Can I alter the default setting to surname, first name when adding a new customer

Glad to see you in the Community, @unwearoutable.

Allow me to provide some information about changing the default settings in QuickBooks when adding new customers.

When creating a customer, the ability to alter the default settings is presently unavailable in QuickBooks. You will, however, be able to select the Display name as field for the last name and then the surname to appear on your sales forms. I can show you how:

1. Open the Sales menu. Then go to the Customers tab.
2. Click on New Customer.
3. Fill out all necessary information.
4. From the Display name as drop-down, select the customer's name (Surname, First name).
5. Once done, click on Save.

This is how the customer's name should appear on your sales forms moving forward:

For future use, check out this article about how you manage your sales forms in QuickBooks: Customise invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

It's my pleasure to always help. Feel free to hit the Reply button if you have other concerns about this or with QuickBooks. Have a great week ahead!