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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Surname and First Name?

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The difference between a surname and a first name lies in their purpose and usage:

  • Surname: A surname, also known as a family name or last name, is shared by all members of a family and is passed down through generations. It is used for family identification, legal documentation, and genealogy research. Surnames help distinguish people with the same first names and provide information about a person's lineage, place of origin, or occupation.
  • First Name: A first name, also known as a given name or personal name, is the unique name given to an individual at birth or during infancy. It is used to identify and address a person on an individual basis, in personal interactions, and for daily use. First names are essential for distinguishing family members from one another and are often chosen based on cultural, religious, or personal preferences.

In summary, a surname is a shared family name used for family identification and legal purposes, while a first name is a unique, individual name used for personal identification and daily interactions.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Surname and First Name?
  • Comparative Table: Surname vs First Name

    • Comparative Table: Surname vs First Name

    The main difference between a surname and a first name lies in their purpose and position within a person's full name. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

    Surname First Name
    1. A surname is a family name, shared by individuals within the same family. 1
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.