Background for surname

surname

/ˈsɜːneɪm/ /ˈsɝneɪm/

Illustration surname - Image 1

noun

An additional name, particularly those derived from a birthplace, quality, or achievement; an epithet.

Examples :

"My grandfather's surname, "Miller," came from his family's long-standing work grinding grain. "

family culture history person title

Illustration surname - Image 1

noun

An additional name given to a person, place, or thing; a byname or nickname.

Examples :

"My surname is Lee, and it's the same as my father's and grandfather's. "

family person title

Illustration surname - Image 1

noun

The name a person shares with other members of that person's family, distinguished from that person's given name or names; a family name.

Examples :

"In school, students are often listed by their surname, followed by their given name. "

family person culture history

Illustration surname - Image 1

noun

(Classical studies) The cognomen of Roman names.

Examples :

"In classical Roman naming conventions, "Cicero" was Marcus Tullius's surname, indicating a branch of his family. "

Illustration surname - Image 1

noun

Examples :

"The entire surname of O'Connell gathered at the family reunion, a huge celebration spanning generations of their clan. "

family culture history

Illustration surname - Image 1

verb

To give a surname to.

Examples :

"The king decided to surname all commoners based on their profession, leading to names like "Smith" and "Baker." "

family language culture person

Illustration surname - Image 1

verb

To call by a surname.

Examples :

"The teacher decided to surname the students by their last names to make attendance easier. "

family language word culture