Mother’s Maiden Name
As a Noun
- The surname a woman had before she was married.
- A common security question used for identity verification.
Word History
The term maiden name comes from the word maiden, meaning an unmarried woman. Historically, many cultures have followed the tradition of women adopting their husband’s surname after marriage, making their original last name their “maiden name.”
Examples
- The form asked for her mother’s maiden name for security purposes.
- She kept her maiden name even after marriage.
- His family traced their ancestry using his grandmother’s maiden name.
Synonyms
Birth name, original surname, family name
Related Words
Surname, lineage, heritage, ancestry
Antonyms
(Not applicable)