Nickname vs. Surname — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
A nickname is a personal identifier often given based on traits or affection, while a surname is a family name passed down through generations.
Difference Between Nickname and Surname
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Nicknames are informal names given to someone in addition to their real name, often derived from personal characteristics, habits, or affectionate terms. They can be used by family, friends, or within social circles to express familiarity or affection. Whereas, surnames are formal family names inherited from one's parents, typically used for identification in legal, professional, and official contexts.
While a nickname can be chosen or changed based on personal preference, relationships, or even achievements, surnames are generally fixed and carry historical and genealogical significance. Nicknames can vary widely and can be entirely unrelated to a person's legal names, reflecting personality traits, physical characteristics, or significant events. On the other hand, surnames often denote familial lineage, geographic origin, or ancestral occupation, providing insights into family history.
Nicknames serve to personalize and familiarize, creating a sense of belonging or intimacy within a group or relationship. They can change over time and do not have legal standing. Surnames, however, are used across generations to establish family connections and heritage, and are essential for legal identification, documents, and records.
In some cultures, surnames are placed before personal names, reflecting the importance of family and lineage, whereas nicknames often disregard formal naming conventions, focusing instead on individual identity or shared experiences. This illustrates the different roles and significances attributed to nicknames and surnames in society.
Despite their differences, both nicknames and surnames play important roles in identity. Nicknames can enhance social bonding and express affection, while surnames connect individuals to their family and cultural heritage. Together, they contribute to a fuller expression of one's personal and communal identity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
An informal name given based on traits or affection.
A family name inherited from parents.
Significance
Reflects personality, traits, or affection.
Indicates family lineage and heritage.
Flexibility
Can change and vary widely.
Generally fixed and carries historical significance.
Legal Standing
No legal standing; used informally.
Used in all legal documents and identification.
Role
Enhances social bonding and personal identity.
Establishes family connections and legal identity.
Compare with Definitions
Nickname
Personal Traits.
Speedy for someone who runs fast, reflecting a notable characteristic.
Surname
Family Lineage.
Johnson, meaning son of John, indicating ancestry.
Nickname
Based on Achievements.
Champ for someone who won a competition, celebrating their success.
Surname
Geographic Origin.
Hill, for ancestors who lived near a hill, reflecting geographical roots.
Nickname
Affectionate Terms.
Sweetie used by loved ones, showing affection.
Surname
Cultural Heritage.
Surnames can indicate ethnic or cultural backgrounds, contributing to personal identity.
Nickname
Social Bonding.
Buddy used among friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Surname
Ancestral Occupation.
Smith, denoting ancestors who were blacksmiths.
Nickname
Varies Over Time.
A nickname can evolve as the person's relationships or traits change.
Surname
Legal Identification.
Used on all official documents, such as passports and driver's licenses.
Nickname
A nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character, particularly by school bullies.
Surname
In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates their family, tribe or community.Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name, as the forename, or at the end; the number of surnames given to an individual also varies.
Nickname
A descriptive name added to or replacing the actual name of a person, place, or thing.
Surname
A name shared in common to identify the members of a family, as distinguished from each member's given name. Also called family name, last name.
Nickname
A familiar or shortened form of a proper name.
Surname
A nickname or epithet added to a person's name.
Nickname
To give a nickname to.
Surname
To give a surname to.
Nickname
(Archaic) To call by an incorrect name; misname.
Surname
(obsolete) An additional name, particularly those derived from a birthplace, quality, or achievement; an epithet.
Nickname
A familiar, invented name for a person or thing used instead of the actual name of the person or thing, often based on some noteworthy characteristic.
"The Big Apple" is a common nickname for New York City.
Surname
(obsolete) An additional name given to a person, place, or thing; a byname or nickname.
Nickname
A familiar, shortened or diminutive name for a person or thing.
My name is Jonathan, but I go by my nickname, Johnny.
Surname
The name a person shares with other members of that person's family, distinguished from that person's given name or names; a family name.
James is my first name, and Smith is my surname.
Nickname
(transitive) To give a nickname to (a person or thing).
Gerald, nicknamed "Jerry", was usually a very cheerful person.
Surname
(Classical studies) The cognomen of Roman names.
Nickname
A name given in affectionate familiarity, sportive familiarity, contempt, or derision; a familiar or an opprobrious appellation; as, Nicholas's nickname is Nick.
Surname
A clan.
Nickname
To give a nickname to; to call by a nickname.
You nickname virtue; vice you should have spoke.
I altogether disclaim what has been nicknamed the doctrine of finality.
Surname
(transitive) To give a surname to.
Nickname
A familiar name for a person (often a shortened version of a person's given name);
Joe's mother would not use his nickname and always called him Joseph
Henry's nickname was Slim
Surname
(transitive) To call by a surname.
Nickname
A descriptive name for a place or thing;
The nickname for the U.S. Constitution is `Old Ironsides'
Surname
A name or appellation which is added to, or over and above, the baptismal or Christian name, and becomes a family name.
Nickname
Give a nickname to
Surname
An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen.
Surname
To name or call by an appellation added to the original name; to give a surname to.
Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
And Simon he surnamed Peter.
Surname
The name used to identify the members of a family (as distinguished from each member's given name)
Common Curiosities
What is a surname?
A surname is a family name passed down from one's parents, used for formal identification and reflecting family lineage.
Can nicknames have legal significance?
Typically, nicknames have no legal significance and are used informally, unlike surnames which are legally recognized.
Why do people use nicknames?
People use nicknames to express affection, familiarity, or as a form of personal identification within a social group.
Are surnames the same worldwide?
Surnames vary across cultures and can be structured differently, reflecting diverse naming conventions and family heritage.
What is a nickname?
A nickname is an informal, often affectionate name given to someone, reflecting personal characteristics or relationships.
Can nicknames influence how a person is perceived?
Yes, nicknames can influence perception by highlighting certain traits or characteristics, affecting how others view and interact with the person.
How do surnames reflect family history?
Surnames can indicate familial lineage, geographic origins, or ancestral occupations, offering insights into family history.
Is it common to have multiple nicknames?
Yes, it's common for individuals to have multiple nicknames, each used by different people or groups based on various relationships or contexts.
Do surnames change over time?
While surnames are generally consistent across generations, they can change due to marriage, legal name changes, or cultural assimilation.
How do cultural differences affect surname conventions?
Cultural differences can significantly affect surname conventions, including the order of names, the use of maternal or paternal surnames, and naming traditions.
Can a nickname become a person's main identifier?
In social settings, a nickname can become a primary identifier, though it typically doesn't replace legal names in official contexts.
How can one change their surname?
Changing a surname typically involves legal processes, such as marriage, divorce, or petitioning a court, depending on jurisdictional laws.
What role do nicknames play in personal identity?
Nicknames can play a significant role in personal identity by reflecting individual characteristics, achievements, or the affection of others.
How do nicknames affect social interactions?
Nicknames can enhance social bonding and convey closeness, making social interactions more personal and affectionate.
Why are surnames important for legal documents?
Surnames are crucial for legal documents to ensure accurate identification, legal recognition, and to maintain official records.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Damaged vs. Faulty
Next Comparison
Epistle vs. LetterAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
