maiden name

This term is specifically used in the context of traditional marriage customs where a woman adopts her partner's surname. While common in legal and administrative contexts, it carries a traditional connotation that may be seen as outdated in cultures or legal systems where name changes are not mandatory or expected.

Because it refers to a specific identity marker, it is typically used in singular form when referring to an individual's previous name. In modern usage, "birth name" is often used as a more gender-neutral or inclusive alternative.