family name

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 Having spent decades in the industry and commanding a four-generations family name, Clark Credle’s film community has come together to support his journey of recovery. Nikki Sternberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 Among them is Gao, who grew up in the remote mountains of Guizhou and asked to only be identified by her family name. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 On the opening day of the building that bears her family name, there were many details that drew Laurie McGrath’s eye, but only one nearly brought her to tears. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 Othram continued trying to flip the DNA profile from the knife sheath into a family name. Idaho Statesman, 30 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
  • Before that, Prince William and Prince Harry did the same, taking on their father’s former title of Wales as their surname in school.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The surname on the back of his jersey — one fans can now buy thanks to NIL — carries the weight of massive expectations.
    Shane Shoemaker, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the Israeli Russian diamond tycoon filed suit against him for allegedly impersonating them and unjustly enriching himself using their last name.
    Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Julia Roberts and Emma Roberts are proving to have more than just their last name in common.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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