last names

plural of last name
as in surnames
a name shared by members of a family please write your first name, middle initial, and last name at the top of the form

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 last names The nonprofit founded by Stan Karter, Jerry Temaner and Gordon Quinn (the name is an amalgam of the founders’ last names) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 July 2026 Three of them sported clear blue lettering on their backs, noting their last names and schools. Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 While the official surname of the British royal family is Mountbatten-Windsor, royals often use their titles as a basis for last names in instances where one is called for. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 McHale and Dempsey's characters are both Mark but have different last names. Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 Three of the fans — who identified themselves as Mohsen, Mehrdad and Amir, but declined to give their last names — later told The Athletic that stadium officials did not give them a reason for taking the banners. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The property that eventually evolved into the resort was first home to industrialist Henry Flagler's fishing camp, an exclusive retreat for guests with last names like Rockefeller and Roosevelt—particularly convenient to access thanks to Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 13 June 2026 The other people in my village/town/field—coming and going from their own peaceful tasks that are also their last names (baking, milling, cart … ing? Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 During this time, last names were often shortened — Karagounis might become Karras, for example. Philip Freeman, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for last names
Noun
  • Last year, those bases reverted to their original names, but with different namesakes who share Confederate surnames.
    Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • Like most Spanish people, Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, has two surnames — one inherited from his father, another from his mother.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Commercial viticulture first developed here in the 1970s, led by family names such as Husch, Navarro and Scharffenberger; Husch planted the valley's first Pinot Noir in 1971.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The estate has a long, storied history under many family names, but in 1575, the Essenault family rechristened it by contracting their family name to Issan.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Last names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/last%20names. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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