Family Name or Last Name?

[Be77]

Hi,

Now. On form N-400 part 8: it says Spouse's Family name (LAST NAME) i understand that and very clear, but if i back backward when i filed for my GC On part 3 on form I-485 it says there (List your present husband/wife ....) and on the buttom there it says (FAMILY NAME)(GIVEN NAME)(MIDDLE INITIAL) Now. is there any difference between family name and last name?? because i noticed on form N-400 it says Family name (LAST NAME) and on the I-485 it says Just (Family Name) the reason i am asking that because my spouse originally from Italy, But now American for so many Years and i think Italian people using Family name as a maiden name, and they have also last name ? so i was wondering if this can make a problem when i file for my Citizenship ? because i heard they will review my I-485 Application, and i dont want any problem..


Thank you.

 

[König]

Now. is there any difference between family name and last name??

No offence, but after reading some of your questions on this forum, I really wonder how you have survived up to this point?

Back to the topic: if they want to know your wife's maiden name, they will clearly ask for 'maiden' name. If you do not see word 'maiden' anywhere, the bets are that they probably want to know your wife's current surname. I would rather prefer them using this unambiguous word 'surname' instead of alternating between 'family name' and 'last name' on various official federal and state forms. But that is just a methodical European speaking in me...

 

[Be77]

The reason we did that because on the Form I-485 was there a Family name. so we did put the family name but on the affidavit of support was there LAST NAME so we got confused we thought the family name is the maiden name , which is different from the Last name ?


Oh by the way i dint get this? <No offence, but after reading some of your questions on this forum, I really wonder how you have survived up to this point? >

well i am new on this things so if i know i will not ask and i see no problem to ask.


Thank you.

 

[König]

The reason we did that because on the Form I-485 was there a Family name. so we did put the family name but on the affidavit of support was there LAST NAME so we got confused we thought the family name is the maiden name , which is different from the Last name ?

Family name and last name are two exactly same things in the USA. They both mean current surname. It is beyond my understanding why the US federal government would not adopt one term (e.g. surname) to use on all official forms.