title: varchar or nvarchar
body: <p>I am storing first name and last name with up to 30 characters each. Which is better <code>varchar</code> or <code>nvarchar</code>.</p>
  
  <p>I have read that <code>nvarchar</code> takes up twice as much space compared to <code>varchar</code> and that <code>nvarchar</code> is used for  internationalization. </p>
  
  <p>So what do you suggest should I use: <code>nvarchar</code> or <code>varchar</code> ?</p>
  
  <p>Also please let me know about the performance of both. Is performance for both is same or they differ in performance. Because space is not too big issue. Issue is the performance.</p>