Should you use a single “Full Name” field or separate "First Name" and "Last Name" fields in the checkout process? It depends entirely on the context. Using a single name field can be a more user-oriented approach, especially in a global context. It can speed up the form-filling process, reducing friction. It can eliminate confusion in cultures where the name is handled differently, such as in Japan, Korea, and Romania, where the family name comes before the first name. A single name field also simplifies the process and minimizes user errors on mobile devices where space is a constraint and typing is difficult.

However, using separate fields for first and last names can facilitate more personalized communication in marketing, like emails or push notifications. For example, addressing someone as "Hey John" feels more personal than "Hi John Connor." Also, certain industries with strong identification requirements, such as medical, government, or financial sectors, may require names to be stored separately. Some technical systems or APIs might necessitate first and last names to be distinct for functionality purposes.