maiden name

noun

plural maiden names
: the surname prior to marriage of a person who takes their spouse's last name
especially : the surname of a married or divorced woman prior to marriage
After she divorced, she took back her maiden name.

Examples of maiden name in a Sentence

After she divorced, she took back her maiden name.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the 1950s Saar (whose maiden name was Brown) started a jewelry business, cleverly named Brown and Tann, with Curtis Tann. Sam Lubell, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 For example, Norton’s collection includes your address and mother’s maiden name, while McAfee monitors date of birth and Social Security number. PCMAG, 9 Feb. 2025 Stefani's mother's maiden name is Flynn, and his mother's was Bowie (and no, there's no relation between his family and David Bowie, who used that surname as a stage name to avoid confusion with the Monkees' Davey Jones). Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Squirrel was well-liked by the Class of 1965, said classmate Peggy James, 77, of Westminster, who is also known by her maiden name of Hutchinson. Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maiden name

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maiden name was in 1653

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Cite this Entry

“Maiden name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maiden%20name. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

maiden name

noun
: a woman's family name before she is married

More from Merriam-Webster on maiden name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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