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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.
It was addressed to Christine Kuehn, my maiden name, typed in a formal bold, black print. CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 The mother of two returned to school to study counseling and began going by her maiden name, Candace Wheeler. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025 News presenter and correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan repeatedly referred to the popular 43-year-old royal by her maiden name last week, sparking complaints from viewers watching the Remembrance coverage. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025 The actress' daughter also filed to legally change her last name to Neuens — her birth mother's maiden name — after being removed from Rosie's will in January. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 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 7 Dec. 2025.

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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