Synonyms of surnames

surnames 1 of 2

noun

plural of surname

1

as in family names

a name shared by members of a family

judging from your surname, I'd guess that your family is Italian

Synonyms & Similar Words

• family names
• last names
• epithets
• maiden names
• sobriquets
• married names
• cognomens

2

as in nicknames

a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual

"da Vinci" was Leonardo's surname but not his family name, Vinci being the town near Florence where the great artist was born

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nicknames
• epithets
• monikers
• pseudonyms
• aliases
• sobriquets
• bynames
• titles
• denominations
• appellations
• labels
• designations
• tags
• handles
• cognomens
• denotations
• pen names
• noms de plume
• noms de guerre
• anonyms

surnames

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of surname

as in titles

Related Words

• titles
• names
• styles
• terms
• nicknames
• labels
• dubs
• denominates
• designates
• nominates
• baptizes
• code-names
• entitles
• christens
• clepes
• denotes
• specifies
• brands
• calls
• tags
• stigmatizes
• renames
• misnames
• relabels
• miscalls
• rechristens
• mistitles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of surnames

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

Many common surnames, such as Carpenter or Baker, originated from occupations passed down through generations, reflecting how closely people’s identities were tied to their work. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Decade after decade, Chicagoans with Italian surnames have hidden instead of objected. — Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

They have been married since 1999, combining their previous surnames, True and Frost. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026

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

Such hospitality was reserved for a narrow category of humanity, resembling as closely as possible those local barons whose surnames crusted the stones of local cemeteries. — Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names. — Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026