before their name.
I think it is per pro, but can't remember what the literal translation is. It means on behalf of, which is why it is before their name.
I thought the same as Goofy but have now looked it up. Apparently it comes from Latin per procurationem - 'through the agency of' - which in effect means 'by', so you should put it before your own name, not that of the person you're signing for. However, says my OED, it's now widely taken to mean 'on behalf of' and so is commonly put before the other person's name.
I guess that means either way is acceptable. Not sure if that will save your handbags or not.
I thought it should be before my name if I am signing it as jno says. May decide not to tell my colleagues that it is acceptable both ways and just say I am right. Well it is Friday after all, what better way to wind them up for the weekend!!!!
I was taught that the translation of per procurationem (per pro) was -
By delegation to
the name of the party to (say) the contract was written first
and the pp / per pro was written before the signature of the person 'authorised' to sign on their behalf?
so pandabear, the pp should go in front of the person who is actually signing the letter, right? I knew it! Great, still got two hours to go on and on and on about how I was right and they (losers) were all wrong. Yippee.
well since none of my colleagues know about Ab or how I got the answers and since I have been going on about it all afternoon I have decided to make a management decision.