Seniority is the term which denotes the string, usually written after a personal name, denoting a dynastic position, such as Senior, Junior, I, II, II, The Third and so on. It is common is the United States and is also found to a lesser extent in other societies throughout the world. It is used to distinguish members of the same family sharing the same name. A person may not be given the seniority indicator at birth. For example, John Smith would only become John Smith Senior upon the birth of his son, John Smith Junior.
Seniority indicators are used far more amongst males than amongst females.
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