Only One Name: Difference between revisions

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[[File:OneName_3982.jpg|link=The Avengers (Comic Book)|frame| Like all three of the above examples, these are often [[Names to Run Away From Really Fast]]]]

{{quote|''"My name is Ennis... Just Ennis."''|''[[~~Baccano (Light Novel)|~~Baccano]]''}}

The character or characters go by a single name, with no family/clan/whatever identifier. Unlike [[No Name Given]], it's not that their full name is never made known to the viewer. The full name simply does not exist. Cher is an oft-cited example.

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Contrast [[I Have Many Names]]. Compare [[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"]] for an extreme example.

Not to be confused with the similar-sounding [[First-Name Basis]] or [[Only Known By Their Nickname]].

Not to be confused with the similar-sounding [[First-Name Basis]] or [[Only Known by Their Nickname]].

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* The entire cast of ''[[Simoun]]'' is from a culture that gives [[Only One Name]].

* Caren, Coco, Noel, Sara and, actually, ''most'' characters of ''[[Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch]]'' have only one name; the exceptions are the [[Power Trio|main trio]] and the men in their lives (although, in the manga, Hamasaki has only one name too).

* In ''[[~~Azumanga Daioh (Manga)|~~Azumanga Daioh]]'', Sakaki is only known by that name, to the extent that, in the first episode, when everybody is introduced by their full name (including Osaka), she's simply introduced as "Sakaki-san, a.k.a. Sakaki-san".

* In ''[[Azumanga Daioh]]'', Sakaki is only known by that name, to the extent that, in the first episode, when everybody is introduced by their full name (including Osaka), she's simply introduced as "Sakaki-san, a.k.a. Sakaki-san".

** Kagura gets this treatment too. Whether Kaorin has a family name depends on what part of [[Fanon]] you want to believe. Chihiro doesn't even get that much (and is very secondary.)

*** The DVD cases seem to suggest that this is less [[Only One Name]] and more [[Last-Name Basis]], at least as far as Sakaki and Kagura are concerned.

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** In fact, it's easier to list the non-Leaf village ninja that ''do'' have last names (the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist beside Chojuro, the first team of Sound nin, and according to an artbook the Mizukage, who's named Mei Terumi). Even in the Leaf village (not counting Sai and Yamato, which are code names) there's the Sannin (despite it being her grandfather's name, Senju is ''not'' Tsunade's), Rock Lee (unless Rock and Lee are really his first and last name), and Tenten.

** There's little consistency in who gets a name either as Haruno Sakura and Rock Lee presumably do not come from a clan, while 3 of the 4 living kages have no last name either. This seems tied to how everyone in ''[[Naruto]]'' is on a [[First-Name Basis]], even to the point of using [[Honorifics]] like ''-sensei'' and ''-sama'' with first names, so it's possible a lot of character just haven't had their last names revealed (it took 200 chapters for Danzo's last name of Shimura to be revealed, and we didn't find out Dan's last name was Kato until '''374''' chapters after we first saw him). (Incidentally, both Dan and Danzo are based on the real life ninja Kato Danzo, and thus only have one of his names).

* Hevn and Makubex in ''[[~~Get Backers~~]]''. With the latter, it actually becomes something of a plot point that he doesn't know what his given name is--or if he ever even had one in the first place. All they know is that he was found in a bag with "Makube" printed on it; later, people that knew and admired his skills added an 'x' to express the unknown. Thus, Makubex.

* Hevn and Makubex in ''[[GetBackers]]''. With the latter, it actually becomes something of a plot point that he doesn't know what his given name is--or if he ever even had one in the first place. All they know is that he was found in a bag with "Makube" printed on it; later, people that knew and admired his skills added an 'x' to express the unknown. Thus, Makubex.

* The Leafe Knights from ''[[Prétear]]'' have an excuse of not being from our world, but even outside their [[Magical Land]] they don't seem to use last names. No one in human world seems to care.

* A good number of [[Artificial Human|Artificial Humans]] in ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]]'', such as Arf, Signum, and Vita. Vivio used to be an example, until Nanoha officially adopted her and she received the Takamachi name. An exception to the rule comes with Aria Lieze and Lotte Lieze, Admiral Graham's twin familiars.

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** Simon, however, remains as just Simon, possibly because either he didn't like his village, or because even without a surname, everyone knows what Simon they're talking about. Like-wise Kamina.

* Poked at at the end of the manga ''[[Eerie Queerie]]''. In the omake afterwards the two characters decide that they can finally call each other by their given names, only for Hasanuma's name to be * bleeped* out. And thus he remains with only one name.

* Ennis is the only character with no last name in ''[[~~Baccano (Light Novel)|~~Baccano]]!'' she being an [[Artificial Human|Homunculus]] made by Szilard Quates.

* Ennis is the only character with no last name in ''[[Baccano]]!'' she being an [[Artificial Human|Homunculus]] made by Szilard Quates.

** The light novels reveal that she eventually does acquire a last name after a number of decades: {{spoiler|[[Happily Married|Prochainezo]]}}

* No one in ''[[Hidamari Sketch]]'' has two names.

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** At one point the human names were considered to be somewhat canon, as Himaruya answered a fan question and said that they would find out one day why Ludwig didn't have a surname. But as it was an old question on the deleted blog and the names have not been ever officially used, it remains unknown if that "significance" will ever come to light.

* All of the demons in ''[[Chrono Crusade]]'' have only one name--Chrono, Aion, Shader, etc. However, it seems most of them have at least one title tacked on, like "The Sinner" or "The Slayer of a Hundred".

* In the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog ~~(Anime)~~|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' OVA, Sara's last name is never given. Her dad is only referred to as [[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"|Mr. President]].

* In the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog The Movie|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' OVA, Sara's last name is never given. Her dad is only referred to as [[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"|Mr. President]].

* The [[Human Alien|aliens]] in ''Niea_7'' only appear to have one name, including the show's eponymous character.

* Many characters in ''[[One Piece]]'' have only one name, including Usopp, Nami, Sanji, Kaya, Nojiko, Bellemere, Chaka, Pell, Dr. Hiruluk, Burgess, Professor Clover, Pagaya, Conis, Enel, Hotori/Kotori/Satori/All of the priests/every Angel except Gan Fall...

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** One exception to this is Elsa De Sica who, despite having a full, non gender-blended name has less behind it. Her handler, Lauro simply had to call her something and the first thing that came to his head when he stopped to think about it was the name of the park he was walking through at the time. Elsa's name is precious to her - in addition to being a "gift" from her handler, it's the keystone that maintains her very sense of self and describes her as a person, not a latterday golem, whose struggles have meaning. The realisation that that self is merely a dismissive and indifferent token destroys her, literally.

** Petrushka doesn't quite fit that criteria as Alessandro didn't give too much thought in naming her, but he easily accepted her identity as a cyborg with little problems, thanks in part to his rather flexible morals and views carried over from his previous duties as a spy, and has grown to care for her to the point that they're romantically involved.

* Almost everybody in ''[[~~Queens~~ Blade]]'' minus Leina Vance, her sisters, and Annelotte from the sequel ''Queen's Blade Rebellion'' (her last name is Kreuz, but never used in-universe).

* Almost everybody in ''[[Queen's Blade]]'' minus Leina Vance, her sisters, and Annelotte from the sequel ''Queen's Blade Rebellion'' (her last name is Kreuz, but never used in-universe).

* Tetsu from ''[[~~Cardfight Vanguard (Anime)|~~Cardfight Vanguard]]'' has nothing other than that name listed in Team AL4's roster.

* Tetsu from ''[[Cardfight Vanguard]]'' has nothing other than that name listed in Team AL4's roster.

* Strangely, in ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'', Simon and Kamina are only known by their first names, not as "Simon Jiha" or "Kamina Jiha" (everyone else uses their village name as a surname, such as Yoko Littner, Rossiu Adai, or Kittan Bachika).

* In ''[[Yu Yu Hakusho]]'', demons apparently don't have surnames (with one notable exception being Saotome Jorge/George, Koenma's blue ogre). Even if they have more than one name, it tends to be a title i.e. "Jaganshi" Hiei and "Yoko" Kurama (except for the English dub, in which Yoko is his "true" name). For the Uraotogi team, the two names are their name and an adjective that describes their corruption, rather than being a surname and given name, i.e. Kuro Momotaro = Black Momotaro, and Ura Urashima = Reverse Urashima (though Ura Urashima later reveals that his, and likely the rest of his teammate's names are mere pseudonyms in an attempt to deceive others into believing they are demonic reincarnations of folk heroes).

* ''[[~~Shakugan no Shana (Light Novel)|~~Shakugan no Shana]]'':

* ''[[Shakugan no Shana]]'':

** The titular character's name is just "Shana", and she [[No Name Given|didn't have even that]] before Yuuji named her [[They Call Him "Sword"|after her sword]]. Which is strange, as all other Flame Hazes have full names.

** Most (if not all) [[Demonic Invaders|Crimson Denizens]] have only one name. Semi-justified by them being not human.

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== Comic Books ==

* Although his gangster pursuers refer to him as "[[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"|The Stooge]]", the protagonist of Paul Pope's graphic novel, ''[[Heavy Liquid]]'', is generally known as "S". "[[One-Letter Name|Why have a name when a letter will do?]]"

* [[Tintin ~~(Comic Book)~~]]. BTW, in the German translation his name becomes Tim. Which is a first name in Germany too, but people still call him "Herr Tim". [[Two First Names]]?

* [[Tintin]]. BTW, in the German translation his name becomes Tim. Which is a first name in Germany too, but people still call him "Herr Tim". [[Two First Names]]?

* Lyra and Skaar, from ''[[Incredible Hulk (Comic Book)|Incredible Hulk]]''.

* Marvel also gives us Thundra, Lyra's mother.

* When the [[Metal Men]] got human [[Secret Identity|secret identities]] towards the end of their original run, Tin and Mercury's identities were known only as "Tinker" and "Mercurio".

* Comic book versions of characters from mythological pantheons usually go by one name, as do "new" gods or godlike beings created for the comics. Such as [[The New Gods]], [[The Eternals]], [[The Inhumans]], etc.

* ''[[~~Rudi (Comic Strip)|~~Rudi]]'''s last name, if he has one at all, is never revealed. Even his doctor only calls him "Herr... er... Rudi".

* ''[[Rudi]]'''s last name, if he has one at all, is never revealed. Even his doctor only calls him "Herr... er... Rudi".

* The vast majority of ''[[Elf Quest]]'' characters have only one name, justified in that they live in small tribal groups. Last names really only crop up with humans later in the timeline.

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== Literature ==

* Likewise, in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', most humans only have a given name and a patronymic. Aragorn, for example, is "Aragorn, son of Arathorn".

** ''[[Inheritance Cycle ~~(Literature)~~|Eragon]]'' does this too with the people of Carvahall. Roran is "Roran Garrowsson".

** ''[[Inheritance Cycle|Eragon]]'' does this too with the people of Carvahall. Roran is "Roran Garrowsson".

** Which is the way it is or was done in many real societies. See "Iceland" in Real Life below.

* Aiel in the Wheel of Time have only one name (when announced formally, they specify their clan and sept too, though). They call non-Aiel by their full names all the time, and are confused when they want to be called by only half their name.

* Heathcliff from ''[[Wuthering Heights (~~Literature~~)|Wuthering Heights]]''.

* Heathcliff from ''[[Wuthering Heights (novel)|Wuthering Heights]]''.

* Everyone from the anarcho-communist planet Anarres in The Dispossessed by [[Ursula K Le Guin]] had only one name randomly assigned by a computer.

* Everyone from the anarcho-communist planet Anarres in The Dispossessed by [[Ursula K. Le Guin]] had only one name randomly assigned by a computer.

* Lampshaded in one of the ''[[Pendragon]]'' books, where Bobby says something to the effect of, 'What is it with these people? Am I the only one with two names?"

** He does it again when he goes to another territory where people only have one name. Something like, "How far along does a society have to get before they start handing out last names?"

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* Chiun from the [[Destroyer]] books, although he did change his name from Nuihc.

* The novel ''[[Catch-22]]'' throws a twist on this: the squadron commander has a first, middle and last name. However, they're all the same, and thanks to an IBM machine with a "sense of humor almost as keen as his father's", so is his rank. His name? [[Department of Redundancy Department|Major Major Major Major]].

* Rincewind from ''[[~~Discworld (Literature)|~~Discworld]]''. Once, he says that he doesn't know whether he has a first name. (His Fourecks counterpart is named Bill Rincewind, suggesting that Rincewind is his surname.)

* Rincewind from ''[[Discworld]]''. Once, he says that he doesn't know whether he has a first name. (His Fourecks counterpart is named Bill Rincewind, suggesting that Rincewind is his surname.)

* In [[Iain Banks|Iain M. Banks']] ''[[Against a Dark Background]]'', protagonist Sharrow, as a member of the highest level of aristocracy, has only a single name, while lower social classes have more names.

* Maximum Ride of er... ''[[Maximum Ride]]'' is the only human-avian to have a surname in the first book. In Book Two {{spoiler|Iggy finds his family}} and consequently, a last name but {{spoiler|he abandons them because they want to sell his story}}.

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* In [[Lewis Carroll]]'s ''[[Sylvie and Bruno]]'', the title characters. Lady Muriel in fact asks, and is told no family name.

* In ''[[The Color Purple]]'' Albert's last name is never revealed, and Celie just calls him Mister ____.

* Garrett from ''[[Garrett PI]]'' only has the one name. It's apparently his last one.

* Garrett from ''[[Garrett P.I.]]'' only has the one name. It's apparently his last one.

** Presumably he does have a first name, as we know his brother had one (Mikey). Glen Cook's just avoided revealing it to tease his readers.

* In [[Jasper Fforde]]'s ''[[Thursday Next]]'' books, the titular character's father is referred to only as "Colonel Next". It is revealed that he actually ''has'' no first name, due to having been erased from the timeline by [[Time Police|the Chronoguard]] after he went rogue.

* Not a ''single'' character in ''[[The Tigers Wife|The Tiger's Wife]]'' has their surname revealed.

* In [[~~Charles Dickens (Creator)|~~Charles Dickens]]' ''Great Expectations'', the main character Pip is raised by his sister and her husband Joe, but the sister's given name is never mentioned. She is referred to only as "Mrs. Joe".

* In [[Charles Dickens]]' ''Great Expectations'', the main character Pip is raised by his sister and her husband Joe, but the sister's given name is never mentioned. She is referred to only as "Mrs. Joe".

** This is a common device of Dickens', used to dehumanise his villains, e.g. Fagin, Mr. Smallweed, etc.

** Mrs. Joe's name is mentioned once late in the book. It's Georgiana M'ria (Maria, presumably.)

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** For twice your pleasure, at least one of the bad guys refers to her as "bystander" rather than her given name.

* And who can forget Elizabeth from ''House Of Night'', who literally named herself 'Elizabeth No Last Names' because she couldn't be bothered to come up with a new last name? Hell, this trope might as well be named after her!

* [[Don Quixote ~~(Literature)~~|Al Donza]], with "Al" being a prefix like Don, only Al Donza is her real name, and Don Quixote isn't his.

* [[Don Quixote|Al Donza]], with "Al" being a prefix like Don, only Al Donza is her real name, and Don Quixote isn't his.

* The title character of the ''Montmorency'' books never gave himself a first name when he concocted either of his two aliases, Montmorency and Scarper. For a while, people at his club thought the former identity's first name was "Xavier", but that was from someone mishearing "savior".

* ''[[In Death]]'': Roarke. This is his family name; his father is named Patrick Roarke. [[Nora Roberts]] has stated that she will never, ever reveal what his given name is.

* Waco from the novels of [[JT Edson]]. He was orphaned as a baby when his family was killed in a raid by the Waco indian tribe, which is what he takes his name from.

* Waco from the novels of [[J. T. Edson]]. He was orphaned as a baby when his family was killed in a raid by the Waco indian tribe, which is what he takes his name from.

* Laurent in ''[[Therese Raquin]]''. We're never told if that's his first or last name.

* Quite a few in [[~~Rangers~~ Apprentice]], most notably Will (until book 6/7) and Halt (until book 8).

* Quite a few in [[Ranger's Apprentice]], most notably Will (until book 6/7) and Halt (until book 8).

* ''[[~~Counselors and Kings (Literature)|~~Counselors and Kings]]'' doesn't give the family name for Zalathorm, nor was it in any [[Sourcebook]] before D&D3.5 ''Shining South'', nor is it known from the dynasty, since Halruaa is [[The Magocracy]] and [[Sorcerous Overlord|Netyarch]] is not a hereditary position. As one fan [http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1888&whichpage=43#112914 reasoned],

* ''[[Counselors and Kings]]'' doesn't give the family name for Zalathorm, nor was it in any [[Sourcebook]] before D&D3.5 ''Shining South'', nor is it known from the dynasty, since Halruaa is [[The Magocracy]] and [[Sorcerous Overlord|Netyarch]] is not a hereditary position. As one fan [http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1888&whichpage=43#112914 reasoned],

{{quote| Wizards don't need surnames once they've gotten good enough at what they do. And the same goes for kings, but without the bit about being good at what they do being necessary. And seeing as Zalathorm is both...}}

* Several characters in [[Sergey Lukyanenko]]'s ''[[Line of Delirium]]'' only appear to have one name. This is justified in the case of Sedimin, the ruler of the [[Silicon Based Life|Silicoids]], as his name is synonymous with the title (the Foot of the Foundation), which he gained after becoming the ruler through [[Klingon Promotion]]. Not justified in the case of the human Emperor Grey. Nowhere in the trilogy is any other name mentioned. The [[The Cyborg|Meklar]] also appear to only have one name, which tends to be written with an apostrophe or a slash (it's translated from machine code anyway). A [[Everything Is Worse With Bears|Bulrathi]] named Ahhar is, at one point, calls himself Shivukim Ahhar, although Shivukim could be a Bulrathi title or honorific. The cyborg Andrey never reveals his last name; presumably, he feels he no longer needs one, as he is not human anymore. The famous weapons designer Martyzenski doesn't appear to have a first name. Then again, he only shows up in one scene.

* Several characters in [[Sergey Lukyanenko]]'s ''[[Line of Delirium]]'' only appear to have one name. This is justified in the case of Sedimin, the ruler of the [[Silicon-Based Life|Silicoids]], as his name is synonymous with the title (the Foot of the Foundation), which he gained after becoming the ruler through [[Klingon Promotion]]. Not justified in the case of the human Emperor Grey. Nowhere in the trilogy is any other name mentioned. The [[The Cyborg|Meklar]] also appear to only have one name, which tends to be written with an apostrophe or a slash (it's translated from machine code anyway). A [[Everything Is Worse With Bears|Bulrathi]] named Ahhar is, at one point, calls himself Shivukim Ahhar, although Shivukim could be a Bulrathi title or honorific. The cyborg Andrey never reveals his last name; presumably, he feels he no longer needs one, as he is not human anymore. The famous weapons designer Martyzenski doesn't appear to have a first name. Then again, he only shows up in one scene.

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** We also have Data. And Odo. And Laas.

** And Neelix. And Kes.

** One episode of ''[[Star Trek ~~the~~ Original Series]]'' claims Spock's last name cannot be pronounced by humans, but others seem to indicate he has [[Only One Name|no last name at all]]. Diane Duane's ''Spock's World'' speculates that Vulcans use patronymics, so Spock's full name, according to her, is "Spock cha'Sarek".

** One episode of ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'' claims Spock's last name cannot be pronounced by humans, but others seem to indicate he has [[Only One Name|no last name at all]]. Diane Duane's ''Spock's World'' speculates that Vulcans use patronymics, so Spock's full name, according to her, is "Spock cha'Sarek".

*** Actually, the name that couldn't be pronounced was merely called "another name" in one episode and "the Vulcan name" (implicitly the family name) in another. Since not all cultures put the family name last or even have family names in the Western sense, we don't know if Spock's unpronounceable name is his first or last name.

** Similarly, Sulu's first name was not given in ''[[Star Trek]]'' canon until the 6th movie in the series. The name Hikaru actually came from one of the first published novels, ''The Entropy Effect''.

** Uhura's first name was unrevealed for a while, although the novels consistently use "Nyota." The new movie confirmed this.

** On ''[[Star Trek ~~the~~ Next Generation]]'', O'Brien didn't get a last name until his third appearance, and didn't get a first (and middle) name, Miles Edward, until three years after his first appearance. Of course, he's an [[Ascended Extra]], so it's excusable.

** On ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', O'Brien didn't get a last name until his third appearance, and didn't get a first (and middle) name, Miles Edward, until three years after his first appearance. Of course, he's an [[Ascended Extra]], so it's excusable.

** Don't forget the Vorta, none of whom have family names. Understandable, as they don't have families, but they do each get a number tacked on to their name, so that's something.

** None of the named Romulans (e.g. Sela, Donatra, Tel'Aura, Tomalak) appears to have a last name. Given that they're an offshoot of Vulcans, this may be justified. However, at least one non-canon novel has a character refer to a Romulan by name. Specifically, Captain John Harriman (the inept captain of the ''Enterprise''-B, whom the book turned into a [[Badass]]) purposefully calls Admiral Vokar by his first name Aventeer, knowing the latter would perceive it as an insult.

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*** A lot do. The first one SG-1 meets is Oma Desala. The first one the Atlantis team meets is Chaya Sar. The one SG-1 meets ''in'' Atlantis is Ganos Lal, aka Morgan le Fay.

* The main character on ''[[Dark Angel]]'' was named Max, with no last name (she did use the last name Guevara on occasion, but she made this up). Her fellow X5s (Zack, Alec, Ben, etc) also had only one name, as did the dogboy Joshua. Alec's fake surname was supposedly McDowell, but it was never spoken aloud.

* All the main characters on ''[[~~Its~~ Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' have full names except for Mac. For seven seasons, it was not known whether Mac is a first name, last name, or a nick name, and his mother is often addressed as "Mrs. Mac" to keep the gag running. The season seven finale eventually revealed his name to be {{spoiler|1=Ronald McDonald}}.

* All the main characters on ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' have full names except for Mac. For seven seasons, it was not known whether Mac is a first name, last name, or a nick name, and his mother is often addressed as "Mrs. Mac" to keep the gag running. The season seven finale eventually revealed his name to be {{spoiler|1=Ronald McDonald}}.

* ''[[Doctor Who]]'':

** Adric, Nyssa and Romanadvoratrelundar (Romana for short) in the old series. Although the Doctor did once refer to the latter as 'Miss Dvoratrelundar', her name is always written as one word.

** In the new series, the Doctor's daughter Jenny has no surname. [[I Am Not Shazam|Unless it's "Who".]]

** The televised series never revealed the surnames of the Doctor's companions Vicki, Polly and Ace. [[Word of God|Production documents]] give Polly's surname as "Wright"; in the [[Doctor Who Expanded Universe]] Vicki's surname is Pallister, and Ace's is either Gale or McShane (or possibly both). (Gale appeared in production documents, with the notes that they might want to change it, depending on the plot requirements of the story in which the reveal occurred, if it happened at all.) (The name "Dorothy Gale" [[Shout-Out|references]] ''[[~~The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Literature)|~~The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]''.)

** The televised series never revealed the surnames of the Doctor's companions Vicki, Polly and Ace. [[Word of God|Production documents]] give Polly's surname as "Wright"; in the [[Doctor Who Expanded Universe]] Vicki's surname is Pallister, and Ace's is either Gale or McShane (or possibly both). (Gale appeared in production documents, with the notes that they might want to change it, depending on the plot requirements of the story in which the reveal occurred, if it happened at all.) (The name "Dorothy Gale" [[Shout-Out|references]] ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]''.)

** The ''[[~~Doctor Who Magazine (Magazine)|~~Doctor Who Magazine]]'' comic gives us Destriianatos (Destrii for short).

** The ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' comic gives us Destriianatos (Destrii for short).

** The [[Big Finish Doctor Who]] audios give us C'rizz and Erimemushinteperem (Erimem for short).

* Most alien-but-still-human-ish ''[[Power Rangers]]'', such as Andros and Karone, or Maya. ''Time Force'''s resident alien, Trip, has a very popular [[Fanon]] last name purported to come from scripts or casting sheets, but unlike other such surnames (e.g., Billy Cranston, Katie Walker), it wasn't included on Disney's official website.

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*** The season 5 finale show us that that would be someone's great-great-great-great-great-uncle. Or, you know, that he was born before people had proper last names.

** Libby never got a last name on ''[[Lost]]''. For a long time this prompted fan speculation that she was actually related to another character, but now it seems to have been [[Shrug of God]]. A memorial video shown at Comic Con 2009 gave her name as Elizabeth 'Libby' Smith.

* The title character from ''[[~~Gilligans~~ Island]]'' during its run. After the show was cancelled, [[Word of God]] revealed that his first name was Willy.

* The title character from ''[[Gilligan's Island]]'' during its run. After the show was cancelled, [[Word of God]] revealed that his first name was Willy.

* Purdy from ''[[The New Avengers]]''.

* Ned from ''[[Pushing Daisies]]'' doesn't seem to have a last name. Neither of the people related to him seem to, either, in contrast with the narrator's habit of referring to everyone by their full names. It's not even clear what 'Ned' is an abbreviation of. Most likely it's Edward, but it could also be Edmond, Edgar or even [[A Song of Ice and Fire|Eddard]].

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* Parker, in ''[[Leverage]]'', is the only character who isn't given a first name, even in her official character bio. This does make sense in the canon, however - she ran away from home (or something) and spent most of her childhood in and out of foster homes. It's implied that she eventually just ran away and became a thief, and that she doesn't need a full name because she lives off the grid.

** May be a shout-out to the title character in Richard Stark's ''[[Parker]]'' crime novels, who also is a thief and also has just the one name.

* Baldrick in ''[[~~Black Adder~~]]'' is only known by this name, regardless of which incarnation he is. However, Baldrick speculates in the third series that his first name may be 'Sodoff' and in the fourth season was known as Private S. Baldrick.

* Baldrick in ''[[Blackadder]]'' is only known by this name, regardless of which incarnation he is. However, Baldrick speculates in the third series that his first name may be 'Sodoff' and in the fourth season was known as Private S. Baldrick.

* Kendra of ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' tells Giles that she "has no last name" in the second episode she appears in. However, this has been subverted as [[Word of God|Joss Whedon]] has subsequently revealed, outside of the series, that her surname is actually Young - which she didn't know as she was raised by her Watcher.

** Other [[Buffy Verse]] characters with no last names include Faith, Spike, and Angel. Spike was revealed to be a self-given alias, his first name being William, and Faith was revealed to have the last name of Lehane [[Word of God|by Joss Whedon]] when the makers of the official spin-off RPG asked. Angel turned out to have a different first name (Liam, which is an Irish version of "William"), but no last was ever given. Spike's human surname, according to [[Expanded Universe]], is Pratt.

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'''Cromartie''': Madonna? Why? No. }}

* On ''[[Seinfeld]]'', Newman's first name is never mentioned at all, even on his [http://www.stanthecaddy.com/images/the-package1.jpg business card]. And for a long time Kramer was this, until the episode revealing his first name is Cosmo.

* Lt. [[~~Columbo (TV)|~~Columbo]] (No first name)

* Lt. [[Columbo]] (No first name)

** Same for Mrs. Columbo.

*** Not exactly true: Kate Mulgrew's series ''Mrs. Columbo'' became ''Kate Columbo'', then ''Kate the Detective'' and then ''Kate Loves a Mystery'' before it became [[Cancellation|Kate Doesn't Detect Here Anymore]].

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* ''[[Inspector Morse]]'' in the television version. The source novels provided only an initial, E. Name eventually revealed as 'Endeavour'.

** In his university days, he was nicknamed "Pagan", because he wouldn't give his Christian name.

* The family's last name is never given on ''[[Malcolm in ~~The~~ Middle]]'' -- almost. In the pilot episode, the name tag on Francis' military school uniform read "Wilkerson." The decision not to reveal the family's last name was made during production of the pilot, but apparently they missed Francis' name tag. However, the series finale provides a different last name for the family. During Malcolm's graduation ceremony, Francis drops an employee ID card, the last name on which reads "Nolastname". It was also a joke amongst those who worked on the show that the family's last name WAS "Nolastname".

* The family's last name is never given on ''[[Malcolm in the Middle]]'' -- almost. In the pilot episode, the name tag on Francis' military school uniform read "Wilkerson." The decision not to reveal the family's last name was made during production of the pilot, but apparently they missed Francis' name tag. However, the series finale provides a different last name for the family. During Malcolm's graduation ceremony, Francis drops an employee ID card, the last name on which reads "Nolastname". It was also a joke amongst those who worked on the show that the family's last name WAS "Nolastname".

* Jarod, the lead character of ''[[The Pretender]]'', adopts a different surname each episode. Initially, this is because he doesn't know his real surname, but even after he locates and spends time with his father, his real surname is never revealed. (This sometimes causes dialogue clunkiness, not so much with Jarod as with his father, who is referred to as "Major Charles" always, by everyone, in all contexts.)

** Then there's Miss Parker, who is never given a name. Fan speculation has given us the possibility of "Angel", her father's nickname for her, being her actual name.

** Not to mention Sydney and Lyle, who only go by their first names, and Broots, who only goes by his last name.

** In fact, almost all of the major characters in ''[[The Pretender]]'' go by one name only, the one exception being Mr. Raines, who eventually turned out to be a William. Several of these characters go to remarkable lengths to keep their names secret -- [[Corrupt Corporate Executive]] Mr Parker, for instance, somehow managed to persuade the celebrant of his on-screen wedding to leave his full name out of the vows -- leading some to suspect that the writers themselves don't actually know what their names are.

* Mr. Chapel's first name is never revealed in ''[[~~Vengeance Unlimited (TV)|~~Vengeance Unlimited]]''. Though the likelihood of Chapel itself being a pseudonym is rather high in this regard.

* Mr. Chapel's first name is never revealed in ''[[Vengeance Unlimited]]''. Though the likelihood of Chapel itself being a pseudonym is rather high in this regard.

* ''[[Green Wing]]'' never reveals the first names of Dr. MacCartney or Boyce.

* The title character of ''[[Mr. Bean]]'' is never given a first name, perhaps because it is heavily implied by the opening credits that he is an alien. The spin - off book ''Mr Bean's Diary'' contains an old school report of his, but his first name is obscured by an ink blot on the page.

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* The Visitors in ''[[V]]'' (both [[V|old]] and [[V-2009|new series]]) go only by a first name.

* Brittany in the first season of ''[[Glee]]''. Her last name doesn't even show up on the school yearbook. However, in the episode "Britney/Brittany" from the second season she reveals that her name is Brittany {{spoiler|S. Pierce}}.

* Some aliens in ''[[Babylon ~~Five~~]]'', notably Minbari and Narns, go by only one name, whereas others, notably Centauri, go by two.

* Some aliens in ''[[Babylon 5]]'', notably Minbari and Narns, go by only one name, whereas others, notably Centauri, go by two.

** Although the Narns have only one name, it actually consists of two halves divided by an apostrophe. For instance, main character Na'Toth is the daughter of Shak'Toth.

* Beth on ''[[News Radio]]'' claims not to have a last name.

* Cally of ''[[Blake's Seven|Blakes Seven]]'' is never known by anything else -- as far as we know, no Aurons have more than one name.

* Mason, from ''[[Dead Like Me]]'', has no known ''other'' name, and the name that he does have could really be either his first or last name. Kiffany doesn't have a last name, but since she has a lot less screen time than Mason, it's slightly less odd.

* Siroc in ''[[~~Young Blades (TV)|~~Young Blades]]''. It's unclear whether this is a first or last name.

* Siroc in ''[[Young Blades]]''. It's unclear whether this is a first or last name.

* Vince and Lauren from ''[[What I Like About You]]'' are only main characters to not have their last names ever mentioned in any of the show's 4 seasons.

** Recurring characters Peter and Rick don't appear to have last names either.

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** It's explained [[Expanded Universe|in the character page of the printed version of the script]] that his given name was Norman Arriaga; "Belize is a drag name that stuck".

* The title character of ''[[Elling]]''. Made all the more curious by the fact that no one mentions it even though everyone refers to his roommate using a [[Full-Name Basis]].

* [[Shakespeare]]'s plays sometimes did this to fit the setting (ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, etc)...''except'' when dealing with comedic characters. This was because, [[Anachronism Stew|no matter what the setting or time period, the comedy characters would always be based on Elizabethan-era peasants]]--and in the Elizabethan era, people had last names. That's why, for instance, the main characters in ''[[A Midsummer ~~Nights~~ Dream]]'' are named simply "Demetrius", "Theseus" or "Hermia"--but the peasant caricatures putting on the [[Show Within a Show|play-within-a-play]] are named "Nick Bottom", "Tom Snout", "Peter Quince", and so on.

* [[Shakespeare]]'s plays sometimes did this to fit the setting (ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, etc)...''except'' when dealing with comedic characters. This was because, [[Anachronism Stew|no matter what the setting or time period, the comedy characters would always be based on Elizabethan-era peasants]]--and in the Elizabethan era, people had last names. That's why, for instance, the main characters in ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'' are named simply "Demetrius", "Theseus" or "Hermia"--but the peasant caricatures putting on the [[Show Within a Show|play-within-a-play]] are named "Nick Bottom", "Tom Snout", "Peter Quince", and so on.

== Video Games ==

* ''[[~~Twenty Twenty Seven|~~2027]]'': Daniel's last name is never revealed.

* ''[[2027]]'': Daniel's last name is never revealed.

* In ''[[Halo]]'', the Master Chief is only known as John-117. The closest thing we have to a family name for him is this MIT prank claiming that he's actually [http://hacks.mit.edu/Hacks/by_year/2007/halo3_john_harvard/ John Harvard].

** This sort of thing applies to every SPARTAN [[Super Soldier]]; because all of them were "recruited" and brainwashed by the military as children, none of them remember their family names, which were replaced by designation numbers. The only SPARTAN who even uses a surname is Kurt-051, who was given the last name of Ambrose as a cover when he was assigned to trained the SPARTAN-IIIs. Only three SPARTANs so far have had their real family names revealed: {{spoiler|Kurt M. Trevelyan, Naomi Sentzke, and Carris R. Pernault}}.

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*** The Qunari in general don't have last names. Even their first names are merely titles and can be taken away. Anyone who joins the Qun also sheds their name.

*** Fenris's former master is a powerful (in both magic and political power) Tevinter mage named Danarius. No last name either, despite his high status in the Imperium.

* ''[[Pokémon]]'' characters other than professors rarely have last names (exceptions include [[Pokémon Red and Blue|Daisy Oak, Blue Oak]] (having last names due to being a professor's grandchildren), and [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire ~~(Video Game)~~|Steven Stone]] from the main series of games, Blake Hall and the rest of the Hall family from ''[[Pokémon Ranger]]: Shadows of Almia'', and Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak from the anime), and the anime examples likely only have last names in the English version [[Lip Lock|to give enough syllables]]. Inverting this tendency is the fact that the aforementioned professors rarely have first names in the games, with Professor Cedric Juniper from ''[[Pokémon Black and White]]'' being the only exception (though his daughter is only referred to by her last name and is the first Professor Juniper encountered until her father appears later in the [[Player Character]]'s journey).

* ''[[Pokémon]]'' characters other than professors rarely have last names (exceptions include [[Pokémon Red and Blue|Daisy Oak, Blue Oak]] (having last names due to being a professor's grandchildren), and [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|Steven Stone]] from the main series of games, Blake Hall and the rest of the Hall family from ''[[Pokémon Ranger]]: Shadows of Almia'', and Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak from the anime), and the anime examples likely only have last names in the English version [[Lip Lock|to give enough syllables]]. Inverting this tendency is the fact that the aforementioned professors rarely have first names in the games, with Professor Cedric Juniper from ''[[Pokémon Black and White]]'' being the only exception (though his daughter is only referred to by her last name and is the first Professor Juniper encountered until her father appears later in the [[Player Character]]'s journey).

* Most characters in ''[[Devil May Cry]]''. Kalina Ann appears to be the sole exception, but it's not even clear if "Ann" is her maiden name or a middle name, or even if "Kalina" is really the [[I Call It Vera|rocket launcher's own name/model]]. The name of Dante's father, Sparda, has occasionally been used in the context of a family name, but whether it really is is unknown.

** That said, Dante joins the ranks of given name + patronymic, with demons frequently referring to him as "Dante, Son of Sparda". Same may be said about Vergil, too.

* Many, ''many'' Nintendo characters. As a rule of thumb, only futuristic characters are given full names ([[Metroid|Samus Aran]], [[Star Fox (~~Video Game~~)|Fox McCloud]], [[F-Zero|Captain Douglas Jay Falcon]]), while the iconic Mario has [[Only One Name]] (except in ''The [[Super Mario Bros Super Show]]'' and [[Video Game Movies Suck|the movie]], where it's [[Repetitive Name|Mario Mario]] to justify the term ''Mario Bros''), and so do most other characters of his series. Other series:

* Many, ''many'' Nintendo characters. As a rule of thumb, only futuristic characters are given full names ([[Metroid|Samus Aran]], [[Star Fox (series)|Fox McCloud]], [[F-Zero|Captain Douglas Jay Falcon]]), while the iconic Mario has [[Only One Name]] (except in ''The [[Super Mario Bros Super Show]]'' and [[Video Game Movies Suck|the movie]], where it's [[Repetitive Name|Mario Mario]] to justify the term ''Mario Bros''), and so do most other characters of his series. Other series:

** ''Zelda'': Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, just to name the central three.

*** However, Ganondorf was given the last name "Dragmire" in the English manual for ''[[The Legend of Zelda a Link To ~~T He~~ Past ~~(Video Game)~~|The Legend of Zelda a Link To T He Past]]''.

*** However, Ganondorf was given the last name "Dragmire" in the English manual for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|The Legend of Zelda a Link To T He Past]]''.

**** This was made up in the translation.

*** Zelda's last name is Hyrule, given that King mentioned in ''[[The Legend of Zelda ~~the~~ Wind Waker ~~(Video Game)~~|The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker]]'' is named Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule.

*** Zelda's last name is Hyrule, given that King mentioned in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker]]'' is named Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule.

** ''[[Donkey Kong]]'' is the exception. He and Diddy are the only ones that are displayed with the full name in ''[[Super Smash Bros]]'', too.

** Older heroes like Pit (Kid Icarus), the Popo and Nana (Ice Climbers).

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** Everyone in ''[[Animal Crossing]]'' who isn't a tanuki. [http://www.aibohack.com/nds/ac_source.htm ROMSAVE.txt] reveals that the DS game stores a number from 0-65535 along with each human character's name that presumably represents an index into a list of surnames, but these aren't displayed in-game.

** Many of the main party members from the ''[[Earthbound]]''/''Mother'' series have [[Only One Name]].

** Krystal, from the ''[[Star Fox (~~Video Game~~)|Star Fox]]'' series, lacks a surname for plot reasons.

** Krystal, from the ''[[Star Fox (series)|Star Fox]]'' series, lacks a surname for plot reasons.

** Every character in the entire ''[[Kirby]]'' franchise has just one name, most notably Kirby, Meta Knight, and King Dedede. One might begin to wonder if names like Waddle Dee, Sir Kibble, and Knuckle Joe are a first and last name or just a two-word first name.

* A few "mysterious" characters follow this trope in ''[[Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney]]'': Godot (though his full name is revealed later), Iris, and Bikini, for example, are referred to by Only One Name even in court. {{spoiler|We can assume that Iris gave up her family name (Fey) when she joined the temple}}.

* A few "mysterious" characters follow this trope in ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]'': Godot (though his full name is revealed later), Iris, and Bikini, for example, are referred to by Only One Name even in court. {{spoiler|We can assume that Iris gave up her family name (Fey) when she joined the temple}}.

* Seth and Kane in ''[[Command and Conquer]]'': In the first briefing of the Nod campaign, Seth introduces himself as "Seth... just, 'Seth'." Likewise, the news report at the end of the GDI campaign refers to Kane as Nod's "single-named" leader.

** What, like Zavros and Yuri had last names?

** You also have Boris. Averted, for the most part, in ''Red Alert 3'', where every named Russian character may be only known by one name but has a full name (minus patronymic) listed in the manual. Played straight with Emperor Yoshiro and Crown Prince Tatsu, but that's typical for Japanese emperors to only have one name (e.g. Hirohito, Akihito).

* ''[[STALKER]] - Shadow of Chernobyl'' goes further than many with this trope. ''Every'' unique character has only one name - only generic characters have two names.

** Granted, most unique charecters are [[Only Known By Their Nickname]] but the trope is still played straight elsewhere.

** Granted, most unique charecters are [[Only Known by Their Nickname]] but the trope is still played straight elsewhere.

* Square(enix) just can't decide whatever characters need surnames, or not:

** ''[[Final Fantasy IV]]'' has several characters that fit this trope: Rydia, Tellah, Palom, Porom, and FuSoYa.

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** Odd that no mention is made of [[FF 6]], wherein almost every major character has a last name. Terra Branford, Celes Chere, Kefka Palazzo, and so on. Notable exceptions would be the Esper race, who have only the one last name. Maduin, Ramuh, Shiva, etc.

** Also of note is the series of characters know as Cid. Excluding the one in the second game, most Cids have their own names now. Cid Lufaine (I), Cid Highwind (III,VII), Cid Pollendina (IV), Previa (V), del Norte Marquez (VI), Kramer (VIII), Fabuul (IX), Cidolfas Demen Bunansa (XII), Cid Raines (XIII). A few notable Cids from the spin-offs have their own full names, too, like Cidolfas Orlandeau.

* Trolls in ''[[~~War Craft~~]]'' games supposedly only have one name, with possibly the name of their tribe added (for example Vol'jin of the Darskspear tribe), but this is contradicted by many troll NPCs having a last name.

* Trolls in ''[[Warcraft]]'' games supposedly only have one name, with possibly the name of their tribe added (for example Vol'jin of the Darskspear tribe), but this is contradicted by many troll NPCs having a last name.

** The vast majority of draenei don't seem to have last names either. However, they seem to make up for it with titles (paladins are "Vindicator [Insert Name]," for example) and sobriquets (such as "Stormglory").

** Also the vrykul, who sometimes get titles to go with their names (Svala, the first boss of Utgarde Keep, is turned into a Valkyr and dubbed "Svala Sorrowgrave" by the Lich King)

* Eisen and Inori of the original ''[[Harukanaru Toki no Naka De]]'' are examples of this, for different reasons: Eisen is a monk and the emperor's half-brother, while Inori lacks a family name on the account of his low origins -- justified by the fact that [[Trapped in Another World|Kyou]] is based off [[Jidai Geki|Heian Period Japan]], so those who ''do'' possess family names are either of noble origins or from our world. On the other hand, the Oni don't appear to have last names either.

* Eisen and Inori of the original ''[[Harukanaru Toki no Naka de]]'' are examples of this, for different reasons: Eisen is a monk and the emperor's half-brother, while Inori lacks a family name on the account of his low origins -- justified by the fact that [[Trapped in Another World|Kyou]] is based off [[Jidai Geki|Heian Period Japan]], so those who ''do'' possess family names are either of noble origins or from our world. On the other hand, the Oni don't appear to have last names either.

* In ''[[Starcraft]]'', the Protoss and Zerg have only one name, such as Aldaris, Tassadar, Zeratul, and Zasz.

** Of course, given that the Zerg are a [[Hive Mind]], there's no need for names at all, the Cerebrates are the only ones who can even be called individuals in the Swarm, except, of course, for the Overmind. There can't be enough Cerebrates to warrant last names.

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* In ''[[Valkyria Chronicles]]'', your Darcsen allies are only known by their given names (Wavy, Nadine, Zaka, etc.) Isara is an exception; while she is Darcsen by birth, she was adopted by Welkin's father, and was given his last name of "Gunther".

* ''[[Space Channel 5]]'' does this. We have Ulala, Pudding, Jaguar, Purge... I could go on, but I won't.

* Most of the antagonists in ''[[~~Xenosaga (Video Game)|~~Xenosaga]]'' have only one name: Margulis, Pelegri, Wilhelm, Sellers, Sergius, and Heinlein.

* Most of the antagonists in ''[[Xenosaga]]'' have only one name: Margulis, Pelegri, Wilhelm, Sellers, Sergius, and Heinlein.

* [[Gadgeteer Genius|Maximilian]], aka Max, one of the protaginist of ''[[Dark ~~Chronicle (Video Game)~~|Dark Chronicle]]''. The other, [[Action Girl|Monica Raybrant]], averts this trope.

* [[Gadgeteer Genius|Maximilian]], aka Max, one of the protaginist of ''[[Dark Cloud|Dark Chronicle]]''. The other, [[Action Girl|Monica Raybrant]], averts this trope.

* Pretty much everyone in the ''[[Jak and Daxter]]'' series, to the point that the only full names given are either [[All There in the Manual]] (Samos and Keira Hagai, though the canon-ness of this is contested) or most likely a joke (Ozmar Itchy Drawers the Third).

* "[[Ratchet and Clank|Ratchet]]". And that's it. Sort-of-justified by him [[Parental Abandonment|not knowing his real parents]]. Or would that be "[[Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep"|Everyone Calls Him Ratchet]]" instead? "Clank" is also an example, it was even made up on-screen.

* Ben, the player character in ''[[Full Throttle]]'', is only ever called just Ben, and prefers to keep his last name a secret. The same goes for Maureen, although you do find out her full name very soon after meeting her: {{spoiler|Maureen Corley.}}

* Many characters in ''[[Jade Empire]]'' have only one name and a title, and the few that do not are usually related to another NPC. (For example, Kia Min, a student in Chapter 1, is the niece of a merchant in the Lotus Assassin fortress).

* [[Mystical Waif|Anne]] and [[Fairy Companion|Piko]] in ''[[~~Mitsumete Knight (Video Game)|~~Mitsumete Knight]]'' ; and all characters save for [[The Hero|Christopher MacLeod]] in ''Mitsumete Knight R : Daibouken Hen''.

* [[Mystical Waif|Anne]] and [[Fairy Companion|Piko]] in ''[[Mitsumete Knight]]'' ; and all characters save for [[The Hero|Christopher MacLeod]] in ''Mitsumete Knight R : Daibouken Hen''.

* Tomomi in the ''[[Tokimeki Memorial]]'' series; she's notable for being the sole case of this in ''the whole franchise''.

* A lot of characters in ''[[~~Touhou (Video Game)|~~Touhou]]'' possess only one name, though admittedly most of them only appear in the early, probably [[Retcon|Ret Conned]] out of existence PC-98 games. The most well-known is Cirno, who at least has the probable excuse of being [[The Ditz|too stupid]] to remember a second name.

* A lot of characters in ''[[Touhou]]'' possess only one name, though admittedly most of them only appear in the early, probably [[Retcon|Ret Conned]] out of existence PC-98 games. The most well-known is Cirno, who at least has the probable excuse of being [[The Ditz|too stupid]] to remember a second name.

* ''[[~~Cave Story (Video Game)|~~Cave Story]]'' features multiple characters with only one referred name. The list includes, but is not limited to [[The Silent Bob|Quote]], [[Faux Action Girl|Sue]], [[Glass Cannon|King]], [[Friendly Enemy|Balrog]], [[Wicked Witch|Misery]], and [[Mad Scientist|The Doctor]]. Don't get us started about many of the other NPCs.

* ''[[Cave Story]]'' features multiple characters with only one referred name. The list includes, but is not limited to [[The Silent Bob|Quote]], [[Faux Action Girl|Sue]], [[Glass Cannon|King]], [[Friendly Enemy|Balrog]], [[Wicked Witch|Misery]], and [[Mad Scientist|The Doctor]]. Don't get us started about many of the other NPCs.

** It might be [[Justified Trope|justified]] for Quote not having a name given how he was [[Super Soldier|meant to be nothing more than a soldier]].

*** However, [[Action Girl|Curly Brace]] notably has a last name, [[Fridge Logic|despite being a robot as well]].

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== Webcomics ==

* Almost none of the characters from ''[[~~Sluggy Freelance (Webcomic)|~~Sluggy Freelance]]'' have last names (they probably do, but they have never been stated). Torg is known as The Lastnameless One during the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' parody arcs. He does actually have a last name, although it's not revealed; the "Lastnameless" thing is there to help hide the fact that [[Emergency Impersonation|he's not who everyone thinks he is]].

* Almost none of the characters from ''[[Sluggy Freelance]]'' have last names (they probably do, but they have never been stated). Torg is known as The Lastnameless One during the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' parody arcs. He does actually have a last name, although it's not revealed; the "Lastnameless" thing is there to help hide the fact that [[Emergency Impersonation|he's not who everyone thinks he is]].

* The angels in ''[[Misfile]]'' are on an [[Only One Name]] basis at the moment. [[Fanon]] has tentatively suggested Gabrielson for Rumisiel and Vashiel's surname, but so far [[Satan|Satansniece]] has not caught on for Cassiel.

* In ''[[~~Ozy and Millie (Webcomic)|~~Ozy and Millie]]'', Ozy's (adoptive) father is simply known as Llewellyn. His son Ozy inherits the name as a family name. Millie's mother has always been referred to as simply "Ms. Mudd", and her first name was never revealed to the readers until [http://ozyandmillie.org/2008/10/01/ozy-and-millie-2114/ this] strip came out.

* In ''[[Ozy and Millie]]'', Ozy's (adoptive) father is simply known as Llewellyn. His son Ozy inherits the name as a family name. Millie's mother has always been referred to as simply "Ms. Mudd", and her first name was never revealed to the readers until [http://ozyandmillie.org/2008/10/01/ozy-and-millie-2114/ this] strip came out.

* ''[http://www.jaydenandcrusader.com Jayden and Crusader]'' has a fair few of these, Third, Smic and Crusader. Crusader is the more interesting one, because he was called Crusader and had been called Mr. Crusader by some, until we eventually found he was called Crusader Crusader. Effectively having only one name, as first and last name is the same.

* ''[[~~El Goonish Shive (Webcomic)|~~El Goonish Shive]]'' didn't reveal Sarah's last name (Brown) until 2007. When they ''did'' give Sarah's name, it was a casual toss-out (the principal was yelling at her).

* ''[[El Goonish Shive]]'' didn't reveal Sarah's last name (Brown) until 2007. When they ''did'' give Sarah's name, it was a casual toss-out (the principal was yelling at her).

** Recently we've met Mr. Verres' mentor, "Arthur J. Arthur". [[Word of God]] has it that the J stands for "Just".

* The main character of ''[[Too Much Information]]'', Ace, literally and legally has no last name.

* Sabrina and her family in ''[[Sabrina Online (Webcomic)|Sabrina Online]]'' never had their surname revealed, though some fan fiction has tried to do the job for the strip ("Mustelidae").

* ''[[~~Queen of Wands (Webcomic)|~~Queen of Wands]]'' never mentions the last names of its characters, though ''[[Something Positive]]'' does. Kestrel from ''QoW'' wound up becoming a recurring character in ''S*P'', but still has no last name, which is [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] on the cast page.

* ''[[Queen of Wands]]'' never mentions the last names of its characters, though ''[[Something Positive]]'' does. Kestrel from ''QoW'' wound up becoming a recurring character in ''S*P'', but still has no last name, which is [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] on the cast page.

* ''[[~~Gunnerkrigg Court (Webcomic)|~~Gunnerkrigg Court]]'': Jones "[http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/archive_page.php?comicID=367 Just Jones will do]". [[Word of God|Word of Tom]] [http://www.formspring.me/gunnerkrigg/q/261930246 confirms] that Jones is her full name.

* ''[[Gunnerkrigg Court]]'': Jones "[http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/archive_page.php?comicID=367 Just Jones will do]". [[Word of God|Word of Tom]] [http://www.formspring.me/gunnerkrigg/q/261930246 confirms] that Jones is her full name.

* Everyone in ''[[~~The Whiteboard (Webcomic)|~~The Whiteboard]]'' has only one name or a single nickname. One nicknamed character, Rainman, was called 'Daniel' once by his mother, but there's been no followup.

* Everyone in ''[[The Whiteboard]]'' has only one name or a single nickname. One nicknamed character, Rainman, was called 'Daniel' once by his mother, but there's been no followup.

* ''[[~~Fall City Blues (Webcomic)|~~Fall City Blues]]'': Everyone.

* ''[[Fall City Blues]]'': Everyone.

* ''[[Slightly Damned]]'': Demons and Jakkai generally only have one name, though Jakkai tend to use nicknames as a psuedo family name.

* [[Pibgorn]]: [http://www.gocomics.com/pibgorn/2007/03/09/ Thorax never asked whether Thorax was his personal or family name; he doesn't like to pry.]

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** Its actually been hinted at that Bowler and Mirth are both going by aliases. Its suggested Bowler has a different name [http://voodoowalrus.com/?p=29 here], and its unknown whether or not Mirth's father was just joking [http://voodoowalrus.com/?p=980 here].

* Mori of ''[[The Dragon Doctors]]'' has only one name because her family's name was literally destroyed with magic. She doesn't remember it and it's vanished from all documents.

* ''[[~~The Other Grey Meat (Webcomic)|~~The Other Grey Meat]]'': Almost every character in the story only has one name. People with last names are typically only those who are referenced before the ''[[Zombie Apocalypse]]''.

* ''[[The Other Grey Meat]]'': Almost every character in the story only has one name. People with last names are typically only those who are referenced before the ''[[Zombie Apocalypse]]''.

* ''[[~~No Songs for The Dead (Webcomic)|~~No Songs for The Dead]]'': The main character Hector, Romeo, the ''[[Big Bad]]'' Lilith.

* ''[[No Songs for The Dead]]'': The main character Hector, Romeo, the ''[[Big Bad]]'' Lilith.

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== Western Animation ==

* In ''[[~~Avatar: The Last Airbender (Animation)|~~Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', Toph Bei Fong, her father Lao, and her mother Poppy are the only characters to possess a surname. This itself isn't too far off with the traditional Asian theme of the series, in that traditionally, in East Asian cultures, family names were reserved exclusively for members of high nobility, much like the wealthy Bei Fong family, before common people started adopting family names for themselves. Alternatively, this may be due to the Anglicisation all of the names have undergone, which can be seen when comparing the names given to the Chinese characters occasionally used to spell them. An Ang as written, for example, is rendered as Aang when spoken, and Ai Luo becomes Iroh. In case you're wondering, yes that's probably how they made their names.

* In ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', Toph Bei Fong, her father Lao, and her mother Poppy are the only characters to possess a surname. This itself isn't too far off with the traditional Asian theme of the series, in that traditionally, in East Asian cultures, family names were reserved exclusively for members of high nobility, much like the wealthy Bei Fong family, before common people started adopting family names for themselves. Alternatively, this may be due to the Anglicisation all of the names have undergone, which can be seen when comparing the names given to the Chinese characters occasionally used to spell them. An Ang as written, for example, is rendered as Aang when spoken, and Ai Luo becomes Iroh. In case you're wondering, yes that's probably how they made their names.

** In [[Sequel Series]] ''[[~~The Legend of Korra (Animation)|~~The Legend of Korra]]'', surnames are likewise rare. Lin Beifong, daughter of Toph, has one. Hiroshi Sato and his daughter Asami also have last names. They're rich, but not from nobility, as Hiroshi was stated to be a [[Self-Made Man]]. [[Fictional Sport|Pro-Bending]] [[Combat Commentator]] Shiro Shinobi also has one.

** In [[Sequel Series]] ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'', surnames are likewise rare. Lin Beifong, daughter of Toph, has one. Hiroshi Sato and his daughter Asami also have last names. They're rich, but not from nobility, as Hiroshi was stated to be a [[Self-Made Man]]. [[Fictional Sport|Pro-Bending]] [[Combat Commentator]] Shiro Shinobi also has one.

* The naming conventions of the ''[[Transformers]]'' tend towards one-word names, like Dirge, Cliffjumper, or Rattrap. Two-word names such as Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, or Nemesis Breaker, aren't uncommon, but rarely is the second word treated as a surname. (Think of it as akin to some people in the southern United States bearing double first names such as Billy Bob or Rita Mae. Optimus Prime is called simply "Prime" fairly often, but that's because it's a title like "Captain".) Transformers with names of three or more words are EXCEEDINGLY uncommon, and generally only in Japanese continuity.

** However, being robots who routinely re-use identical bodies, names, and color schemes, this is probably not a big concern.

* Spoofed in an episode of ''[[~~Cow and Chicken (Animation)|~~Cow and Chicken]]''. The Red Guy accuses Chicken's friend Flem of having [[Embarrassing Middle Name|a girl's name for a middle name]]. Flem protests "I don't have a middle name! I don't even have a last name! I'm just Flem!"

* Spoofed in an episode of ''[[Cow and Chicken]]''. The Red Guy accuses Chicken's friend Flem of having [[Embarrassing Middle Name|a girl's name for a middle name]]. Flem protests "I don't have a middle name! I don't even have a last name! I'm just Flem!"

* "The Frying Game," an episode of ''[[The Simpsons (~~Animation~~)|The Simpsons]]'' includes Lou the cop telling a reporter that he and Eddie (the other cop) have no last name "like Cher."

* "The Frying Game," an episode of ''[[The Simpsons (animation)|The Simpsons]]'' includes Lou the cop telling a reporter that he and Eddie (the other cop) have no last name "like Cher."

** In fact, a majority of recurring characters in Springfield, as well as certain one-time characters do not have last names, while some characters have their identities concealed be nicknames, honorifics, and occupational titles. If fact, many of the same recurring children of Springfield Elementary only have first names, while their full identities are never mention, possibly due to the negligence of the school staff and the writers.

* Timon and Pumbaa from ''[[The Lion King]]'' were given last names, Berkowitz and Smith, respectively in ''[[Timon and Pumbaa]]'' (Nowadays, though, [[Canon Dis Continuity|Disney pretends they weren't]].)

* ''[[~~Fosters~~ Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' is an interesting case, everyone has only a first name, like Mac, or only a last name, like Mr Herriman. Only two main cast members are exceptions; Frankie has a last name by association (she's Madame Foster's Granddaughter) and Bloo, because he's the main character.

* ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' is an interesting case, everyone has only a first name, like Mac, or only a last name, like Mr Herriman. Only two main cast members are exceptions; Frankie has a last name by association (she's Madame Foster's Granddaughter) and Bloo, because he's the main character.

** Though Bloo's last name was just made up by three-year-old Mac, of course.

* Pickles the Drummer of ''[[Metalocalypse]]'' is the only member of the band without a last name of any kind.

** They even avert mentioning is surname when visiting his relatives in multiple episodes, but not to the point of lampshade hanging.

* ''[[The Backyardigans]]''' title characters. Subverted during one episode, "Whodunit?" where Uniqua was Uniqua Underhood and Austin was Austin Frothingslosh. But you [[Embarrassing Middle Name|can't help but laugh at the latter's surname, just how stupid it is]].

* No character in Disney's ''[[Beauty and ~~The Beast (Disney)|Beauty and The~~ Beast]]'' has more than one name.

* No character in Disney's ''[[Beauty and the Beast]]'' has more than one name.

** Very few Disney characters have both a first and last name. Almost everyone in ''[[Mulan]]'' has a family name, but that's an exception (and a somewhat necessary one, since Asian cultures use the surname far more than Westerners). Some of the name shortage is justified (Arabic names usually include a patronymic, so with ''[[Aladdin (Disney)|Aladdin]]'' not knowing who his father is, he couldn't have one) and some of it isn't (why are princes with no family identifiers running around? Usually your family is the reason you're a prince in the first place...)

** Very few Disney characters have both a first and last name. Almost everyone in ''[[Mulan]]'' has a family name, but that's an exception (and a somewhat necessary one, since Asian cultures use the surname far more than Westerners). Some of the name shortage is justified (Arabic names usually include a patronymic, so with ''[[Aladdin (Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' not knowing who his father is, he couldn't have one) and some of it isn't (why are princes with no family identifiers running around? Usually your family is the reason you're a prince in the first place...)

*** [[Truth in Television]] Real princes don't use family names - they don't need to, at least in their own countries, their title and first given name is sufficient identification.

* Several characters on ''[[The Fairly Odd Parents]]'' fall into this trope. The most obvious are Cosmo and Wanda. On the human side, we have Vicky, Tootie, Elmer, and Sajay. Trixie Tang is the only member of [[Rich Bitch|The Popular Kids]] to have a full name.

** Cosmo and Wanda's full names [[Word of God|were revealed to be]] Cosmo Julius Cosma (thus why his mother is always called "Mama Cosma") and Wanda Venus Fairywinkle-Cosma, respectively.

* ''[[An American Tail]]'' has Tiger and Bridget with only a first name, in a series that usually prides itself in coming up with creative [[Species Surname|Species Surnames]].

* Henry and June of ''[[Ka Blam]]!''.

* Henry and June of ''[[Ka Blam!]]!''.

* Dib from ''[[Invader Zim]]'' has no last name. Though many fans assume that it's simply "Membrane", as his father is called "Professor Membrane", but [[Word of God]] is that "Membrane" is his father's ''first'' name. However when the Meekrob tried to get his name right and called him "Dib...Dib...whatever your last name is..." Dib simply replied with "that's right."

* Pretty much everybody in ''[[Winx Club]]'', including Bloom and Roxy, who grew up on Earth and therefore [[No Name Given|should have last names]]. Everyone else from the Magical Dimension identifies him- or herself by the realm they're from.

* Several characters from ''[[Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers ~~(Animation)~~|Galaxy Rangers]]'', Niko being the most obvious (as the other three have surnames).

* Several characters from ''[[Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers|Galaxy Rangers]]'', Niko being the most obvious (as the other three have surnames).

* [[Gorillaz]] guitarist Noodle was created in a laboratory and apparently had no name at all until the other band members found her. They named her Noodle [[Verbal Tic Name|because it was the only English word she knew]] at the time, and she still doesn't have a surname.

* [[The Nightmare Before Christmas|Sally]] has no last name, though fans usually give the last name of [[Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter|Finklestein]], [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|Ragdoll]], or in [[Fan Fics]] where she's married to Jack, Skellington.

* [[The Nightmare Before Christmas|Sally]] has no last name, though fans usually give the last name of [[Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter|Finklestein]], [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|Ragdoll]], or in [[Fan Fics]] where she's married to Jack, Skellington.

* All of the ''[[Gargoyles]]'' have only one name, if they have a name at all.

* The titular character of ''[[Hey Arnold]]'' was never given a last name. He even won a contest once and when the announcer said he couldn't read the last name Stinky turned to Arnold and said it could only be him "on account of you being the only kid named Arnold in the whole school."

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* Most pets and named livestock have only one name, although vets sometimes append the human owner's surname for ease of record-keeping.

* Two Disney actresses, Lalaine Vergara-Paras and [[Zendaya Coleman]], are credited as just Lalaine and Zendaya respectively.

* In French-speaking countries it is a quite common phenomenon for people working in the arts and literature to use made-up names of this type, e. g. playwright [[~~Moliere (Creator)|~~Moliere]] (born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin), writer and philosopher [[Voltaire (Creator)|Voltaire]] (Francois-Marie Arouet), novelist [[~~Stendhal (Creator)|~~Stendhal]] (Henri Beyle), the architect Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris), actors Fernandel (Fernand-Joseph-Désiré Contadin), Arletty (Léonie Bathiat), Bourvil (André-Zacharie Raimbourg), and Capucine (Germaine Lefebvre), and comics artists Moebius (Jean Henri Gaston Giraud), Morris (Maurice De Bevere) and Tibet (Gilbert Gascard). Among Francophone comics creators there is a particular fashion to use noms-de-plume that are phonetic representations of their initials, a fashion probably started by Hergé (Georges Rémi) that includes Achdé, Peyo, Jijé, Jidéem, etc. Marvano (Marc van Oppen) is a borderline case.

* In French-speaking countries it is a quite common phenomenon for people working in the arts and literature to use made-up names of this type, e. g. playwright [[Moliere]] (born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin), writer and philosopher [[Voltaire (Creator)|Voltaire]] (Francois-Marie Arouet), novelist [[Stendhal]] (Henri Beyle), the architect Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris), actors Fernandel (Fernand-Joseph-Désiré Contadin), Arletty (Léonie Bathiat), Bourvil (André-Zacharie Raimbourg), and Capucine (Germaine Lefebvre), and comics artists Moebius (Jean Henri Gaston Giraud), Morris (Maurice De Bevere) and Tibet (Gilbert Gascard). Among Francophone comics creators there is a particular fashion to use noms-de-plume that are phonetic representations of their initials, a fashion probably started by Hergé (Georges Rémi) that includes Achdé, Peyo, Jijé, Jidéem, etc. Marvano (Marc van Oppen) is a borderline case.

* Before people started making proper armies and the urbanization everyone where [[Only One Name]]. Last names where pretty much invented to stop fifteen people show up whenever someone screamed 'Tom'; wich gives us the poor imagination when it comes to some of the more common last names (Tom the Baker = Tom Baker; John the Smith = John Smith etcetera.)

* And now the Welsh, due to a shortage of distinct surnames, are repeating the process, to distinguish, e.g., Tom Jones the baker from Tom Jones the singer.