Checking Into A Hotel: Spelling Your Name

What does “surname” mean in English?

Your surname is your family name, the name you share with your parents or your husband or wife. In English the first name comes first and the surname comes last, so it is also called your last name. “Surname” is more formal and is common on forms and at hotel desks. In the United States, people say “last name” more often.

At the desk, the receptionist asks “What’s your surname?” and the guest answers “Walker,” then spells it letter by letter. That is a useful routine: when someone cannot hear your name, say it slowly one letter at a time. Do not mix up the words: given name or first name is the personal name, and surname is the family one.