mercedo's Journal: First Name ? or Last name?

I usually write first name first and the last name second when I write down the names of Japanese.

The names of many historical figures of Japanese were written down as the last name first and the first name second in Wikipedia, etc. But all the names of current Japanese figures were written first names first and the last names the second. In order to avoid confusions, I would like to call anyone the first name first and the last name the last.

Naturally.

More Personal Name and Family Name

[Marxist Hacker 42]

The reason for this is the status of respect. Asian cultures reversed the names as a sign of respect, but this is no different than honoring the family of a politician or boss by calling him by his title and last name in Western culture. But the change from Asain convention is a tough one to make. (I find it interesting that on Iron Chef America, a transplanted TV show from Japan, that all of the iron chefs are refered to by BOTH names (Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Mario Battali) EXCEPT for the one transplant f

Re:More Personal Name and Family Name

[mercedo]

It is rare though Rembrandt is known to his given name. I hope we can be defined by one and only names regardless of whether it's a given or surname, which is nearly impossible since there are too many people around the globe.

Novell's Directory Service

[Degrees]

Uses the terms Given Name and Surname. I think they did this, because they knew they would have asian customers who might be offended that the First Name was 'elevated' by calling it 'first'.

I had a co-worker, although he was born in the USA, his dad was born in China; and thus his name as he used it was Surname, Given Name. Which promptly confused some of my other co-workers. When they heard him name himself correctly - the way his father named him - they became unsure of which name was his Given Name

Re:Novell's Directory Service

[mercedo]

Yeah, the term first and last are so preconceived considering the fact that in some countries like most East Asian and Magyar and Suomi people( I am not really sure in the case of Suomi people though, definitely Magyar people call themselves surname first.)they widely use surnames first.

I think given name first is more analytical and logical though, this is widely thought to be based on mere customs and traditions, there are many given names and surnames so to call only one name cannot define individuals of