Similarities:
* Structure: Spanish names generally follow the same pattern of First name - Middle name(s) - Last name(s).
* Inheritance: Children typically receive middle names from their parents or other significant family members.
Differences:
* Frequency: Middle names are less common in Spain than in the US. They are considered optional and many people only have one middle name or none at all.
* Usage: Middle names are rarely used in everyday life. People are usually addressed by their first name. In formal settings, they might use their full first and last name.
* Tradition: Middle names often have a religious or family significance. They might honor a saint, a deceased relative, or a significant historical figure.
Examples:
* Common: Maria del Carmen González (Maria is the first name, del Carmen is the middle name, and González is the last name)
* Less Common: Pedro Antonio Miguel Rodriguez (Pedro is the first name, Antonio and Miguel are middle names, and Rodriguez is the last name)
In summary: While Spanish people can and often do have middle names, they are not as common or widely used as in the US. They are more likely to be used for family tradition and historical significance rather than for daily identification.