ ๅง (xรฌng)
๐ธ๐ฎ priimek
๐ฎ๐ธ eftirnafn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะณั (tegi)
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แ (gvari)
๐ฆ๐ฟ soyad
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.