Category:Surname

Sur"name`, n. Etym: [pref. sur + name; really a substitution for oe. Sournoun, from f. surnom. See sur-, and noun, name.]

1. A name or appellation which is added to, or over and above, the Baptismal or christian name, and becomes a family name.

Note: surnames originally designated occupation, estate, place of Residence, or some particular thing or event that related to the Person; thus, edmund ironsides; robert smith, or the smith; william Turner. Surnames are often also patronymics; as, john johnson.

2. An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen. "my Surname, coriolanus." Shak.

Note: this word has been sometimes written sirname, as if it Signified sire-name, or the name derived from one's father.

Surname Sur*name", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surnamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Surnaming.] Etym: [cf. F. surnommer.]

Defn: to name or call by an appellation added to the original name; To give a surname to. Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the lord, and surname Himself by the name of israel. Isa. xliv. 5. And simon he surnamed peter. Mark iii. 16.