as in surname
a name shared by members of a family
searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
And if anything, the absence of the controversial Le Pen family name is a plus for the rest of the French electorate.
—
Cole Stangler, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Account information, location, ancestry reports, DNA matches, family names, profile pictures and birthdates were all a part of the breach.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
The dark cloud of negativity engulfing the revered family name… This serves only to alienate him from his father, family and the public.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Using a mother's maiden name as a baby's middle name, like Hardy and his wife Caleigh Ryan recently did, is becoming a more common way to carry on a family name.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for family name
Cole Stangler, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Account information, location, ancestry reports, DNA matches, family names, profile pictures and birthdates were all a part of the breach.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
The dark cloud of negativity engulfing the revered family name… This serves only to alienate him from his father, family and the public.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Using a mother's maiden name as a baby's middle name, like Hardy and his wife Caleigh Ryan recently did, is becoming a more common way to carry on a family name.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
Noun
-
Out of the four couples living in London with the surname, Steggle believes only the playwright and his wife could have afforded to live in the relatively prosperous area.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The new pope’s name, as well as his baptismal names, will be translated into Latin in the announcement but his former surname will remain in his native language.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
How Barragan opened up a spot bearing his last name in 1961 at a former coffee shop that seated only 24.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
-
In contrast, satellite news channels were broadcasting wall-to-wall coverage of President Trump’s visit to the Middle East, said Majid, who asked that his last name not be published for fear of retribution.—
Farnaz Fassihi,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share