surname
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsɜːrneɪm/
KK: /ˈsɜrnˌneɪm/
noun
Definition
A family name that is shared by members of the same family, often used after a person's first name.
Example
Her surname is Smith, which she shares with her parents and siblings.
Conversation
What’s your surname?
It's Johnson. What about yours?
Mine is Smith. Do you know what your surname means?
Yeah, it comes from my ancestors who were tailors.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
familyname
lastname
patronymic
Antonyms
givenname
forename
first
transitive verb
Definition
A family name that is shared by members of the same family, often used to identify individuals in a formal context.
Example
Her surname is Smith, which is common in many English-speaking countries.
Tense Forms
Past: surnamed
Past Participle: surnamed
Conversation
Did you know that my grandfather decided to surnames all of us after he retired?
Really? That's a unique tradition!
Yeah, he thought it would help keep our family name alive.
Root Explanation
Surname → It originates from the Old French 'surnom' (meaning additional name), which is formed from 'sur-' (meaning over or above) and 'nom' (meaning name). The word 'surname' refers to a name that is added to a person's given name, typically indicating family or lineage.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over' ('sur-') and 'name' ('nom') to remember that a surname is an additional name that comes above a person's first name.
Visually Confused Words
surinam
urnae
unsurnamed
surinamine
subframe