A surname is the second name that you will have seen that are associated with western people and western culture. The surnames are used as a way of distinguishing between different people, and only existed after their creation just a few hundred years ago. They are found across the UK and Europe, the United States of America and other countries across the world. The names range from the more obscure like 'Buckby', to common names in particular areas like 'Smith'. In English culture it is common to refer to an individual that is perhaps normal, or common, as a regular 'John Smith'. The phrase combines two of the most common names in Great Britain.
Many people also have middle names. Middle names are, naturally, names that are found between the first name and the surname. They generally resemble a normal first name and are often used as a way of remembering or respecting another individual who is related to the life of the person in question.
A male with a middle name will be named with a male name, and of course, females will stick with female names. It's generally unheard of for a man to have a feminine middle name and vice versa.
In some cultures across the world, the surname is placed at the end of the name (like in the West). However, in many other countries, the last name is actually placed first. This is common in Hungary, Pradesh (South India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and Andhra. In Hong Kong and Japan, when people from either of these two countries write their name in the Latin alphabet, it is common to reverse the order of their name to fit in with normal western culture, however. In their own language, however, it still remains opposite to the Western norms.
Many people also have middle names. Middle names are, naturally, names that are found between the first name and the surname. They generally resemble a normal first name and are often used as a way of remembering or respecting another individual who is related to the life of the person in question.
A male with a middle name will be named with a male name, and of course, females will stick with female names. It's generally unheard of for a man to have a feminine middle name and vice versa.
In some cultures across the world, the surname is placed at the end of the name (like in the West). However, in many other countries, the last name is actually placed first. This is common in Hungary, Pradesh (South India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and Andhra. In Hong Kong and Japan, when people from either of these two countries write their name in the Latin alphabet, it is common to reverse the order of their name to fit in with normal western culture, however. In their own language, however, it still remains opposite to the Western norms.
