family name

as in surname
a name shared by members of a family searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of family name Famously, the original title of Annie Hall was Anhedonia (meaning an inability to experience pleasure), but was changed to reflect Keaton’s dominant presence (and her actual family name, Hall). Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2025 Beckham, a marketeer to her core and fully aware of the power of the family name, offered deeply personal stories to go with each fragrance. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 Altogether, the Ellison family name is taking shape to be the future of movies, streaming, TV shows and more. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 The family name is kind of a big deal in Arlington. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
  • Previously titled His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Andrew will now be called Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, using the royal family's surname for direct descendants of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • On the left is the crest for Sophia’s mother’s surname, Fullerton.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The 6-month-old tabby joined Jon and Krista, who declined to share their last name, this summer.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Their younger sister is still living with Candice and Joe and has even taken their last name, Aleisha says.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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