Names

Names

Postby Manel » Sun Mar 14, 2010 4:54 pm

In Spain the most common names are Jose, Juan and Antonio. However, Manuel also is a common name. In fact, I was named after my father, Manuel Cano.
My first family name is not very common, but the second one is López, wich it is.
I guess the origin of my family name refers to gray hair.
In Spain there are many names that refers to trade or professions, such as our Prime Minister, Zapatero. There are many others like Herrero (or Ferrer), Barbero, Escrivà and Soldado.
In Spain there are many South American immigrants, but most of them have names of Spanish origin.
I think that when you meet someone for the first time you should called him by his surname, even if it is a young person I call him by his first name.
When I ask someone on the phone I always use the title "Señor" or "Señora". However, I think they are expressions that are ceasing to use.
It depends on who I talk. When I talk to my wife I use the therm "cariño", meaning love. But most of my expressions is caring for my daughters: love, princess, precious, "petarda"...
Manel
 

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