# surname

/ˈsɝˌneɪm/ (US) · /sˈɜːneɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surname
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. family name

noun · CEFR A1

the name you share with your family members.

For teachers: the portion of a person's name that is hereditary or indicates family membership.

- Please write your first name and your surname on the top of the form.
- In many Western cultures, the surname traditionally follows the given name, whereas in several East Asian cultures, the family name is placed first.

### 2. an epithet or title

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

an extra name or title given to someone because of what they did or where they are from.

For teachers: an additional name or epithet, often derived from a quality, achievement, or place of origin.

- King Richard was given the surname 'the Lionheart' because of his courage.
- The historian noted that the monarch's surname was not a family designation but an honorific title bestowed after the successful campaign.

### 3. to give a name

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

to give someone a surname or to call them by one.

For teachers: to bestow a surname upon an individual or to address them by such a name.

- The prince was surnamed 'the Just' by his people.
- Though born into a common family, he was later surnamed after the estate he had managed so faithfully for decades.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- My first name is David and my surname is Smith.
- Please write your surname in capital letters on the application form to avoid any confusion with your middle name.
- In some cultures, the surname precedes the given name, reflecting a traditional emphasis on family lineage over individual identity within formal social structures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.