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
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.
Mel’s last name, Brooks, is an adaptation of his mother’s maiden name, Brookman. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 In April 2022, one of Musk's twins petitioned the court to legally change her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson (the maiden name of her mother, Justine Wilson) and to recognize her gender as female. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025 Known by her maiden name Parchen, Willa Valbuena pitched for Marina’s 1990 softball team that claimed the CIF-SS Division 5A title in a 1-0 win against Newbury Park. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 18 June 2025 Lochte shares three children with Kayla, whose maiden name is Reid. Sean Neumann, People.com, 4 June 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 10 Jul. 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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