what does surname mean
A surname or family name is a name added to a given name. In many cases, a surname is a family name and many dictionaries define surname as a synonym of family name.. In the western hemisphere, it is commonly synonymous with last name because it is usually placed at the end of a person's given name.n some cultures, including those of most Western countries, the surname or family name (last name) is placed after the personal or given name (first name). In other cultures the surname is placed first, followed by the given name or names.