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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At the time of the Mendez court decision, segregation was widespread in California’s public schools, with children who had Mexican surnames routinely placed on separate campuses that received fewer resources than those serving White students.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
26 Jan. 2026
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At least three members of the panel have Hispanic surnames.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Her family's last names are Zamorano Álvarez, the town hall said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 Jan. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Family names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20names. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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