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 She was initially charged under her married name, but uses her maiden name in her job, according to the prosecutor's office release. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024 With forensic genetic genealogy and DNA testing, authorities identified the woman as Tabetha Ann Murlin, whose maiden name was Tabetha Ann Slain. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Feb. 2024 Therefore, Tracy's surname comes from Nanny's maiden name, Morgan, rather than Alexander. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2024 Also, try not to share sensitive details such as your full name, date and city of birth or mother’s maiden name. The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024 She was named for Pinter’s grandmother, Henrietta, as well as Daly’s mother, whose maiden name was Jones, Daly told PEOPLE. Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 Stalnaker, registered under her maiden name Barnett, finished the race in 33 minutes, 37 seconds. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2024 And as Kimmel noted, some people were simply thrilled that Ventimiglia's wife's maiden name is the same as his character Jess' surname on Gilmore Girls. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2024 Meanwhile, Knight honors the maiden name of Jeremy's mom, Amy. Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maiden name.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maiden name was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near maiden name

Cite this Entry

“Maiden name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maiden%20name. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

maiden name

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

More from Merriam-Webster on maiden name

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