second name

[/ˈsɛkənd neɪm/]
nounpl: second names
sobrenome
1. A family name or surname; the name shared by members of a family
Her first name is Maria and her second name is Silva.
O primeiro nome dela é Maria e o sobrenome é Silva.
2. In some contexts, a middle name or additional given name
On official documents, he uses his first name, second name, and surname.
Em documentos oficiais, ele usa o primeiro nome, segundo nome e sobrenome.
In Brazil, 'sobrenome' is the standard term for second name or surname. Brazilian naming conventions typically include a given name (primeiro nome) and one or more surnames (sobrenomes), often inherited from both parents. In Portugal, the term 'apelido' is preferred. The concept of 'second name' can sometimes be ambiguous in English-speaking contexts, as it may refer to either a middle name or a surname depending on the country's naming system.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
surnamefamily namelast name
Antonyms / Antônimos
first namegiven name

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sobrenome
Most common term for family name in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
sobrenome
Standard usage, occasionally 'nome de família'
São Paulo
sobrenome
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
apelido
Portuguese Portuguese uses 'apelido' more commonly than 'sobrenome'

Related Words

first namemiddle namesurnamefamily namemaiden namegiven name

Related Idioms & Phrases

go by a second name
change one's second name
known by second name only
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