A "last name," also known as a surname, is a family name passed down through generations. It typically appears after a person's first name and is used to identify individuals within a family or lineage. Last names can indicate cultural heritage, geographic origin, or ancestral occupation. In many cultures, last names are inherited from one or both parents. For example, in Western cultures, children often receive their father's last name, while in some Asian cultures, the family name may come first. Last names play a crucial role in social identity and legal documentation, such as birth certificates and passports.