Difference Between First Name and Last Name
Last Updated :
12 Feb, 2024
Any person is being identified and called by their name. The name identifies a person uniquely in a group of people. The name differs from one region to another. Sometimes it is commonly given by their parents according to their religion and culture.
What is First Name?
The first name is defined as the name that is given to a person after their birth by their family or close persons. The first name is used to identify a person even in a group of people. The first name can be given by their families based on their culture, religion, or beliefs. Most of the first names given by family have a unique meaning and a purpose. First names are often gender specific.
Cultural Aspects of First Name:
In Western culture, the first name appears at the first position in the name. The name given to an individual during birth ie. first name is said and written before the last name. In Asian, Chinese, and Japanese cultures the first name appears after the last name.
What is Last Name?
The last name is commonly known as a surname. It is defined as a family name that is given from one generation to another. The last name identifies from which family the person belongs. In some countries, the last name is given more preference while identifying an individual. The last name also describes an individual’s background, religion, or culture. Using the last name with the first name is considered a tradition in many places.
Cultural Aspects of Last Name:
In Western culture, the last name ie. surname appears at the last of the name. Whereas in the Asian, Chinese, and Japanese cultures, the last name appears before the first name.
Related Articles
Similarities Between First Name and Last Name
- The first and last names both are used to uniquely identify a person.
- The first and last names can also be originated from their culture or tradition.
- The first name and last name when both are used together it forms a full name.
- The first and the last names both can be changed by going through a legal document function.
- While used in an informal way, both names can be shortened or abbreviated.
Difference Between First Name and Last Name
The differences Between First Name and Last Name are discussed below:
Parameter
|
First Name
|
Last Name
|
| Definition |
The first name is defined as the name that is given to an individual person during birth or at a very young age. |
The last name is defined as the name that is given to a person from its family generations. |
| Position |
The first name comes before the last name. |
The last name comes after the first name. |
| Origin |
The first name can be given according to our own choice. |
The last name remains the same as it is of the family. |
| Cultural Aspects |
- In Western culture: The first name appears before the last name
- In Chinese, Japanese, and Asian Cultures: The first name appears after the last name.
|
- In Western Culture: The last name appears after the first name
- In Chinese, Japanese, and Asian Cultures: The last name appears before the first name.
|
| Gender Specificity |
The first name can be gender specific. |
Last names are usually not gender specific. |
| Frequency of changes |
The first name can be changed easily by going through the legal process. |
The last name is given by the family ancestors and is difficult to change as compared to the first name. |
| Variations |
The first name can have multiple names such as nicknames and can be used even in informal ways. |
The last name remains the same as it is given by the family ancestors and cannot be used in informal ways. |
| Example |
“My name is Ranjit Singh“
In the above example “Ranjit” is the first name.
|
“My name is Ranjit Singh”
In the above example “Singh” is the last name.
|
Conclusion:
First names and last names are used to identify an individual. According to region, area, and culture the names changes. The way of representation also changes according to the place of communication.
FAQs on First and Last Name
Can a person have more than 1 first name and last name?
Yes, an individual can have more than one first name and last name.
Can we change our first name or last name legally?
Yes, we can change our first name or last name by going through the legal process of documentation.
Can a person have their first name the same as their last name?
Yes, an individual can have their first name same as the last name but it is relatively very uncommon.
Can one person have a different last name from their family?
Yes, an individual can have different last name from their family after marriage, legally changing name or by means of adoption.
Using a person’s full name in official use is considered a formal or informal activity?
Using person’s full name in official use is considered as a formal activity.