E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Sur’name (2 syl.).
The over-name; either the name written over the Christian name, or given over and above it; an additional name. For a long time persons had no family name, but only one, and that a personal name. Surnames are not traced farther back than the latter part of the tenth century.
