Are you named after your father? Are you a junior, II, or a III? As in James A. Baker III (former Secretary of State)? Would you name your son after yourself or would you consider that egocentric or too anachronistic? Naming a child after yourself was common in old Europe, especially among royal families, but many American families have continued the practice; juniors are common in the US, but III and IV, or V are pretty rare.
When you hear someone is a third or fourth what goes through your mind? Are you impressed? Do you think it's stupid, or do you think nothing of it? When I was in grade school my best friend was a III, and he explained to me once that it was officially part of his name. Whenever his name was written or printed the III must always appear; I remember him telling me that it was on his birth certificate! Looking back on it now, it seemed a bit pretentious, but I am sure he is still using the III in his signature, business cards, etc.
Did you know that there is technically a difference between being a "junior" and being a II (the second). I give extra credit to anyone who knows what the difference is.
