family names

noun

plural of family name
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

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 names Commercial viticulture first developed here in the 1970s, led by family names such as Husch, Navarro and Scharffenberger; Husch planted the valley's first Pinot Noir in 1971. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 The estate has a long, storied history under many family names, but in 1575, the Essenault family rechristened it by contracting their family name to Issan. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 However, unlike similar programs, these folks have to stay true to their Southern roots and family names, a difficult feat in today’s modern world. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family names
  1. surnames
  2. last names
Noun
  • Last year, those bases reverted to their original names, but with different namesakes who share Confederate surnames.
    — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • Like most Spanish people, Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, has two surnames — one inherited from his father, another from his mother.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of surnames
Noun
  • The nonprofit founded by Stan Karter, Jerry Temaner and Gordon Quinn (the name is an amalgam of the founders’ last names) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 July 2026
  • Three of them sported clear blue lettering on their backs, noting their last names and schools.
    — Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Definition of last names

Browse Nearby Words

family name
family names
family physician
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Cite this Entry

“Family names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20names. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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