How do Colombian names work?

Colombian names are quite interesting and unique in their structure. They follow the Spanish naming convention, which is different from naming conventions in other parts of the world. Let me explain how Colombian names work based on my personal experiences and observations.

In Colombia, a person’s name typically consists of three parts: the personal name(s), the father’s paternal family name, and the mother’s paternal family name. For example, let’s take the name Jesús Marίa González López. “Jesús Marίa” is the personal name, “González” is the father’s paternal family name, and “López” is the mother’s paternal family name.

It’s worth noting that not all Colombians have two personal names like “Jesús Marίa.” Some individuals may have only one personal name, while others may have more than two. It depends on the preference of the parents and the cultural background.

The father’s paternal family name is given more importance and is traditionally placed before the mother’s paternal family name. This is similar to the Spanish naming convention, where the father’s surname is considered the primary surname.

One interesting aspect of Colombian names is that they often reflect the person’s heritage and ancestry. The paternal family name represents the father’s lineage, while the maternal family name represents the mother’s lineage. This allows individuals to have a connection to both sides of their family and carry their family history through their names.

However, it’s important to note that not all Colombians have two surnames. Some may have only one surname or may even have different naming customs depending on their cultural background or personal choices. This diversity adds richness to the Colombian naming tradition.