family names

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for family names
Noun
  • Many descendants of the original settlers — with surnames like Crockett, Parks and Thomas — have remained to this day.
    Julie Depenbrock, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025
  • There are new sets of rules on uniforms, including name plates bearing soldiers' surnames on Army Green Service Uniforms.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Both last names were withheld by organizers for safety reasons.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025
  • In the fall of 1975, officials assigned students to schools based on their grade levels and the first letter of their last names.
    Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Family names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20names. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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