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

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
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wall-to-wall coverage of President Trump’s visit to the Middle East, said Majid, who asked that his last name not be published for fear of retribution.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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on family name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!