Middle initial

[frank]

Some nationalities have two last names: their father's last name and their mother's maiden name. But I've observed that Americans and British only have a given name and a last name which is their father's last name. The only time that they have a middle initial is when they have two names, right? And it's never their mother's maiden name, right? What other reasons some Americans and British have in using a middle initial and where do they get it? (for example, George W. Bush)

Also, is it true that Americans prefer to use the term last name instead of surname?

Thanks.

[Mister Micawber]

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Most Americans have a middle name, I believe, but do not bother to use it much. I cannot speak for the Brits. I use the phrases 'last name', 'family name' and 'surname' in roughly equal proportions.

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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber