How do I write my surname?

How to Write Your Surname the Right Way

It’s a small detail, but one that often causes confusion: where does your surname go? In most English-speaking cultures, your first name comes first, followed by your surname — your family name, or what some call the last name. So if your name is Juliet Obijiaku, the correct order is Juliet Obijiaku. Writing it as “Obijiaku Juliet” flips the convention and can lead to misunderstandings, especially in formal or professional contexts.

This naming order isn’t just a random rule — it’s consistent with how names appear in publishing, official documents, and public life. Think of renowned Nigerian authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose works are always credited with her first name leading. The same goes for literary giants like Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, whose names are universally recognized in standard Western order, despite cultural variations in naming practices.

Surnames carry heritage and identity, but their placement matters for clarity. In academic and professional settings, getting it right ensures you're properly cited, acknowledged, or listed. Imagine searching for a book by “Adichie Chimamanda” — you might not find it as quickly. The convention helps with indexing, readability, and recognition.

Of course, naming customs vary across cultures. In some parts of Asia or Eastern Europe, the surname often comes first. But when writing in English for international audiences — whether on a resume, a book cover, or a formal invitation — sticking to the first-name-first convention avoids confusion.

So, remember: it’s Juliet Obijiaku, not the other way around. Small detail, big impact.