sur|name

sur|name «SUR _NAYM», noun, verb, -named, -nam|ing.

–n.

1. a last name; family name. A person shares his surname with all the other members of his immediate family, and he is identified by it as belonging to a particular family group. In the English-speaking world a surname usually derives from one's father and is one's last name. »

Smith is the surname of John Smith.

2. a name added to a person's real name, especially one derived from the place of birth or from some outstanding quality, achievement, or other distinguishing feature; epithet. Examples: Francis (of Assisi), Ivan (the Terrible), William (the Conqueror).

–v.t.

to give a surname to; call or identify by a surname: »

Simon was surnamed Peter.

╂[Middle English alteration (influenced by name) of surnoun < Anglo-French sournoun, variant of Old French surnom < sur- over + nom name < Latin nōmen, -inis]