last name

USAGE SUMMARY

"last name" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's surname, for example: Please fill out your first name and last name in the form provided.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the Last name field, enter your last name.

WikiHow

(His last name? Twombly).

The New Yorker

And her last name?

The New Yorker

(Last name? "Just Seven").

The New York Times

Last Name Last name of SUNet ID.

Stanford University

Mitzi's last name was Trumbo.

The New Yorker

My last name was selected.

The New York Times

Their last name was Comeau.

The New York Times

His last name is Conrad.

The New York Times

His last name is Cierplikowski.

The New Yorker

His last name was Meyers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for someone's full name, explicitly specify "first name" and "last name" to avoid confusion, especially in international contexts.

Common error

Be aware that some cultures place the family name before the given name. Always clarify the order if unsure to avoid misidentification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last name" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the part of a person's name that indicates their family or lineage. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in asking for or referencing someone's surname.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last name" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a person's surname or family name. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, from formal documents to casual conversations. While synonyms like "surname" and "family name" exist, "last name" remains a straightforward and widely understood choice. Be mindful of cultural naming conventions, and always clarify when unsure of the correct order of names. Whether you're filling out a form or writing a formal citation, understanding the proper use of "last name" is essential for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surname

This is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "last name".

family name

Another common synonym, emphasizing the familial origin of the name.

name of the family

Highlights that it represents the family.

cognomen

A more formal or archaic term for surname.

second name

Refers to the part of a person's full name that identifies their family.

inherited name

Highlights the aspect of the last name being passed down through generations.

name of origin

Focuses on the ancestral roots associated with the name.

designation of lineage

A more technical and formal way to describe a last name.

identifying surname

Emphasizes the function of the last name in distinguishing individuals within a family or community.

moniker

An informal term for the last name.

FAQs

How do I properly format a name using "last name" in citations?

In most citation styles, the "last name" is listed first, followed by a comma and the first name or initial. For example: Smith, John.

What is the difference between "last name" and "surname"?

The terms "last name" and "surname" are generally interchangeable, both referring to the family name. "Surname" is slightly more formal.

Is it acceptable to use only a person's "last name" in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's generally acceptable to use only a person's "last name" after you have introduced them with their full name. Avoid using only the "last name" if it could cause confusion.

What should I do if someone doesn't have a "last name"?

In cases where an individual doesn't have a "last name", use the name they identify with. If you need to distinguish them from others, use additional context or identifiers.