Surname [fr. surnom, Fr.] It is a great dispute whether we should write surname or sirname; on the one hand, there are a thousand instances in Court rolls and other ancient muniments where the description of the person is written over the Christian name, this only being inserted in the line; and the French always write surnom. There is, however, no impropriety to say sirname, since these additions are to apparently taken from our sires, [or fathers], the family name; the name over and above the Christian name, Encyc. Londin. The part of a name which is not given in baptism; the last name; the name common to all members of a family. Surnames were originally acquired by accident and retained by custom. They may be changed at will, provided notice be given by advertisement or otherwise so as to prevent fraud or mistake, or by royal licence from the Heralds' Office. See NAME.
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