In the episode TNG: The EnemyTNG: The Enemy, Geordi La Forge is marooned on a planet with a reticent Romulan. Geordi offers his own "name and rank" but the Romulan refuses to respond in kind.
BOCHRA: Name and rank.
LAFORGE: Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge. I don't think I got yours?
BOCHRA: A Romulan ship will arrive shortly. You will accompany me on board.
LAFORGE: I don't think so. You see, we heard your message too and well, the fleet's in, Commodore. Sky's full of Federation ships.
Why does Geordi persist in calling him by this particular rank?