as in surnames
a woman's last name before she is married
After she divorced, she took back her maiden name.
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Recent Examples of maiden names
For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names.
—
Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
—ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
—ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maiden names
Noun
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They have been married since 1999, combining their previous surnames, True and Frost.—
Derek Lawrence,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 June 2026
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Unoaerre, previously known as Gori & Zucchi from the surnames of the two founders Leopoldo and Carlo, is credited with having spurred the industrialization of what was previously a local craft largely dependent on small, artisanal workshops and ateliers based in the town.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
In Conversation Books by Andrew Sean Greer, Dave Eggers, Leila Slimani, and more are among the 23 new titles out today!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
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McDuffie and Watson were part of Kansas City Chiefs teams that played in three consecutive Super Bowls, winning titles in 2023 and 2024.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Those exhibits named names — and not just fired Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator against her, and Canton Police Sgt Sean Goode, who resigned last week.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
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In 1837, soap maker James Gamble and candlemaker William Procter became business partners, creating the company that still carries their names today.—
Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
Noun
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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
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Everyone on both sides of my family has always used family names, which has been really important to me to continue only using family names with my children.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Algeria has some cool team nicknames, from the Greens to the Desert Foxes (or Fennecs).—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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King delighted fans with his memorable calls and nicknames.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The organization Baptist Women in Ministry, which works with female ministers in a variety of Baptist denominations, issued a statement lamenting the vote.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
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However, according to the church’s website, some other Christian denominations, including evangelical groups, do not see the LDS Church as Christian and have described it as a cult.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Every year Close is among the first names that come up from pundits trying to predict overdue stars who could receive this award.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
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They were identified by their first names as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing and Laen.—
Jintamas Saksornchai,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maiden names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maiden%20names. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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