An individual can be known by a given name that is not their first given name, or not any of their given names.
In Germany, the call name (Rufname
) is one of the official given names.
It is generally underlined when the name is written in full.
In the Netherlands, the call name (Roepnaam
) may be one of the official given names, a
diminutive of one of the official given names, or some other name.
For example, the full name of the footballer Johan Cruyff
is Hendrik Johannes Cruijff
.
The roepnaam is often written in quotation marks, after the given names. For example Hendrik Johannes "Johan" Cruijff
.
In the UK (and elsewhere), individuals can be known by a middle name.
For example, the full name of the former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
is Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson
.
In many cases, the use of a middle name can be a family tradition.