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 However, Samsung has a history of introducing new product lines with the same family name as existing products. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 June 2025 And those who didn't already adore her based on the family name quickly fell for her warm and bubbly personality. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 1 June 2025 Their family name is Trochilidae…not really much of a fun fact. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025 Honored, the Blue Jackets forward came up with a design — two interlocking hockey sticks with doves above them and the Gaudreau family name across the middle — that ultimately went on the race shirts and medals. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
  • Huang, who asked to be identified only by her surname for fear of being targeted, had seen her original doctoral offer at Vanderbilt University rescinded after federal cuts to research and programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • The family has requested that their surname be withheld from publication.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The same judge had to legally change his last name again.
    Mark Gray, People.com, 25 June 2025
  • Gender neutral names for Libra Micah: Micah is a fun name to pair with a middle or last name.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 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 8 Jul. 2025.

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