maiden name

noun

1. a woman's surname before her marriage.

maiden name

noun

1. a woman's surname before marriage

Word History and Origins

Origin of maiden name¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

She opposes legislation allowing women to retain their maiden name as well as allowing female emperors.

From BBC

“Shopaholic” marked her first foray into romance with her famed nom de plume — a mash-up of her middle name and her mother’s maiden name.

From Los Angeles Times

Adams, who uses his mother’s maiden name and refers to Rhodes only by his first name, was raised in the shadow of one of the nation’s most notorious conspiracy theorists.

From Seattle Times

Mediazona, an independent Russian news outlet, identified her by her maiden name, which she used on her social media accounts.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite her efforts, Chaarte’s fears were realized: Dana, who kept his mother’s maiden name, succumbed to the worst influences around him.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• family name