What does surname mean?
A surname is the family name associated with a person, generally used alongside a given name in formal identification and everyday introductions. The term is especially common in British English and in administrative, academic, legal, and genealogical contexts, although “last name” is equally standard in American English. A surname is not necessarily inherited in exactly the same way in every culture, and practices such as changing a surname after marriage, adopting a name, or using multiple surnames are well established. As a verb, “surname” means to give a person a family name or to be known by one, but this use is much less frequent than the noun. The word is especially useful in discussions of identity, naming traditions, genealogy, and the relationship between personal and family names.
A name shared by members of a family, especially the name borne by an individual in contrast to a given name.
"Her surname appears on the door."
“Surname” is widely used in British English and in formal identification contexts.
To give someone a surname or to be known by a particular surname.
"The family was surnamed Whitmore."
This is less common than the noun and may sound formal or literary.
Use the plural when referring to more than one family name.
"The two players have different surnames."
The word “surname” originally meant “an additional name”: it was the name added to identify someone within a family.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of surname
The word entered Middle English from Old French surname, formed from sur- meaning “over” or “upon” and nom meaning “name.” It originally referred to a name added to a personal name, especially a patronymic or a distinguishing family name. The modern sense developed from this older usage, while cognates in languages such as French reflect the same medieval naming tradition.
Related word forms
How surname is actually used
“Surname” is the more formal or traditional term, while “last name” is common in everyday English. In many languages and cultures, surname conventions differ from the English convention, and some people may use more than one surname.
Easily confused with surname
A surname is a family name, while a given name is the personal name by which an individual is known.