In many countries

In many countries around the world, it is common for people to have more than one name. A person's name may be different in different languages, or a person may have both a first name and a last name (a surname). In some cultures, a person's surname may be a family name, which is passed down from one generation to the next.

In many cases, a person's surname is a reflection of their family history. For example, in many Hispanic cultures, a person's last name often indicates which region of Spain their ancestors came from. In China, a person's surname often reflects the area their ancestors came from or the occupation of their ancestors.

In some cultures, a person may have multiple last names. In many Hispanic cultures, for example, a person's first surname is their father's first surname, and their second surname is their mother's first surname. In China, a person's first surname is their father's surname, and their second surname is their mother's maiden name.