Editing Personal name (section)

=== English-speaking countries ===
==== Generational designation ====
When names are repeated across generations, the senior or junior generation (or both) may be designed with the [[suffix (name)|name suffix]] "Sr." or "Jr.", respectively (in the former case, retrospectively); or, more formally, by an [[ordinal numeral|ordinal]] [[Roman number]] such as "I", "II" or "III". In the Catholic tradition, papal names are distinguished in sequence, and may be reused many times, such as [[Pope John XXIII|John XXIII]] (the 23rd pope assuming the papal name "John").

In the case of the American presidents [[George H. W. Bush]] and his son [[George W. Bush]], distinct middle initials serve this purpose instead, necessitating their more frequent use. The improvised and unofficial "Bush Sr." and "Bush Jr." were nevertheless tossed about in banter on many [[entertainment journalism]] opinion panels; alternatively, they became distinguished merely as "W." and "H. W.".

==== Rank, title, honour, accreditation, and affiliation ====
In formal address, personal names may be preceded by [[pre-nominal letters]], giving title (e.g. Dr., [[military rank|Captain]]), or social rank, which is commonly gendered (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss.) and might additionally convey [[marital status]]. Historically, professional titles such as "Doctor" and "Reverend" were largely confined to male professions, so these were implicitly gendered.

In formal address, personal names, inclusive of a generational designation, if any, may be followed by one or more [[post-nominal letters]] giving office, honour, decoration, accreditation, or formal affiliation.