Most English speakers have a first name, middle name and last name -- for instance, John Michael Jones. The first name and middle names are both "given names" -- you might also see the term "Christian names," although that would only apply to Christians. " Generally the last name is handed down from the parents to the children -- though if the husband and wife have different surnames, it gets more complicated.
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.