What about you?

[Laura]

The most common names in Spain are, for example, Martinez, Garcia and the similar like those. My family names are not commons. One of them is Fuentes. It’s not strange but, common, neither. The other is Colás. It’s not usually and there are only a few Colás in my country.

Fuentes not means anything about my paternal family. Fuentes (fountains) makes reference to nature and their origins are different stories. Colás not means anything but it’s come from Aragon. They have not a special meaning.

In Catalonia and in Spain there are some names like Ferrer, Carboner, Sabater, Mercero or Corredor, whom refers to trades or professions.

I think that the names of the other countries are not too popular in Catalonia yet.

In my country when I meet someone for the first time I use the name that the person says me. I use the first name if the person tells me to use it.

In my country often use surnames without title. We can use the surnames with a title with an important person, with our elders… Is a respectful form to talk or to call someone.

People use surnames often with nearly persons like couple, children, friends… They use darling, life, and some others like this.

[rocio]

Dear Laura,
Let me you to know I am really surprised when you say "In Catalonia and in Spain...". We are all Spain, and Catalonia is one of the 17 Autonomous Communities... I know people from Catalonia wish to have the most independence possible, but they will be always Spaniards. This is the truth.
With my best regards, Rocio