'Surname' definitions:
Definition of 'surname'
(from WordNet)
noun
The name used to identify the members of a family (as distinguished from each member's given name) [syn: surname, family name, cognomen, last name]
Definition of 'Surname'
From: GCIDE
- Surname \Sur*name"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surnamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Surnaming.] [Cf. F. surnommer.] To name or call by an appellation added to the original name; to give a surname to. [1913 Webster]
- Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel. --Isa. xliv. 5. [1913 Webster]
- And Simon he surnamed Peter. --Mark iii. 16. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Surname'
From: GCIDE
- Surname \Sur"name`\, n. [Pref. sur + name; really a substitution for OE. sournoun, from F. surnom. See Sur-, and Noun, Name.]
- 1. A name or appellation which is added to, or over and above, the baptismal or Christian name, and becomes a family name. [1913 Webster]
- Note: Surnames originally designated occupation, estate, place of residence, or some particular thing or event that related to the person; thus, Edmund Ironsides; Robert Smith, or the smith; William Turner. Surnames are often also patronymics; as, John Johnson. [1913 Webster]
- 2. An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen. "My surname, Coriolanus." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- Note: This word has been sometimes written sirname, as if it signified sire-name, or the name derived from one's father. [1913 Webster]