surname

English

/ˈsɝneɪm/, /ˈsɜːneɪm/

noun
Definitions
  • (obsolete) An additional name, particularly those derived from a birthplace, quality, or achievement; an epithet.
  • (obsolete) An additional name given to a person, place, or thing; a byname or nickname.
  • The name a person shares with other members of that person's family, distinguished from that person's given name or names; a family name.
  • (Classical studies) The cognomen of Roman names.
  • (Scottish) A clan.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English surname derived from Old French surnum derived from Latin supernōmen, suprānōmen.

Origin

Latin

supernōmen, suprānōmen

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms