family name

noun

Definition of family namenext
as in surname
a name shared by members of a family searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of family name The Atlanta native is excited to carry his dreams and the family name forward. — Pj Green august 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors are seeking the maximum five-year sentences for four of the nine defendants, including Chang, an Nvidia manager identified just by his family name. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 As is the Pickwick Theater, built by his grandfather, and the William Malone Fountain by Rita’s on the Northwest Highway keeps the family name in town. — Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 The largest gift, of $13 million, came from philanthropist Jane Bradley Pettit, who stipulated that the museum should always be called the Milwaukee Art Museum, without some corporation or family name in the title. — jsonline.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for family name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family name
  1. surname
  2. last name
Noun
  • Even his surname sounded like a nickname dreamed up by Seth Rogen or Judd Apatow.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The surname is at odds with a novel like Love Days, wherein nothing is wasted—Ettie’s own life providing fodder for plot and character.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of surname
Noun
  • His last name also pays homage to Redd Foxx, a late comedian and actor.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The Trib is also withholding Rebekah’s last name to protect the family’s privacy.
    — Kate Payne, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of last name

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family doctors
family name
family names
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Cite this Entry

“Family name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20name. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on family name

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about family name

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