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Definition of surname

surname

/ˈsɜːr.neɪm/
sur · name
Plural:surnames
•
Adjective:surnominal
•
Past Simple:surnamed
•
Past Participle:surnamed
•
Present Participle:surnaming
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surname Lexical Profile

surname Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A hereditary name common to all members of a family, as distinct from a given name or forename.

Example

"Please write your surname in capital letters at the top of the registration form."

2

An added name or epithet attached to a person's given name, often based on a notable quality, achievement, or origin.

Example

"King Richard I of England earned the surname Lionheart because of his reputation as a military leader."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To give a surname, epithet, or added name to someone (usually used in the passive voice).

Example

"Scipio was surnamed Africanus in honor of his decisive military victories in North Africa."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

surmise
surmount
surmountable
surname
surpass
surpassable
surpassing

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Anglo-French surnoun (Old French surnom), combining sur- ('over, above, in addition') with nom ('name'), with the second element blended with Middle English name.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Surname. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/surname
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