Surname Meaning in 25 Languages
Introduction
A “surname” is a family name or last name that is passed down from generation to generation. It helps identify a person’s lineage, heritage, and often cultural background. In many societies, surnames carry historical and regional significance. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of “surname” in 25 different languages, provide synonyms and antonyms, and illustrate usage examples.
Meaning of Surname in 25 Languages
| Language | Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Surname | SUR-naym | A family name passed from generation to generation |
| Spanish | Apellido | ah-pe-YEE-doh | A last name that identifies a family |
| French | Nom de famille | nom duh fa-MEE | A family name |
| German | Nachname | NAKH-nah-muh | A last name inherited from ancestors |
| Italian | Cognome | koh-NYOH-meh | A hereditary family name |
| Portuguese | Sobrenome | soh-breh-NO-mee | A last name that distinguishes a family |
| Dutch | Achternaam | AH-khter-nahm | A hereditary last name |
| Russian | Фамилия (Familiya) | fa-MEE-lee-ya | A last name indicating family lineage |
| Hindi | उपनाम (Upnaam) | oop-NAAM | A hereditary last name |
| Urdu | خاندانی نام (Khandani Naam) | khaan-DAA-nee naam | A family name |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 姓 (Xìng) | shing | A family name passed down |
| Japanese | 姓 (Sei) | say | A hereditary last name |
| Korean | 성 (Seong) | song | A last name used for family identity |
| Arabic | لقب (Laqab) | la-KAB | A last name identifying ancestry |
| Greek | Επώνυμο (Epónimo) | eh-PO-nee-mo | A surname passed from ancestors |
| Hebrew | שם משפחה (Shem Mishpacha) | shem mish-pa-KHA | A hereditary family name |
| Turkish | Soyadı | SOY-ah-dih | A last name inherited from family |
| Persian | نام خانوادگی (Nam Khanevadegi) | naam kha-neh-vah-DEH-gee | A family surname |
| Thai | นามสกุล (Namsakun) | naam-sa-KOON | A hereditary last name |
| Bengali | পদবী (Podobi) | po-DOH-bee | A family name |
| Malay | Nama Keluarga | nah-mah keh-loo-WAR-ga | A hereditary family name |
| Vietnamese | Họ | HAW | A last name used to identify lineage |
| Swedish | Efternamn | EF-ter-nahm | A hereditary last name |
| Polish | Nazwisko | naz-VEE-sko | A family name passed down |
| Romanian | Nume de familie | NOO-meh de fa-MEE-lee-eh | A last name identifying family heritage |
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- Last name
- Family name
- Patronymic
- Lineage name
- Ancestral name
- Clan name
Antonyms (Opposite Words)
- First name
- Given name
- Personal name
- Forename
- Nickname
- Alias
Usage in Sentences
- Her surname has been in her family for many generations.
- The teacher called out each student’s surname during roll call.
- In some cultures, the surname comes before the given name.
- He changed his surname after getting married.
- Surnames can often reveal a person’s ethnic or regional background.
A family tree diagram with highlighted surnames, showing different generations connected by last names.
Conclusion
A surname is more than just a last name—it represents family heritage, lineage, and cultural identity. Understanding surnames in different languages helps appreciate their historical and social significance.
Do you know any other translations of “surname” in different languages? Let us know in the comments!