Given Name vs. Surname — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 1, 2023
A given name is an individual's personal name, while a surname typically denotes family or ancestral lineage. Both contribute to a full name.
Difference Between Given Name and Surname
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Given names and surnames serve as identity markers in cultures worldwide. The given name, often referred to as a first name, is unique to the individual and usually chosen by parents upon birth.
In contrast, the surname, sometimes termed the last name or family name, traces familial or ancestral roots. Multiple members of a family share the same surname, underscoring lineage and kinship.
In many Western cultures, the given name comes before the surname, as seen in "John Doe," where "John" is the given name. Conversely, in several Eastern traditions, the surname precedes the given name.
Given names often bear cultural, religious, or familial significance, chosen based on traditions or personal preferences. Surnames, on the other hand, have evolved over time, influenced by professions, locations, or forefathers' names.
While both given names and surnames are integral to a person's full identity, the given name often caters to intimate or informal settings. In contrast, the surname can denote more formal situations or demonstrate family affiliations.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Personal name unique to the individual.
Family or ancestral name shared by relatives.
Also Known As
First name.
Last name or family name.
Role in Identity
Recognizes an individual.
Recognizes a family or lineage.
Position in Full Name
Typically comes before the surname.
Typically comes after the given name.
Significance
Often chosen for cultural or familial reasons.
Historically related to profession, location, or ancestry.
Compare with Definitions
Given Name
Given name is an individual's personal name.
Her given name is Jennifer.
Surname
Surname is a name that indicates family lineage.
The surname Smith is quite common in the U.S.
Given Name
Given name is distinct from the family name.
While his given name is Michael, his family name is Johnson.
Surname
Surname positions after the given name in many cultures.
In Alice Walker, Walker is the surname.
Given Name
It is commonly called a first name.
His given name, or first name, is Robert.
Surname
It's often shared by members of the same family.
All siblings in the family had the surname Nguyen.
Given Name
Given name often holds cultural or familial significance.
She was given the given name Amara, which means grace in Igbo.
Surname
Commonly referred to as a family name or last name.
Her surname, or family name, is Garcia.
Given Name
It is typically the name chosen by parents at birth.
They decided on the given name Sophia for their daughter.
Surname
Can derive from occupations, locations, or characteristics.
The surname Baker historically referred to someone who bakes.
Surname
A name shared in common to identify the members of a family, as distinguished from each member's given name. Also called family name, last name.
Surname
A nickname or epithet added to a person's name.
Surname
To give a surname to.
Surname
(obsolete) An additional name, particularly those derived from a birthplace, quality, or achievement; an epithet.
Surname
(obsolete) An additional name given to a person, place, or thing; a byname or nickname.
Surname
The name a person shares with other members of that person's family, distinguished from that person's given name or names; a family name.
James is my first name, and Smith is my surname.
Surname
(Classical studies) The cognomen of Roman names.
Surname
A clan.
Surname
(transitive) To give a surname to.
Surname
(transitive) To call by a surname.
Surname
A name or appellation which is added to, or over and above, the baptismal or Christian name, and becomes a family name.
Surname
An appellation added to the original name; an agnomen.
Surname
To name or call by an appellation added to the original name; to give a surname to.
Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
And Simon he surnamed Peter.
Surname
The name used to identify the members of a family (as distinguished from each member's given name)
Common Curiosities
Which typically comes first, given name or surname?
In many Western cultures, the given name comes first, followed by the surname.
Can a given name have more than one word?
Yes, some given names, like "Mary Jane," consist of two or more words.
Is the surname always the last name?
In many cultures, yes. But in some Eastern traditions, the surname can precede the given name.
Do surnames always denote family lineage?
Typically, yes. Surnames often trace family or ancestral roots.
How did surnames historically originate?
Many surnames originated from professions, locations, or ancestral names.
What's a middle name in relation to given name and surname?
A middle name is an additional personal name placed between the given name and the surname.
Why might someone use only their given name?
It's often used in informal settings or among friends and family.
Can people change their given name or surname?
Yes, people can legally change both their given names and surnames.
Can surnames be hyphenated?
Yes, some people hyphenate surnames, often due to marriage or cultural reasons.
Where do surnames like "O'Reilly" or "MacDonald" come from?
Such surnames often have Celtic or Gaelic origins, denoting "descendant of" or "son of."
Are given names chosen arbitrarily?
While some parents may choose unique names, many given names have cultural, familial, or historical significance.
Are given names unique to individuals?
While given names are personal, they aren't necessarily unique. Multiple people can share the same given name.
Can the same word be both a given name and a surname?
Yes, some names, like "Jordan" or "Taylor," can function as both given names and surnames.
Is the given name more important than the surname?
Both are essential for identity, but the given name often denotes personal recognition, while the surname indicates family lineage.
Why do some people have multiple surnames?
Cultural traditions, marriage, or personal choice can lead to multiple surnames.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
