1st, 2nd, 3rd stage naming

[Lohan2008]

I was wondering what is the convention for naming the stages on real life rockets ?

^ top =

^^ middle

^^^ bottom

Edited December 4, 2013 by Lohan2008

[Lohan2008]

In serial staging, shown above, there is a small, second stage rocket that is placed on top of a larger first stage rocket. The first stage is ignited at launch and burns through the powered ascent until its propellants are exhausted. The first stage engine is then extinguished, the second stage separates from the first stage, and the second stage engine is ignited. The payload is carried atop the second stage into orbit. http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/rktstage.html

What system does the Russians, EU use ?