Why do people in China put their surnames before their names?

Because the surname itself is a representative, representing a family and a tribe. Surnames have a long history, and the main purpose is to distinguish the belonging of various tribes. Of course, putting them in front is to prove which tribe they belong to. It is more convenient to know a person's tribe first, and then find a person by name.

China is different from the west. Foreigners pay attention to the individual, while our culture in China pays attention to the whole and the collective. It is precisely because of this traditional culture that our current names should put our surnames first. Just like writing an address, we always write which province and which city first, from big to small, until our home. This is just the opposite of westerners.

In ancient times, surnames could represent blood relationship and tribal leaders. Therefore, it is not recommended to get married with the same surname. At first, surnames and first names were actually separated, but later they were put together. But we all have great respect for our ancestors, so we put our surnames first.