What is surname mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsɜrnəm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A name derived from a person’s family, lineage, or hereditary position, often used to identify a person in social and official contexts.

Examples

• The surname “Johnson” is a common English surname.
• The family changed their surname to “Smith” after immigrating to the United States.

Synonyms

• Patronymic
• Byname

Antonyms

• Pseudonym
• Alias

Etymology

The word “surname” has its roots in the Old English words “eornama” (family name) and “namma” (name). Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of a family’s inherited name.

Additional Information

In many cultures, surnames serve as a means of identification and belonging. They often reflect a person’s ancestry, occupation, or place of origin. Surnames can also be used to signify social status, nobility, or prestige.

The use of surnames has been a subject of interest in linguistic and cultural studies, highlighting the importance of names in shaping individual and collective identities. In modern times, surnames continue to play a significant role in personal and official contexts.

The increasing globalization and migration have led to changes in surname convention, with many individuals adopting new surnames or modifying their existing ones to adapt to new cultural and social environments.

Genealogy and surname research have become popular pursuits, with many people seeking to uncover their ancestral roots and connect with their heritage.

Usage Notes

A surname is typically used in conjunction with a given name to form a person’s full name.

Surnames can be hyphenated or combined in creative ways to form new surnames, such as “Johnson-Smith” or “Mariah Johnson-Smith”.

In some cultures, surnames are not used or are used differently, such as in Asian cultures where the family name is often placed before the given name.

Cultural References

• In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the wizarding family names, such as “Dumbledore” and “Weasley”, serve as a testament to the significance of surnames in shaping individual and family identities.
• The television show “Who Do You Think You Are?” explores the history and significance of surnames, showcasing the connections between people’s names and their ancestral past.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “My father before me” – a phrase used to emphasize a family tradition or legacy.
• “Blood is thicker than water” – an idiom highlighting the bonds between family members, often expressed through shared names and hereditary connections.

Related Words or Phrases

• Given name
• Pseudonym
• Byname

Collocations

• “Family surname”
• “Hereditary surname”
• “Patronymic surname”

Frequency of Use

Surnames are a ubiquitous part of modern language, used in various contexts, including official documents, social media, and everyday conversation.

According to linguistic studies, surnames account for a significant portion of personal naming practices worldwide, with an estimated 80% of global populations using surnames in their names.

Common Misspellings

The most common misspellings of the word “surname” include:

• Surneme
• Surnume
• Surname

Synonyms Variants

• Sibname
• Patronymic
• Byname