1
as in family name
a name shared by members of a family
judging from your surname, I'd guess that your family is Italian
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2
as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual
"da Vinci" was Leonardo's surname but not his family name, Vinci being the town near Florence where the great artist was born
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surname
Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
So what surname will Zendaya use when the Spider-Man stars tie the knot at the altar?
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Jan. 2025
Chris Lau, CNN, 9 May 2023
The Chengdu police used social media on Wednesday to report that a 39-year-old man surnamed Chen was arrested on suspicion of opening a casino.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for surname 
Noun
Note: All Japanese names in this article are given in the traditional Japanese order, with surname first.
—Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
So what surname will Zendaya use when the Spider-Man stars tie the knot at the altar?
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
Gansu authorities said the suspect, surnamed Hong, was questioned in the city of Dongguan in southern Guangdong province on May 5.
—Chris Lau, CNN, 9 May 2023
The Chengdu police used social media on Wednesday to report that a 39-year-old man surnamed Chen was arrested on suspicion of opening a casino.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for surname
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surname
Noun
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The weight of his family name has been heavy and the request was made to the EFL for the younger Bellingham to carry Jobe on the back of his shirt shortly after arriving at the Stadium of Light.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
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The Coretta Scott King Classic is the first sporting event associated with the King family name.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The city bequeathed him a new nickname, borrowed from their greatest footballing son — ‘Kvaradona’.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
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Loyal customers are known to call Tim Hortons by its nicknames — Timmie’s or Tim’s.—
Jason Dill,
Miami Herald,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Episode 2, titled Dislocation, features an unidentified character following Shauna (Melanie Lynskey).—
Megan McCluskey,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
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After His 2 Exes Performed With Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl Right after the Super Bowl, Drake announced a joint album with PARTYNEXTDOOR titled $exy $ongs 4 U.—
Caroline Bell,
StyleCaster,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This article has been updated with additional information, reflect that Adams' charges have yet to be dropped and the correct spelling of Sassoon's last name.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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Sue, possibly known in the area by her previous last names, Fahlstrom and Cooke, grew up in Savage and has lived in Prior Lake.—
Meghan Davy Sandvold,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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There have been racial epithets included in some of those.—
Ryan Morik,
Fox News,
7 Feb. 2025
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The rhetorical question was asked tongue-in-cheek, but the suggestion that this great showman could be given the epithet reserved for only the most one-dimensional players underlines his efficiency.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Run by Facebook co-founder Andrew McCollum since 2014 and named after TV inventor Philo T. Farnsworth, Philo began as a niche service on college campuses.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2025
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The brand is in for an extended period of turmoil following the exit of creative director Sabato de Sarno last week after less than two years in the job, and with no replacement named.—
Joelle Diderich,
WWD,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Related Articles For the occasion, Kate Beckinsale styled a look courtesy of Stéphane Rolland‘s fall 2024 couture collection.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
7 Feb. 2025
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Boho Got a Makeover on the Runway Last Year—Here's How to Incorporate It into Your Home Picture an off-duty model's streetwear: a feminine dress topped with a moto jacket and or a flowing skirt styled with leather boots.—
Maggie Gillette,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Now, there’s even talk Caruso might run for governor when Gavin Newsom terms out in 2026.—
Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton,
The Hollywood Reporter,
5 Feb. 2025
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Carollo, who is termed out of his District 3 seat, has left the door open to the possibility of running for mayor this year as the city of Miami heads into election season.—
Tess Riski,
Miami Herald,
4 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Surname.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surname. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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