as in surname
a name shared by members of a family
searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of family name
In a series of match-making events held this spring, every participant shared the same family name.
—
The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Apr. 2026
There is pride in the family name.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
In fact, the Drive doesn't even include the tent stake puller at the center of the model family name.
—New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026
However, unlike similar programs, these folks have to stay true to their Southern roots and family names, a difficult feat in today’s modern world.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family name
The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Apr. 2026
There is pride in the family name.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
In fact, the Drive doesn't even include the tent stake puller at the center of the model family name.
—New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026
However, unlike similar programs, these folks have to stay true to their Southern roots and family names, a difficult feat in today’s modern world.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
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Oyatte is named for the plum blossom, connected to Korean history, and also reflects the Chinese character in Lee’s surname.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
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One of those was Ivan, a cashier at a branch of one of Russia’s largest retailers, who asked CNN not to use his surname or disclose his workplace.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
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This year, the meeting celebrated the Oracle of Omaha’s legacy by hanging a jersey bearing his last name and the number 60, representing his time as CEO, alongside a jersey for the late Charlie Munger, with the number 45, which represented his time at Berkshire.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
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Marta, who requested that her last name not be published due to safety concerns, grew up in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk in southeastern Ukraine — a region Russia has occupied since 2014.—
Shahrzad Rasekh,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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