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
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Recent Examples of family name
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
The move to mirror the suffocation of fame and family name by making the show’s scope increasingly claustrophobic is not untrodden territory.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2026
The husband can take the wife’s name or the wife can take the husband’s name, but only one family name.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
The move to mirror the suffocation of fame and family name by making the show’s scope increasingly claustrophobic is not untrodden territory.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2026
The husband can take the wife’s name or the wife can take the husband’s name, but only one family name.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
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The best iterations of this event over the past half-century have culminated in victories by global superstars whose surnames are unnecessary.—
Jason Sobel,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Much ado has been made about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s surname.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Her first name wouldn’t change, and her last name is already the same as mine.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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Liu, a food delivery driver in the city, who only gave his last name, also lamented the soaring prices, which have made his hustle on a motorbike less worthwhile.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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