What's the difference in usage between 氏名 (しめい) and 名前 (なまえ)?


What's the difference in usage between 氏名 (しめい) and 名前 (なまえ)?

I often see these two words used interchangeably, but more often than not I
see 氏名 on websites. Is this a politeness difference or an actual word
definition difference?




氏名 always refers to a person's full name, both family and given. It also has
the connotation of "legal name."

名前 also refers to a person's full name--but it can also mean their given name,
in the right context (for instance, "We gave the baby a name" or "I want you
to call me by my name"). 名前 can also refer to the names of objects, while 氏名
cannot.




氏名 always refers to a person's full name, both family and given. It also has
the connotation of "legal name."

名前 also refers to a person's full name--but it can also mean their given name,
in the right context (for instance, "We gave the baby a name" or "I want you
to call me by my name"). 名前 can also refer to the names of objects, while 氏名
cannot.

