What is Middle Name?

hi, there is some difference between UK/HK and US English.
in UK/HK .... Surname is {Chan}, Name is {Sam}, Middle Name is {Tai Man}.
in US .... First name is {Sam}, Last name is {Chan}, Middle Name is {Tai Man}. however some ppl do not have {Sam}, so, First name is {Tai}, Last name is {Chan}, Middle name is {Man}

This is the differences. (plural or singular???)
learnt in standardised american english elementary school???

2008-09-26 19:52:51 補充：
When you were born. Your parent (gave) you your name.

2008-10-01 00:29:13 補充：
look like we have a word program in Comments sections.
*** Not a word programme, but a grammar tutorial~ haaaaa

Section(s)?????

middle name is tai
man is last name
chan is your surname & family name

in western cultures, most people have a middle name,
e.g. Kitty Elaine Hans
Kitty = first name
Elaine = middle name (or sometimes christian name)
Hans = surname/last name
but in eastern cultures, we only have first names and last names
e.g. Chan Tai Man, Sam
Chan = surname/last name
Tai Man, Sam = first name