Maiden name Meaning and Definition
Maiden name
Pronunciation
/ˈmeɪdən ˈneɪm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The surname or family name a woman bears at birth, which she typically adopts as her last name before marriage, distinguished from her married name.
Examples
- After her marriage, she changed her name from Smith to Johnson, retaining her maiden name as her middle name.
- She decided to keep her maiden name as her professional name, using it for her business and writing career.
Synonyms
- Birth name
- Family name
Etymology
The word “maiden” comes from the Old English word “mæden”, meaning “virgin” or “maiden”, which was used to describe a woman’s social status as unmarried. The phrase “maiden name” emerged in the 14th century to refer specifically to a woman’s surname at birth.
Usage Notes
Maiden name is typically used in formal or professional contexts, and is often preferred by women who wish to maintain their independence or professional identity separate from their marriage.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the concept of a maiden name is often depicted in films, literature, and television shows, such as in the 1999 film “Notting Hill” where the character Anna Scott is asked about her maiden name.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Going back to her maiden name” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a woman reverting to her birth name after a divorce or separation.
Related Words or Phrases
- Married name
- Pseudonym
- Stage name
Collocations
- Maiden name and stage name
- Maiden name and married name
Frequency of Use
Maiden name is a relatively infrequently used term in modern language, primarily in formal or professional contexts.
Common Misspellings
maidenane, mayden name, maydenn name