surname

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen. “My surname, Coriolanus.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This word has been sometimes written sirname, as if it signified sire-name, or the name derived from one's father. [ 1913 Webster ]