First Author

Abstract

At one time or another, all of us have filled out a government or agency form where we are asked to list our name followed by father's name, then mother's name. The sequence of filling in first name (also called “given”) or last name (also called “family”) varies, but the sequence of father's name first and mother's name next seems always fixed. Now, why would that be so? Rationally, mother's name should be first as maternity is patently easier to ascertain than paternity. There must be other reasons for such universal practice. Could it be that only fathers compose forms? There is a bit of a mystery here.