maiden name

noun

plural maiden names
Synonyms of maiden namenext
: the surname prior to marriage of a person who takes their spouse's last name
especially : the surname of a married or divorced woman prior to marriage
After she divorced, she took back her maiden name.

Examples of maiden name in a Sentence

After she divorced, she took back her maiden name.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That makes sense considering her mom, Kim — whose maiden name is Jedlo — was a three-time all-state forward at Lincoln-Way who went on to play at Cincinnati and Kentucky. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 Bucher also introduced Epstein to Varvara Corcos (at the time going by her maiden name Russkova), a partner at venture capital firm GVA Capital. Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026 The writer’s earlier novels were published under her maiden name, Lizzie Pook. Diane Garrett, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Soon after, Pedro started going professionally by her maiden name in her honor. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maiden name

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maiden name was in 1653

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maiden name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maiden%20name. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

maiden name

noun
: a woman's family name before she is married

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