Surname \Sur"name`\, n. [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.
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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.
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2. An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen. "My
surname, Coriolanus." --Shak.
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Note: This word has been sometimes written sirname, as if it
signified sire-name, or the name derived from one's
father.
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Surname \Sur*name"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surnamed; p. pr. &
vb. n. Surnaming.] [Cf. F. surnommer.]
To name or call by an appellation added to the original name;
to give a surname to.
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Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord,
and surname himself by the name of Israel. --Isa. xliv.
5.
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And Simon he surnamed Peter. --Mark iii.
16.
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SURNAME. A name which is added to the christian name, and which, in modern
times, have become family names.
2. They are called surnames, because originally they were written over
the name in judicial writings and contracts. They were and are still used
for the purpose of distinguishing persons of the same name. They were taken
from something attached to the persons assuming them, as John Carpenter,
Joseph Black, Samuel Little, &c. See Name.
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