noun
former surname; original surname
Refers to a surname someone had before a change, such as after marriage, adoption, or a legal name change. Often used in official or genealogical contexts.
彼女の元姓は田中ですが、結婚して鈴木になりました。
Her former surname was Tanaka, but she became Suzuki after marriage.
戸籍には元姓も記載されている。
The family register also records the original surname.