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family name. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
family name, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
family name in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
family name you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Noun
family name (plural family names)
- Synonym of surname: a name designating a person as a member of a family.
In the Chinese name Mao Zedong, Mao is the family name and Zedong is the given name.
- (uncommon) A given name common within a family or given because of another family member.
Yeah, we named her Mildred. It's an old family name. Don't worry, though. She also has four middle names to choose from.
Usage notes
Although last name and surname are both in more common use, family name is sometimes preferred for its lack of cultural and gendered assumptions. In particular, it is more inclusive of East Asian names where the family name is placed first.