How to write your name in a globally accepted way.




Name is simply a word or set of words by which a person or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.

On a broad view names can identify a class or category of things, or a single thing, either uniquely, or within a given context.

But for the purpose of this article, let’s focus on the standard format of arranging names when writing your name or during verbal introduction.


Typically, a name can be broken down into three parts: Name or given name, Middle name & Family name or Surname. The name and middle name are usually given at birth while the surname is inherited or depends upon your parents. Surnames also tend to signify something such as ancestral occupation or place of origin.

Both the name & middle names are supposed to belong to the person while the surname is inherited.



People must understand that the arrangement of names is standard across the globe.


For example my, my first name is Princewill and my surname is Felix, so when writing my name, i will write Princewill Felix and not the other way round.

All over the globe, the standard practice is as follows;


First name,

Middle name(s) if any and

Surname or Last Name.


However, if you write your surname first, always put comma so that readers can identify it as such.

For instance, if I write Felix, Princewill a reader will know that Felix is my surname and Princewill is my first name.

Another acceptable practice is  you write your surname in capital letters and keep the first name in lower keys. For instance, FELIX Princewill will easily communicate to every reader that my surname is Felix and my first name is Princewill.

Also, if you want to introduce yourself with your titles, mention the first name first in the sequence. For example; I am

Prof/Dr./Rev./Mr. Princewill Felix.

This communicates to a reader that Princewill is my first name while Felix is my last.

In cases where you mention your surname first after your title, don’t add your first name. For example, “Hello, I am Mr. Felix”. I won’t add my first name Princewill.


This article was necessitated after a careful systematic and strategic survey carried out in several human resource department of public, private sector and multinationals.

People are losing juicy jobs due to these minor mistakes they make at job interviews. Stop mentioning your surname before your first name.

Surnames always come last that’s why in some jurisdictions, they specify them as “First name and Last Name.”

Princewill Felix is a blogger, fashion designer and digital marketing expert. He writes from Abuja.