Name Suffixes When Listing Last Name First
Surname-first name inversion is a formatting/style task rather than a universal grammar rule. Chicago and MLA both place the suffix after the given-name portion in inverted forms, but their punctuation conventions are style-specific. This guide therefore separates stable ordering from variable punctuation.
When a style calls for surname-first inversion, keep a generational suffix such as Jr., Sr., II, or III with the given-name side: for example, “King, Martin Luther, Jr.” or “Surname, Given Name, III.” Punctuation is style-dependent, so follow the citation, database, or house style you are using.
Key details
Style-by-style guidance
Chicago
Chicago shows inverted names in the order surname, given name, suffix and uses commas in the inverted form.
Mla
MLA Works Cited guidance likewise places a suffix after the first/middle name portion in an inverted author entry.
Important caveats
Degree Boundary
Do not treat degrees such as PhD or MA as generational suffixes; citation styles may omit them entirely.
Punctuation Boundary
Do not infer one universal comma rule from the ordering rule. Citation styles, databases, and house styles can specify punctuation differently.
Further guidance
Ordering
In surname-first listings, keep the generational suffix after the given-name portion rather than attaching it directly to the surname: “Surname, Given Name, Jr.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Jr., Sr., III — CMOS Q&A (opens in a new tab)The Chicago Manual of Style · Surname-first inversion keeps a generational suffix after the given-name portion; punctuation follows Chicago style.
- MLA Works Cited Page: Basic Format (opens in a new tab)Purdue Online Writing Lab · MLA author-name inversion places suffixes such as Jr. or II after the first/middle-name portion and separates them with a comma.