Overview
This lecture discusses naming customs in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the use of nicknames in English-speaking cultures.
Naming Customs in the U.S.
- Americans typically have three names: first name, middle name, and last name.
- When married, the wife usually takes the husband's last name.
- Children generally take their father's last name.
- There is a large variety of names in the U.S., including traditional, biblical, non-traditional, and invented names.
- Parents in the U.S. often get creative with the names they choose for their children.
Naming Customs in Mexico
- People in Mexico usually have a first name, middle name, and two last names.
- The first last name is the father's last name, and the second is the mother's last name.
- Mexican names are often longer than American names.
- When married, women in Mexico do not change their last names.
- Children receive the father's first last name and the mother's first last name as their two last names.
Nicknames
- A nickname is a name people use for others that is not their real name.
- Some given names have common nicknames in English (e.g., Robert → Bob, Matthew → Matt, William → Bill).
- Nicknames are often a sign of closeness or comfort between people.
- Many people also invent personal nicknames for friends and family.
Key Terms & Definitions
- First Name — a person’s given name.
- Middle Name — a name placed between the first and last names.
- Last Name — a family name, shared with other relatives.
- Nickname — an informal or affectionate name used instead of a real name.
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