as in surnames
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
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Recent Examples of family names
Everyone on both sides of my family has always used family names, which has been really important to me to continue only using family names with my children.
—
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family names
Noun
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Many Isleños changed their original Spanish surnames to French last names once Louisiana came under French control, De la Nuez explained, which led to some descendants likely losing touch with their roots.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
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Beatrice and Eugenie's children do not have royal titles and use their fathers' surnames, reflecting their parents' wishes to raise them largely outside formal royal life.—
Ashley Hume , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Many Isleños changed their original Spanish surnames to French last names once Louisiana came under French control, De la Nuez explained, which led to some descendants likely losing touch with their roots.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
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Their last names were not used.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Family names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20names. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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