first/last name?

Question

I always forget the difference between first and last names! Which is which again? Can U give me a way 2 remember the difference? A logic way please...

Answer 1

In some cultures, such as the Vietnamese, families are known for putting family or surname first, then the individual's name. This makes sense because many Asian cultures teach respect for family honor before individual self. So they put family first.

For Western or American culture, people identify with the individual first. So the norm is to put the individual name and then the family or surname second. This makes sense because our culture emphasizes individual responsibility for one's own beliefs, choices and actions to achieve personal success.

Note: Both cultural traditions have strengths and weaknesses. We should respect family and society, but not put these so far above the individual that we crush or oppress individual freedom or identity. Such is the criticism behind communist ideals taken to a negative extreme. Nor should we promote individualism so much that it becomes selfish disregard for others, which is a major reason for criticizing capitalism exercised without checks and balances. Clearly, there should be a healthy balance between the two levels, so there is equal respect for each individual as for the relationship with others and the general public good.

Answer 2

The first name is a given name
The last name is the family name (also called surname)

Answer 3

first name is the name which comes first, aka given name
last name is the name which comes last, aka surname or family name

Answer 4

A last name is a Surname

It's pretty simple really:

First Name = First
Middle Name = Second
Last Name = Third (or "Last" since you can have more than 1 middle name...)

Answer 5

The 'first' name is someone's given name - what you would call them. (Sam, Charlie, Sarah, Ann)

The 'last' name is someone's family name - the name they have because of who their parent's are. (Smith, Jones, Johnson)

Answer 6

First name: Christian name, usually goes first
Last name: Family name
Example: Anne Miller
Anne goes first - so first name

Answer 7

What exactly do you mean when you say you forget the difference? In what aspect? Be more specific, please...