Surname

n. See SURNAME.

n. [Prefix sur and name; Fr. surnom, Pr. sobrenom, Pg. sobrenome, Sp. sobrenombre, It. sopranome. Cf. SIRNAME.] [Sometimes written sirname.] 1. A name or appellation added to, or over and above, the baptismal or Christian name, and which becomes a family name. ☞ 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. 2. An appellation added to the original name. “My surname Coriolanus.” Shak. ☞ Formerly this word was sometimes written sir-name, as if it signified sirename, or the name derived from one's father; but the original and true orthography is sur-name.

[imp. & p. p. SURNAMED; p. pr. & vb. n. SURNAMING.] [See supra; Fr. surnommer, It. soprannomare, soprannominare.] 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. Is. xliv. 5.

And Simon he surnamed Peter. Mark iii. 16.