论姓名的界定、特征、功能——以法律制度为中心

姓名是“姓和名字”的统称。姓氏可分为源于父的姓、源于母的姓、源于双方的姓、其他情况;名字应该分为“中间字”和“最后字”。自然人的职级、职务、笔名、学位、绰号均不是姓名的组成部分。姓名的特征主要有：获得姓名既是权利又是义务、是由他人授予的、必须加以登记、其持有者为自然人、由姓氏和名字合成、两部分既有配合又有分工、不得擅自变更、用字受到严格的限制。姓名的主要功能是：识别自然人、指示家庭关系、指示民族、指示性别。

On the Definition, Characteristic and Function of Name

Name is a general designation of surname, first name and middle name. Surname could be inherited from four types, that is, father’s surname, mother’s surname, the joint parents’ surnames, and other’s. The first name and middle name shall be specifically detailed into “last name” and “middle name”. The post and rank, academic title, pseudonym and nickname are not even a part of name. The main characteristic of name is as follows. Getting name is not only the privilege but also the duty. Name is designated and shall be registered. The name holder shall be physical person. Name shall be composed of surname and first name, which cooperate with each other with different meanings and separate functions. The words of name are restricted and can not be changed willfully. The main functions of name is that, identification of a person, indication of family ties, indication of nation and indication of sex.