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Definitions

surname

[sur-neym, sur-neym, sur-neym] / ˈsɜrˌneɪm, ˈsɜrˌneɪm, sɜrˈneɪm /
NOUN
family name
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The name later changed to Wordle, a play on his surname.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

There wasn’t even an appearance from anyone with the surname Trump.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Which means some fumbles remain fumbles on my phone: “Fog” occasionally becomes “dog” and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz unfairly earns the surname Alcatraz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Ansar Allah’s informal name, Houthis, comes from the surname of the late political and religious leader, Hussein Badreddin Houthi.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

“Three months ago Wylan turned up at a flophouse near the Slat. He was using a different surname, but Kaz keeps tabs on everyone new to the Barrel, so he had me do some snooping.”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo