as in surnames
a name shared by members of a family
searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family names
Noun
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There are new sets of rules on uniforms, including name plates bearing soldiers' surnames on Army Green Service Uniforms.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025 -
Many younger Red Sox weren’t in the majors, or even drafted in ‘19, the last time the league allowed players to replace their surnames with nicknames on the back of their Players’ Weekend jerseys.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In the fall of 1975, officials assigned students to schools based on their grade levels and the first letter of their last names.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
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Enslaved people weren’t given last names.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Family names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20names. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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