Asian names first last

A personal name or full name is the set of names by which an individual is known and that can be recited as a word-group , with the understanding that, taken together, they all relate to that one individual. In many cultures, the term is synonymous with the birth name or legal name of the individual. The academic study of personal names is called anthroponymy. In Western culture , nearly all individuals possess at least one given name also known as a first name , forename , or Christian name , together with a surname also known as a last name or family name —respectively, the Abraham and Lincoln in Abraham Lincoln —the latter to indicate that the individual belongs to a family, a tribe, or a clan. Where there are two or more given names, typically only one in English-speaking cultures usually the first is used in normal speech.

The names of Chinese people have their own tradition and characteristics. Unlike westerners, the family name in China is put first, followed by the given name. Interestingly a feme covert does not use her husband's family name. The given name usually contains one or two Chinese characters but in order to avoid confusion, newly-born babies are now entitled to be given names of three characters. Given Name Chinese names are meant to convey special meaning, with the given names often expressing the best of wishes on the new-born.

When should you use someone's family name first? And is Kim a first name or a last name? The Asia Media Centre looks at naming conventions in Asia.

Taro Kono — or perhaps that should be Kono Taro — said foreign media should follow the same practice they use when reporting on other Asian countries where the family name traditionally comes first, followed by their given name. Kono suggested the change should be introduced in time for the G20 — being held in Osaka in late June — when visiting leaders will include Chinese president Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in, whose names are written in English in the order they appear in their native languages — surname first. The practice of putting given names first gained wide acceptance during the late 19th century and early 20th century, when Japan looked to Europe as it sought to modernise its economy and military. Historically, the public appears divided on the proposal. In a poll by the cultural affairs agency,