LastName

A last name, or surname, is a part of a person's personal name that indicates family membership. In many cultures it is inherited and shared by members of a family. In Western naming conventions it typically appears after a given name, while in many East Asian cultures the family name precedes the given name. Surnames serve as identifiers of lineage and are used in official records, databases, and everyday social use.

Origin and etymology: The concept of a hereditary family name developed over centuries. The term surname comes from Old French sornom or surnom meaning over-name, indicating that it accompanies the given name. The modern last name label refers to its usual position at the end of a full personal name in many Western cultures.

Types: Surnames arise from various sources, notably patronymic forms such as Johnson (son of John); locative names like Hill or Ford; occupational names like Smith or Baker; and descriptive names based on a personal characteristic such as Brown. In some regions matronymics and compound surnames are common.

Regional practices: In Iceland, surnames are usually patronymic or matronymic and change with generations. In many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, people may bear both paternal and maternal surnames. In East Asia, the family name commonly precedes the given name. Naming laws and customs influence how surnames are formed and used.

Legal and social aspects: Surnames are recorded in civil registries, passports, and identity documents. Marital status, adoption, and changes in citizenship can alter or combine surname usage. Some jurisdictions require or encourage gender-equal naming rules or permit hyphenated or double-barrelled surnames.

Cultural and practical significance: Surnames provide a basis for genealogical research and for distinguishing individuals in large populations. Databases use surnames for indexing and search, and changes in spelling or transliteration can affect record linkage.