surnom
/syʁ.nɔ̃/masculine
The English phrase 'nickname' is translated into French as surnom. If unsure, use surnom. Wiktionary also lists sobriquet.
Meaning: familiar, invented given name (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| surnom | /syʁ.nɔ̃/ | masculine |
| sobriquet | /sɔ.bʁi.kɛ/ | masculine |
A nickname is a familiar, invented given name. While surnom is the standard word, in informal situations you might use pseudo to refer to a username or alias or the phrase petit nom to describe an affectionate nickname.
Which one should you use?
surnom is the common, everyday word for a nickname used in most contexts. In contrast, sobriquet is a more formal or literary term often found in historical or journalistic writing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both surnom and sobriquet are masculine nouns. If you want to express the action of giving someone a nickname, you can use the verb surnommer.
How do you pronounce it?
The word surnom has two syllables and is pronounced /syʁ.nɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using nom when you mean a nickname.
Did you know?
- The word sobriquet originally referred to a physical gesture, specifically a 'chuck under the chin' used to mock or playfully tease someone.
- Unlike English, where a 'nickname' is often a shortened version of a name, a surnom in French is frequently a completely unrelated word based on a personality trait.
- The verb surnommer is used not only for people but also to describe the way cities or regions are nicknamed, such as calling Paris la Ville Lumière.
Examples in context
- Je n'ai pas de surnom.I don't have a nickname.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have a surnom.Tatoeba #10672804 by lbdx, translation #3620823 by Ricardo14
- Mon surnom est « Itch ».I go by the nickname "Itch."This sentence is useful for introducing your surnom.Tatoeba #435604 by Archibald, translation #435588 by CN
- Pourquoi est-ce ton surnom ?Why is that your nickname?This sentence is useful for asking about the reason for a surnom.Tatoeba #5783205 by Aiji, translation #2644189 by CK
- Mon pseudo est 'Loulou,' tout le monde m'appelle comme ça !My nickname is 'Loulou,' everyone calls me like that!
- Dans ma famille, mon petit nom est 'ChouChou,' c'est vraiment spécial !In my family, my nickname is 'ChouChou,' it's really special!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual acquaintance.
- ChloéEst-ce que Nathan a un surnom ?Does Nathan have a nickname?
- NathanOui, son surnom est « Speedy ».Yes, his nickname is "Speedy".
- ChloéC'est un surnom amusant pour lui.That is a funny nickname for him.
- NathanTout le monde l'appelle ainsi.Everyone calls him that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nickname” translations and entries surnom, sobriquet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sobriquet, surnom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
