surname
surname
UK[ˈsɜːneɪm]US[ˈsɜːrneɪm]
n
A hereditary name common to all members of a family, as distinct from a given name.
Morpheme Breakdown
sur
name
sur
over, above
name
name
Etymology
The word 'surname' entered English from the Anglo-Norman French 'surnoun' or 'surnom', a compound of the prefix 'sur-' (meaning "over" or "above") and 'noun' (meaning "name"). This construction is a calque, or loan translation, of the Late Latin term 'supernomen'. The concept literally signifies an additional name "over" or "upon" the primary given name, historically used to denote an epithet, place of origin, occupation, or paternal lineage. Over time, this secondary identifier became fixed and hereditary, evolving into the modern family name that distinguishes one kin group from another.
Analysis
Structure: sur (over, above) + name
- sur: From Old French, ultimately from Latin 'super-' meaning "over, above, beyond".
- name: From Old English 'nama', from Proto-Germanic 'namô', meaning "name".
Examples
Her surname is Smith, but her given name is Eleanor.
In many cultures, a woman traditionally takes her husband's surname upon marriage.
The form requires you to write your surname in capital letters.