How To Say People’s Names In Various Europe Countries

Map created by languages.euThe map above shows the most common naming order or convention in each European country. From the author:

Hungary is the only country in Europe that uses the Eastern order (also used by Japan, Korea, and China). With Hungary in mind, the naming convention appears to differ based on cultural, historical, and linguistic factors unique to each region.

What is the common personal name order in your country or region?

Here’s an alternative version from @amazing__maps

This is not 100% accurate, as it’s not the Father’s name that’s used by the patronymic version of it. But it does make it a little easier to understand the concept.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the naming order map, including examples and country categorization:

Explanation and Examples:

1. Given Name + Family Name (e.g., Scarlet Smith):
   • This is the most common Western naming convention where the given name (first name) is followed by the family surname (last name).
   • Example: “Scarlet Smith”
2. Family Name + Given Name (e.g., Smith Scarlet):
   • In this naming convention, the family surname comes before the individual’s given name. Normally considered the Eastern naming convention but used by Hungary.
   • Example: “Smith Scarlet”
3. Given Name + Patronymic (e.g., Scarlet Johansdaughter):
   • The patronymic is derived from the father’s given name, typically indicating “daughter of” or “son of.”
   • Example: “Scarlet Johansdaughter”
4. Given Name + Father’s Surname + Mother’s Surname (Spanish style):
   • Common in Spain, individuals carry two surnames, starting with their father’s followed by their mother’s.
   • Example: “Scarlet García López” (Father: García, Mother: López)
5. Given Name + Mother’s Surname + Father’s Surname (Portuguese style):
   • Common in Portugal, the individual’s mother’s surname precedes the father’s surname.
   • Example: “Scarlet Silva Pereira” (Mother: Silva, Father: Pereira)
6. Family Name + Given Name + Patronymic:
   • Used typically in Eastern Slavic contexts where the surname (family name) is followed by a given name and then a patronymic.
   • Example: “Smith Scarlet Johansdaughter”

List of Countries by Naming Order (as per the map):

Given Name + Family Name (Scarlet Smith):

• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Austria
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Poland
• Romania
• Moldova
• Greece
• Croatia
• Slovenia
• Serbia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Montenegro
• Kosovo
• North Macedonia
• Albania
• Norway
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Finland
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Turkey

Family Name + Given Name (Smith Scarlet):

• Hungary

Given Name + Patronymic (Scarlet Johansdaughter):

• Iceland

Given Name + Father’s Surname + Mother’s Surname (Scarlet García López):

• Spain

Given Name + Mother’s Surname + Father’s Surname (Scarlet Silva Pereira):

• Portugal

Family Name + Given Name + Patronymic (Smith Scarlet Johansdaughter):

• Russia
• Belarus
• Ukraine
• Bulgaria (generalized)

Which one do you prefer?