What is the proper response to ‘What’s your name?’ When the person asking is really looking for your last name?

Answer: If the person asking “What’s your name?” but is specifically looking for your last name, you can respond by providing your last name only.

This response directly addresses their inquiry while providing the information they are looking for. For example:

• Person: “What’s your name?”
• You: “Smith.”

By providing just your last name, you’re indicating that you understood the question to be about your surname or family name.

However, if you’re unsure of their intent and want to clarify, you can politely ask, “Are you asking for my first name or last name?” This allows you to ensure that you provide the correct information without any confusion.

It’s important to be attentive to the context of the conversation and respond accordingly to meet the other person’s needs effectively. In any case, maintaining a clear and concise communication style helps facilitate smooth interactions.