What Does Family Name Mean? How to Properly Use Surnames

As English continues to dominate as a universal and widely-used language, it becomes essential to fill in personal information accurately. Whether it’s for job applications or online forms, understanding the meaning of certain words is crucial. One such term is the “family name.” In this article, we will delve into the significance of family names and how to use them correctly.

Understanding the Family Name

What is the family name?

The family name, also known as the surname, is a fundamental component of a person’s full name. It plays a vital role in identifying and distinguishing individuals. In Vietnamese, the family name is translated as “ho,” “ten ho,” or simply “ho.” All three terms carry the same meaning.

For example, let’s say your name is Hoang Nha Phuong. In this case, your family name would be “Hoang.” It’s important to note that the term “name” encompasses both the surname and personal name. You’ll often find that on web pages or information forms, the use of “name” eliminates the need for the other two terms.

Components of an International Name Fill Form

The difference between naming in Vietnamese and English

Whether in English or Vietnamese, personal profile declaration forms require the completion of three essential elements: the first name, middle name, and last name. In English, these are referred to as the first name, middle name, and last name respectively.

Here’s how the name structure differs between the two languages:

• First name: In Vietnamese, the first name appears at the end, following the order of “surname – middle name – first name.” Conversely, in English, the first name comes first, as per the order of “first name – middle name – last name.”
• Middle name: This term remains consistent in both languages, referring to the name placed between the first and last names.
• Surname: In English, the surname occupies the last position due to the British convention of reading and writing in reverse compared to Vietnamese. Although the difference may seem small, it can cause confusion if not properly distinguished.

Example of Correct Surname Usage

Form table for filling in English names

Suppose your name is Doan Hong Minh. When completing an English form, you would enter your name as follows:

• First name: Minh
• Middle name: Hong
• Surname: Doan

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of the family name is crucial to maintaining order and accuracy in personal information and general form filling. Knowing how to use your surname correctly boosts confidence in communication and when using online platforms. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and practical knowledge to accurately fill in your English information. If you want to learn more, visit Truth and Hope, where you can find additional informative articles. Wishing you a happy and fulfilling life!