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
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.
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.
Aleksei and his wife, who asked to be identified only by their first names out of fear of retaliation should they be deported, watched their 5-year-old twins unravel at the remote, prisonlike facility.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
Official statistics are hard to come by, but town residents — several of whom asked to be identified by only first names to protect their safety — estimated around 80 cars were set aflame in a municipality of just 20,000 people.
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
6 Jan. 2026
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Dec. 2025
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.