What’s in a Name? Unraveling Naming Conventions in Southeast Asia

First-time visitors to Southeast Asia often find themselves mystified by local names. They ask: Are one-word names considered given names or surnames? Which part denotes the surname in multi-word names (the current record is 12 words)? Why do spouses, and even parents and children, have different names? This article explores some of the common naming conventions in Southeast Asia shaped by a blend of history, culture, and external influences. The list is by no means exhaustive since ethnolinguistic groups within countries often have their unique practices.