Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Surname
Sur′nameˊ
,Noun.
1.
A name or appellation which is added to, or over and above, the baptismal or Christian name, and 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. Surnames are often also patronymics; as, John Johnson.
2.
An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen.
“My surname, Coriolanus.” Shak.
☞ This word has been sometimes written sirname, as if it signified sire-name, or the name derived from one’s father.
Sur-name′
,Verb.
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.
Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and
surname
himself by the name of Israel. Isa. xliv. 5.
And Simon he
surnamed
Peter. Mark iii. 16.
Webster 1828 Edition
Surname
SUR'NAME
,Noun.
1.
An additional name; a name or appellation added to the baptismal or christian name,and which becomes a family name. Surnames, with us, originally designated occupation, estate, place of residence, or some particular thing or event that related to the person. Thus William Rufus or red; Edmund Ironsides; Robert Smith,or the smith; William Turner.2.
An appellation added to the original name. My surname Coriolanus.