This study uses the personal name authority records in VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) to explore the classification theories which may be applied in authority control. This research provides those in library and information science (LIS) and related fields with a greater understanding of the affiliation between authority control and classification theory. This research can also be used as a reference for the application of RDA (Resources Description and Access) to improve the compilation of authority records. The results show that both the classical and modern classification theories should be used in the authority control process. The former includes the principle of mutual exclusivity and the principle of literary warrant; the latter includes the principle of family resemblance and prototype theory. Finally, it is suggested that: (1) the recording of gender in authority records should be based on prototype theory; (2) personal names in authority records should be consistent with the principle of warrant; (3) the distinction between personal names should be based on the principle of mutual exclusion; (4) consideration should be given to both natural attributes and social attributes while distinguishing personal names; and (5) family resemblance theory should be used as a basis for establishing name authority categories.