NY wrote:

Why *do* Americans insist on using their middle initials/names on official
documentation? Does "John H Smith" sound more impressive than "John Smith"?

Apparently it does. Harry S Truman was given his middle initial in order
to suggest a middle name that he didn’t actually have.

And why do so many Americans have Roman numerals after their names? Is it
because children are named after their father, grandfather and great
grandfather (all called John Smith, distinguished by I, II, III and IV
suffix) rather than being adventurous and choosing different forenames for
each generation?

It’s their way of creating a dynasty. It usually goes Sr, Jr, III, etc.

Sam

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