a last name

USAGE SUMMARY

"a last name" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the family name or surname of a person. Example: Please provide your full name, including your first and last name.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wayne didn't offer a last name.

The New Yorker

"He doesn't need a last name.

The New York Times

You don't need a last name.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor was there a last name.

The New York Times

Name puzzle: Did Kaiser Wilhelm have a last name?

Harvard University

A... S... A. I don't need a last name.

The New Yorker

The pair share a last name and an alma mater.

The New York Times - Sports

The city had a last name, the woman did not.

The New Yorker

Is that a last name or first name?

The New York Times

I don't think poor Beavis had a last name.

The New York Times

Eventually I coughed up a last name — my husband's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, always ensure you include "a last name" when requesting someone's full name to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

In professional or academic settings, using only a first name can appear unprofessional. Always clarify if you need "a last name" to maintain formality and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last name" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the part of a person's name that identifies their family, as evidenced by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last name" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a person's family name or surname. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts, it serves the purpose of identification and formal communication. When using the phrase, remember that it's suitable for most situations, but formal contexts require its inclusion for clarity and professionalism. While interchangeable with 'surname' or 'family name', "a last name" provides a clear and accessible way to refer to this essential component of personal identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Family name

Refers to the surname or last name passed down through generations.

Surname

A formal term for the last name or family name.

Given name

Indicates the family's inherited name, distinguishing it from the first name.

Patronymic

A name derived from the father's given name, functioning similarly to a last name.

Matronymic

A name derived from the mother's given name, serving the role of a last name.

Second name

Commonly used in some regions to refer to the last name.

Identifying surname

Highlights the function of the last name as a means of identification.

Inherited name

Emphasizes the aspect of the last name being passed down through family lines.

Designating surname

Focuses on the role of the last name in designating a person's family affiliation.

Formal surname

Highlights the formal aspect of using a last name for official purposes.

FAQs

How do I use "a last name" in a sentence?

You can use "a last name" when referring to someone's surname or family name, for example: "Please provide your first name and "a last name" for the registration form."

What's the difference between "a last name" and a surname?

"A last name" and surname are essentially the same thing. Surname is a more formal or technical term, while ""a last name"" is a more common and conversational way to refer to it.

Is it always necessary to have "a last name"?

In many cultures and formal contexts, having ""a last name"" is necessary for identification and record-keeping. However, there are situations and cultures where individuals may not use or have a last name.

What can I say instead of asking for "a last name"?

Depending on the context, you could ask for someone's "family name", "surname", or simply their "full name", which implies that you need both their first name and "a last name".