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.
⇒ 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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
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 1913.