as in surname
a name shared by members of a family
searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of family name
In a series of match-making events held this spring, every participant shared the same family name.
—
The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Apr. 2026
There is pride in the family name.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
In fact, the Drive doesn't even include the tent stake puller at the center of the model family name.
—New Atlas, 1 Mar. 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
See All Example Sentences for family name
The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Apr. 2026
There is pride in the family name.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
In fact, the Drive doesn't even include the tent stake puller at the center of the model family name.
—New Atlas, 1 Mar. 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
See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
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Such hospitality was reserved for a narrow category of humanity, resembling as closely as possible those local barons whose surnames crusted the stones of local cemeteries.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
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The three-judge panel found no abuse of discretion, noting that throughout three decades of living under Woods' identity, Keirans hid his true identity from his wife and gave his child Woods' surname.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Evelyn, a Filipina caregiver sheltering with her three children beneath the Central Bus Station, declined to give her last name out of fear of deportation.—
Theia Chatelle,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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Growing up, my family used a different (non-Catholic) last name when visiting with Protestant relatives during ‘the troubles’ in Northern Ireland.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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