SURNAME Meaning and
Definition
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A surname, also commonly referred to as a family name or last name, is a word or group of words that represents and identifies a specific individual's family or lineage. In most cultures, surnames are passed down from one generation to another and are shared among relatives. Surnames are typically used to distinguish people from one another, especially in more populated communities, and are an essential component in names, along with the given name(s) or first name(s).
Surnames often have historical, cultural, or geographical origins and can provide information about a person's ancestry, occupation, or regional identity. Examples of surname origins include derivations from personal names, occupations, locations, physical characteristics, or even nicknames. Additionally, some surnames may be derived from a combination of these elements, further contributing to their diversity and richness.
The use and significance of surnames vary across different societies and time periods. While many cultures have a long-standing tradition of using surnames, others may rely on alternative means of identification or have a different naming structure altogether. Surnames play a crucial role in genealogical research, allowing individuals to trace their family history and connection to previous generations.
Overall, a surname is a fundamental component of a person's identity, preserving family ties, and providing a sense of belonging within a larger kinship network. It helps differentiate individuals and is an integral part of how we understand and navigate the world.
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• A name added to, or over and above, the baptismal or Christian name-as William Smith, Smith being the surname, and William the baptismal or Christian name; the family name.
• To give a surname to, or to call by one.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SURNAME *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SURNAME
Etymology of SURNAME
The word "surname" originated from the Middle English term "surnoun" or "sourname", which came into use around the 14th century. It was formed by combining the Old French word "sor" meaning "super" or "over", and the Old French word "nom" meaning "name". This combination gave rise to the term "sor" + "nom" which eventually evolved into "surnoun" or "sourname". Over time, this term underwent further alteration and eventually settled into the modern English word "surname". The prefix "sur-" conveys the meaning of "above" or "beyond", indicating that the surname goes beyond the given or personal name.
Similar spelling words for SURNAME
Conjugate verb Surname
CONDITIONAL
I
would surname
you
would surname
he/she/it
would surname
we
would surname
they
would surname
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be surnaming
you
would be surnaming
he/she/it
would be surnaming
we
would be surnaming
they
would be surnaming
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have surname
you
would have surname
he/she/it
would have surname
we
would have surname
they
would have surname
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been surnaming
you
would have been surnaming
he/she/it
would have been surnaming
we
would have been surnaming
they
would have been surnaming
FUTURE
I
will surname
you
will surname
he/she/it
will surname
we
will surname
they
will surname
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be surnaming
you
will be surnaming
he/she/it
will be surnaming
we
will be surnaming
they
will be surnaming
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have surnamed
you
will have surnamed
he/she/it
will have surnamed
we
will have surnamed
they
will have surnamed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been surnaming
you
will have been surnaming
he/she/it
will have been surnaming
we
will have been surnaming
they
will have been surnaming
IMPERATIVE
you
surname
we
let´s surname
to surname
PAST
I
surnamed
you
surnamed
he/she/it
surnamed
we
surnamed
they
surnamed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was surnaming
you
were surnaming
he/she/it
was surnaming
we
were surnaming
they
were surnaming
PAST PARTICIPLE
surnamed
PAST PERFECT
I
had surnamed
you
had surnamed
he/she/it
had surnamed
we
had surnamed
they
had surnamed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been surnaming
you
had been surnaming
he/she/it
had been surnaming
we
had been surnaming
they
had been surnaming
PRESENT
I
surname
you
surname
he/she/it
surnames
we
surname
they
surname
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am surnaming
you
are surnaming
he/she/it
is surnaming
we
are surnaming
they
are surnaming
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
surnaming
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have surnamed
you
have surnamed
he/she/it
has surnamed
we
have surnamed
they
have surnamed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been surnaming
you
have been surnaming
he/she/it
has been surnaming
we
have been surnaming
they
have been surnaming
I
would have surnamed
we
would have surnamed
you
would have surnamed
he/she/it
would have surnamed
they
would have surnamed
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