Surname

A surname or family name is a name added to a given name. In many cases, a surname is a family name and many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name". In the western hemisphere, it is commonly synonymous with last name because it is usually placed at the end of a person's given name.

In most Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries, two or more last names (or surnames) may be used. In China, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Taiwan, Vietnam, and parts of India, the family name is placed before a person's given name.

The style of having both a family name (surname) and a given name (forename) is far from universal. In many countries, it is common for ordinary people to have only one name or mononym.

The concept of a "surname" is a relatively recent historical development, evolving from a medieval naming practice called a "byname". Based on an individual's occupation or area of residence, a byname would be used in situations where more than one person had the same name.

Daniel Davison

Daniel Travis Davison (born January 28, 1983) is an American drummer, musician, artist, and filmmaker. Davison was born in Douglasville, Georgia, and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for being a co-founder and former drummer of the band Norma Jean. He wrote and recorded on every record of Norma Jean's until 2007. His last record with the band was Redeemer. Davison was also the last active drummer of the Florida-based metalcore band Underoath before the band's breakup in 2013.

Davison is also an artist and video director. In 2007, after 10 years with Norma Jean, he decided to part ways with the band and pursue his own artistic endeavors. Upon leaving Norma Jean he and his partner Tes Hash founded the film and video company ISTHMUS Studios. Hash has since left the music and film industry and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Chicago.

In early 2010, Davison started playing music again with the indie rock band Colour Revolt. He played several shows with them and recorded drums on their latest record, The Cradle (album). In May 2010, Davison succeeded drummer Aaron Gillespie in the band Underoath before the group disbanded in 2013 (Underoath would later reform in 2015 with Gillespie back). Davison helped write and record what would be Underoath's final record, Ø (Disambiguation).Underoath reunited in 2015, but Davison was not featured in the new line-up, due to Gillespie coming back in the band.