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.
George will retain his American citizenship, while Amal — who was naturalized under her maiden name Amal Alamuddin — is British-Lebanese. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026 His middle name, Ray, is the maiden name of McAnally’s grandmother. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 29 Dec. 2025 The development bears Youseffi’s initials, and the restaurant is an inversion of his mother’s maiden name, Mai Chu. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 28 Dec. 2025 His mother’s maiden name had Welsh roots. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Dec. 2025 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 9 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

maiden name

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

More from Merriam-Webster on maiden name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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