why not first name and surname

[Dr. Steinman]

I wonder why there are no first names and surnames
e.g. [first name (mandatory), nickname (optional), last name (optional)]

The game could automatically give a character a nickname if its first attribute or skill reaches a certain value (e.g. 90).
A blacksmith could then suddenly be called John 'The Hammer' Doe and everyone would know that is the best blacksmith.

The nicknames could be created from a list to match the skill or attribute.
That would give the characters a personal touch again.

[ronvandorp]

Nothing is stopping you from putting in longer names. "Rane the Giant" for example.

Does become quite a mess on the avatars and in-game.

[lucidmadness]

I agree with ron. If you want first, nick ,and last names just change them. If you're a member of the thieves guild you can do plastic surgery (which also provides name change im pretty sure) for free from them.

[Grimmrok]

you can do plastic surgery (which also provides name change im pretty sure) for free from them.

Unless your character is mute.

[swillo]

I think they should just let us change the names with out surgery. Then you could put in whatever you wanted.
So I could put "the hammer" or "the cook" or something that actually has meaning to me.

[bargian]

Or being able to rename your chars in your own outpost? Like special building / item or some kind of buyable equipment for your guy that will make him like that bar's plastic surgeon.
Or just 'hiring' plastic surgeon so he will come to live in our outpost.

[ronvandorp]

You can just kidnap and cage a plastic surgeon.