Why are famous historical figures, especially those from wartime, often referred to by their last name instead of their first?

Question

Why are famous historical figures, especially those from wartime, often referred to by their last name instead of their first?

In: 0

Answer 1

You say that like we don’t refer to current people by their surnames. Politicians are regularly referred to by surname even when currently in office.

Surnames aren’t as commonly reused as first names, and historically it was more polite for people you weren’t good friends/family with. Hell, I’ve known people through my life who go by their surnames.