When combined, 全 (quán) + 名 (míng) literally means “whole name,” a perfect and direct description of its meaning.
The concept of a “full name” exists everywhere, but the usage of 全名 highlights a key difference between Chinese and many Western cultures. In Chinese culture, the family name (姓, xìng) comes first, followed by the given name (名, míng). This structure emphasizes the importance of the family and collective group over the individual. Your identity is first tied to your lineage, then to you as a person. In a professional or formal setting, addressing someone by their 全名 (e.g., “张伟 Zhāng Wěi”) or by their title and surname (e.g., “张经理 Zhāng Jīnglǐ” - Manager Zhang) is the standard and respectful way to do so. This contrasts with the common Western practice of quickly moving to a first-name basis to establish friendliness. In China, using only a person's given name upon first meeting can be seen as overly familiar, presumptuous, or even disrespectful, especially if they are older or of a higher status. The 全名 acts as a marker of formal, respectful distance.
You will encounter and need to use 全名 in many common situations:
It is rarely used between friends, family, or close colleagues, who would opt for nicknames, given names, or other familiar forms of address.