family name

noun

1. the hereditary surname of a family.
2. a given name frequently used in a family.

family name

noun

1. a surname, esp when regarded as representing the family honour
2. a first or middle name frequently used in a family, often originally a surname

Word History and Origins

Origin of family name¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

The couple say they approached the court because they wanted to carry on his "legacy" and that the order would help them preserve a connection with him and help their family name to continue.

From BBC

In the Harris-Emhoff family, the obvious rhyme asserted itself, so her family name is certainly clever.

From Salon

She has spoken about the impact of losing her father, Sergey, who died in 2019, and says it is her goal to "put our family name in the history of tennis".

From BBC

"Once we've got that, we speak to the family and the shame it brings on them, they just want to repay the victim and clear their family name."

From BBC

“Weird” barely begins to describe Kennedy, a dangerous demagogue who shamelessly trades on his family name, associates with far-right figures while masquerading as a liberal and lies to Americans about vaccines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• last name