In our era where interactions are increasing and social networks are invading our daily lives, it is essential to skillfully navigate among first names, last names, nicknames and other names. Who has never been embarrassed by confusing a friend’s first name with their nickname – a little moment of uncertainty, which can sometimes transform a light conversation into a real misunderstanding! This article invites you to clarify these names, so that you can communicate with ease and kindness. Prepare to dive into the fascinating world of names, where each name has its history and importance. No more misunderstandings, and room for fluid and pleasant exchanges!
Navigate between first and last names
Fill in travel documents in English can be a real headache for French speakers. One of the most common confusions is the distinction between First Name (first name) and Last Name (surname). This confusion can lead to complications during administrative procedures such as obtaining a visa or checking in for a flight. A mistake can even prevent you from boarding your plane! It is therefore crucial to clearly understand these terms to avoid inconvenience.
First Name
The First Name is simply your first name, the one you give first when you introduce yourself. Think about “First = Premier”, that’s the name you bring up first.
Last Name
The Last Name refers to your last name, the one that appears last. To remember this, note that “Last = Last”.
Given Name
The Given Name also corresponds to your first name, the one given to you at birth by your parents (Given name = Name given).
Surname
The term Surname is generally used by the British and simply means surname. Be careful, it should not be confused with the nickname, which is said Nickname in English.
Mnemonics
To avoid confusion, here are some tips:
- The “F” in First Name precedes the letters “L” in Last Name and “S” in Surname.
- Remember that “First” means it’s the first name you give.
- The word “Surname” contains “sur”, recalling that it is the name which takes precedence “over” the first name.
Family Name
The commonly used Family Name simply means surname. This term is clear and does not lead to confusion.
Forename and Second Name
Forename: Used in the United Kingdom, this term refers to the first name, following the same logic as First Name.
Second Name: This term can indicate either a middle name or last name, depending on the form you fill out. Check the context to avoid errors.
Middle Name
The Middle Name generally corresponds to your middle name, falling between the usual first name (First Name) and the last name (Last Name). In the United States, the Middle Name is often abbreviated to an initial in writing and omitted in speaking.
Titles
Titles such as Sir, Madam, Dr, etc., should not be included in the “First Name” or “Last Name” fields, but are shown in a separate field titled Title.
- Mr. : Sir
- Mrs. : Madam (married woman)
- MS : Madam (marital status undetermined)
- Dr. : Doctor (for doctors and doctors of science)
- Teacher : Teacher
Suffixes
The term “Suffix” on a form refers to an optional addition after your name, such as Jr. (Junior) or Sr. (Senior), often used to distinguish members of the same family.
