Given name

A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name that identifies a person, possibly with one or more middle names as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a family or clan) who have a common surname. The term given name refers to a name usually bestowed at or close to the time of birth, usually by the parents of the newborn. A Christian name is the first name given at baptism.

In informal situations, given names are often used in a familiar and friendly manner. In more formal situations, a person's surname may be used. In Western culture, the idioms "on a first-name basis" and "being on first-name terms" refer to the familiarity inherent in addressing someone by their given name.

By contrast, a surname (also known as a family name, last name, or gentile name) is normally inherited and shared with other members of one's immediate family. Regnal names and religious or monastic names are special names bestowed upon someone receiving a crown or entering a religious order; such a person then typically becomes known chiefly by that name.

Name order

The order given name – family name, commonly known as Western name order, is used throughout most European countries and in countries that have cultures predominantly influenced by European culture, such as North and South America; North, East, Central and West India; Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The order family name – given name, commonly known as Eastern name order, is primarily used in Sinosphere (Greater China, Japan, both Korea, Vietnam, included Chinese Singaporeans and Chinese Malaysians), as well as in South and Northeast India, and as a standard in Hungary.