I happen to hail from a place that has a `non-standard' system. My given name is written last (i.e. the `last name'). We don't have a notion of family names. I am called `Asokan' on informal occasions as well.
The `N.' stands for my first name, "Nadarajah". In very legal circumstances (e.g. in my passport), I use this first name in full as well. "Nadarajah" is my father's last name. My full name, Nadarajah Asokan, essentially means "Nadarajah's son Asokan." So, this is why I don't want to be called "Nadarajah", regardless of how chummy you are. Still not confused?? By the way, "Nadarajah" is a variation of the name "Nataraja." It is a manifestation of Lord Shiva as he dances his dance at the end of the universe!
My name means "he who is without sorrow". It is derived from the sanskrit word "asoka". There was a famous Indian emperor who was probably the first person to sport this name. The wheel in the Indian national flag is called the "ashoka chakra." The three-lion pillar erected by King Asoka is also used as a national symbol of India.
A village in New York is called Ashokan. I don't know how it came about. The village is now largely under the Ashokan reservior which is said to supply water to about 50% of NYC residents. There is a tune called the "Ashokan Farewell" composed by Jay Unger. It was later used as the theme song in the PBS television series The Civil War .
If you think that wasn't complicated enough for you, ask me about the pronounciation of my name -- that is a whole new can of worms!
