A surname, also known as a last name or family name, is the hereditary name that identifies a family unit. It’s the name passed down from parents to children and distinguishes individuals within a larger community.
Sentence examples:
- What is your surname, please?
- The Johnson family has a long history in this town.
- Many couples choose to hyphenate their surnames after marriage.
- Genealogy research helps individuals trace their ancestral surnames.
- Some surnames originate from places, occupations, or physical characteristics.
Additional points:
- Surnames were not always used consistently, and their development varied across cultures and historical periods.
- Some cultures have different customs regarding surnames, such as using patronymic or matronymic naming systems.
- Surnames can be informative, sometimes reflecting ancestral origins, occupations, or even physical features.
Here are some examples showcasing different uses of “surname”:
- The company directory lists employees alphabetically by surname. (noun referring to family name)
- She changed her surname after getting married. (verb indicating the act of adopting a new surname)
- Historians are studying the origins of various surnames. (adjective describing something related to family names)