family name

Definition of family namenext
as in surname
a name shared by members of a family searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of family name The husband can take the wife’s name or the wife can take the husband’s name, but only one family name. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026 But the president backed off after appeals from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and tech executives, including Marc Benioff, the Salesforce CEO whose family name is attached to the Oakland children’s hospital. Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026 According to the Associated Press, Abatti comes from a multigenerational farming family in California’s Imperial Valley, where the family name has long been associated with agricultural businesses and community leadership. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 In a new interview with mom Kris Jenner, Kardashian revealed the five sisters (and their sole brother Rob) all chip in for the party, in part because it's become so associated with the family name. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
  • This would mean that married women who have changed their surname would have to show citizenship documents that match their current legal name.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Correction, March 6 The original version of this article misstated the president of the National Iranian American Council's surname.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Despite their similar last names, the victim and suspect are not related, the source added.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Chris and Heidi asked us not to use their last name.
    Scott Pelley, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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