Surnamed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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surnamed
[ˈsɜːrname ]
Definition
name identifier
To surname someone means to give them a family name or last name. It can also refer to the action of identifying or labeling someone with a specific surname.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He surnamed the child after his grandfather.
- In many cultures, people are surnamed based on their lineage.
- Her official documents surnamed her with her married name.
Translations
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Origin of 'surnamed'
The word 'surname' originates from the Old French 'surnom', which combines 'sur' (meaning 'over' or 'above') and 'nom' (meaning 'name'). This reflects its function of serving as an additional name above the given name. The use of surnames began in the Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals beyond their first names, particularly as populations grew and the need for distinct identification increased. Over time, surnames often became hereditary, passed down through generations, and they are now an essential part of naming conventions in many cultures. The form 'surnamed' is a verb form that emerged from this concept as individuals began to be formally identified with these hereditary names.