maiden name

noun

plural maiden names

: 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

Modeling under her maiden name, Carmella DeCesare, Garcia was named Playboy’s Miss April in 2003 before being crowned the magazine’s 2004 Playmate of the Year. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

Lewis, whose maiden name was Haines, attended South Plantation High School and was one of six siblings, her niece said. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026

The Additional Information in the next item consists of your driver’s license, passport, medical insurance account, and your mother’s maiden name. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026

Cristina’s family is Polish, hence her maiden name being Oleink. — Jenna Thompson june 16, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for maiden name

• aspartame
• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame

Kids Definition

maiden name

noun

: a woman's family name before she is married