Surname Meaning
/ˈsɜːˌneɪm/Definition, CEFR level A1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe portion of a person's name that is generally hereditary or treated as an indicator of a person's family, which may be shared with other members of the family, or otherwise derived from their names in some fashion; distinguished from that person's given name(s).
nounSynonym of epithet, an additional name, particularly those derived from a birthplace, quality, or achievement.
Sentence Examples
My surname is Zhou.
How is your surname written?
How do you spell your surname?
CEFR Practice Quiz
In many traditional cultures, children inherit their father's ____ at birth.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please write your first name and your ____ clearly on the top line of the application form today.
Word Origin & History
Inherited from Middle English surname, a partial calque of Old French surnum, surnoun (“surname; nickname”) (whence Middle English surnoun), from Late Latin supernōmen, suprānōmen (“surname”), from super- (“over, above, beyond”) and nōmen (“name”), equivalent to sur- + name.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In late yeeres Surnames have beene given for Christian names among vs, and no where else in Christendom."
— 1605, William Camden, Remaines, I 32:
"The Norman Conquest...brought with it the novelty of family nomenclature, that is to say, the use of hereditary surnames."
— 1876, E. A. Freeman, The History of the Norman Conquest, V xxv 563:
"Barsabas (whose syrname was Iustus)."
— 1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt […] (Tyndale Bible), [Worms, Germany: Peter Schöffer], →OCLC, Acts j:[23]:
"My sirname is Peace-Maker, one that is but poorely regarded in England."
— 1590, Richard Harvey, Plaine Percevall the peace-maker of England, Sweetly indeuoring with his blunt persuasions to botch vp a reconciliation between Mar-ton and Mar-tother, B3:
"To his sur-name Coriolanus longs more pride
Then pitty to our Prayers."
— c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iii], line 171:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
In many traditional cultures, children inherit their father's ____ at birth.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please write your first name and your ____ clearly on the top line of the application form today.