我經常收到電子郵件，問我如何在測驗與官方文件中申請更改姓名。首先，多數人都知道，我們在寫中文姓名時，會先寫我們的姓氏，然後再寫名字（通常是一個或兩個字）。例如，在中文裡使用西式規範，中文的王聰明 （Wang Cong-Ming）將被寫成 Cong-Ming Wang。在填寫多數申請書或表單時，通常會有一個欄位用於填寫姓氏，還會有另一個單獨的欄位用於填寫名字。
I often receive emails asking me how to request a name change on tests and official documents. Firstly, most of you already know that we write our names in Chinese. We write our last name/surname/family name first, followed by the first/given name(s) (usually one or two syllables). For example, in Chinese, “王聰明” (Wang Cong-Ming) would be written as Cong-Ming Wang using the Western style. When filling out most applications or forms, the surname is used first when prompted. Usually, there is a box for your surname and a separate box for your given name(s).
在你的官方文件上，你會看到你的姓氏在前，然後以逗號將之與名字隔開（例如：Wang, Cong-Ming）。逗號的作用是明確表示姓在前而名字或首字母在後。在書目引用與官方文件中，你都會看到這種形式。
On your official documents, you will see your surname first, followed by your given names separated by a comma (e.g., Wang, Cong-Ming). The comma is used to make it clear that the last name is first, followed by the first name or initials. You will see this form both in bibliographical citations and on official documents.
當你以稽核為目的而簽署英文的官方文件時，你通常會先簽上你的名字，然後才是你的姓氏。在北美，多數人使用草寫 (cursive)，但也有許多人使用印刷體 (print)，有些人甚至只使用他們的首字母 (initials)，或在電子文件上使用電子簽名 (e-signature)。你獨有的手寫簽名是作為稽核之用。手寫時，多數人通常會先簽上名字，然後才簽姓氏（例如：𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓰-𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓰）。我特別強調「多數人」，是因為也有一些例外。
When signing official English documents for verification purposes, you typically sign with your given name(s) and then your surname. Most people in North America use cursive, but many people today also use print style, and some even sign only with their initials or e-signatures on e-documents. Your unique hand signature is used for verification purposes. When writing by hand, most people typically sign their given name first and their surname last (e.g., 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓰-𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓰). I say most because there are exceptions.
許多有中文名字的顯要人物，在官方文件上會先簽他們的姓，如以下例子：
Many dignitaries with Chinese names sign their surnames first on official documents, as seen in these examples:
•https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Letter_sun_yat_sen.PNG
•https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/72ffcf37-b8b1-11e3-927b-0050568939ad
•https://historical.ha.com/itm/autographs/military-figures/chou-en-lai-typed-letter-signed/a/6175-47159.s
你幾乎能在所有的文章中，看到他們的名字以這樣的形式出現：
You will also see their names displayed this way on nearly all documents:
•https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Yat-sen
•https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew
•https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhou_Enlai
請注意，姓氏與名字之間並無逗號。有不少國家元首是以這樣的方式簽名。我認為他們之所這樣簽名，並以英語如此稱呼自己，乃取決於他們的地位與文件的目的。畢竟，他們代表自己的國家與文化，而不是在填寫簽證的申請表。當我們遇到不熟悉的英語用法時，須考慮其中的語域 (register)。
Note that surnames and given names are not separated by a comma here. Heads of state have frequently signed documents in this manner, likely due to the formality and sociopolitical significance of their positions. When encountering unfamiliar English usage, it’s always essential to consider the appropriate register. After all, these individuals represent their countries and cultures. They are not, for example, visa applicants filling out an application.
那麼，你該在你的官方文件上的簽名如法炮製嗎？嗯，這取決於你是否為顯要人物 (dignitary) ，以及你簽名的原因。如果是正式的、標準的申請，我會建議依照表格上的指示，把你的姓名放在適當的欄位內。在簽名欄裡，我會先草寫我的名字，然後再寫姓氏（例如：𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓰-𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓰）。我會簽上自己的全名，除非格式要求，否則我不會用首字母來縮寫。我也會以草寫來簽名，這樣一來較難被他人模仿。建議大家遵循各地的簽名規範，以免帶來不必要的麻煩，或多餘的文書作業。確保你的署名方式在所有文件上都保有一致性。
Whether to follow these practices on official documents depends on factors such as your status as a foreign dignitary and the purpose of the signature. For standard applications, it’s best to follow the form’s instructions and enter your names in the appropriate boxes. In the signature box, I suggest writing your full name unless instructed to use initials. Using cursive can also make your signature harder to replicate. It’s advisable to adhere to local signing conventions to avoid future problems and paperwork. Additionally, ensure that your name is written consistently across all your official documents.
若你需要向托福這樣的考試提出改名申請，並且需要一個範本，或可參考我的例子：
If you require a name change request for a test like the TOEFL and need a template, you can use this example: https://bit.ly/3Yu7dcT
至於我們是否該使用英譯後的姓名或直接採用「洋名」，大略有兩派不同的觀點。主張採用洋名的人經常說，洋名有助於他們融入社會，他們不願因自己的名字被唸錯，而一再糾正他人的發音。另一個陣營則認為，與其採用洋名，不如保留自己的身分與背景。我個人認為，兩個陣營都提出了一些合理的觀點，但他們往往沒有考慮個體的細微差別。一個人是否使用洋名，取決於複雜的社會背景與個人偏好。這並非表示你無須考慮利弊，但也無須讓他人在網路上對你的姓名指手畫腳。說到底，這是你個人的姓名。
As for whether we should translate our Chinese name or adopt a “western” one, there are primarily two camps of opinion.Proponents of adopting a western name argue that it helps them assimilate into social settings and avoids the need to correct pronunciation. Meanwhile, those who advocate for keeping Chinese names believe it’s important for Chinese speakers to preserve cultural identity. I personally think both camps make some valid points, but these points do not consider individual nuances. Whether someone chooses to adopt a “western” name depends on complex social contexts and individual preferences. This does not mean we do not need to listen to the pros and cons, but it also does not mean we should let others dictate what names we take. At the end of the day, it’s your name.
底下有更多資訊供你參考。Here is more information for your reference.
把你的中文姓名翻譯成英文:
Translate your Chinese name into English: https://www.boca.gov.tw/sp-natr-singleform-1.html
逗號與英文姓名與標題:
Commas with English names and titles: https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/commas-with-names-and-titles
對他人的稱呼:
Addressing others: https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/british-culture/british-culture-naming
英文命名慣例:
English naming conventions: https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/british-culture/british-culture-naming
中文命名規則:
Chinese naming conventions: https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/chinese-culture/chinese-culture-naming
Q: Why is a signature called a John Hancock?
A: https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-does-it-mean-to-give-your-john-hancock.htm
圖片出處: https://www.boca.gov.tw/sp-natr-queryresultm-1.html