two-character surname; compound surname
Refers to Chinese-style surnames composed of two characters, such as 司馬 or 欧陽. Used in discussions of Chinese naming conventions.
In China, compound surnames like Sima and Ouyang are still used today.
combined family name
Historical term for a practice in ancient Japan where two family names were combined into one, often to preserve lineage or status. Rarely encountered outside historical texts.
In ancient Japan, combined family names were used to indicate clan lineage.