also: ぞくせい
noun
secular surname (of a priest)
Refers to the family name a Buddhist priest used before ordination, as opposed to their religious name. Used in historical or religious contexts.
この僧侶の俗姓は田中だ。
This monk's secular surname is Tanaka.
古文書には僧の俗姓が記されている。
The old document records the monks' secular surnames.
Compound of 俗 (secular, worldly) and 姓 (surname). The term is used specifically in Buddhist contexts to distinguish a priest's family name from their religious name.