Can a child have two last names?

Some names lend themselves well to hyphenation while others don't. If you don't like hyphens but still want to use both names, your child can simply have two last names. This is the norm in many Spanish-speaking countries, where kids get one last name from each parent.

When you have two last names which one do you use?

A hyphenated last name my also be called a double surname or double-barrelled surname. For example, Sarah Smith marries Adam Jones. A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. It's your choice which name comes first.

What does it mean to have two last names?

What Is a Hyphenated Last Name? A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application.

Can you legally have two last names without a hyphen?

Answer: As long as you can submit an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate documenting the use of two last names without the hyphen, then you can have them both on your passport.

Can I give my baby my second last name?

No law in the US requires that parent and child have the same last name. It is usual that a child's name match that of at least one parent, but not required. A parent can change his or her name, without changing the names of any existing children.

Can a baby have 2 last names?

Can you hyphenate a baby's last name?

Go with a hyphenated last name

When contending with two last names, couples sometimes choose to hyphenate their child's name (e.g. Smith-Hawkins). Jessica, a tech worker from San Francisco whose parents weren't married when she was born, has lived with a hyphenated last name.

Does mom or dad's last name go first?

Traditionally, the first surname is paternal and comes from the father, while the second surname is maternal and comes from the mother. In recent years, some countries have allowed parents to alter the order of surnames for their children, but in historical records paternal surnames generally precede maternal names.

Can you double barrel your child's surname?

Yes, you can choose to double barrel your child's name. If you and your spouse don't share the same last name but you want to make sure that you both share a last name with your child, it's possible to pass on both names to the child in the form of double barrelled or hyphenated surname.

Can you combine two last names?

Every state has its own rules on what you can and can't do regarding name changes after marriage. In most states, you have the option to take your spouse's last name, hyphenate your last names, use two last names without a hyphen, or move your maiden name to your middle name and take your spouse's last name.

Can I legally have two names?

You have one legal name. You can petition the court to change it. Depending on the circumstances using a different name can render you civilly or criminally liable for all sorts of things...

Which last name goes first?

You can go the "traditional" route and list your "maiden" name first, or you could choose to list your new last name first, followed by your original last name.

How do you address a family with two last names?

How many names can your baby have?

In most states, parents are required to give their child a minimum of two names on their birth certificate, a first name and a surname.

How do you mix last names?

"The easiest and most common way to blend two surnames is to double-barrel, with or without a hyphen," says Cécile. "A couple has the right to assume or combine surnames with their marriage certificate, in whichever order, assuming they are not making any changes to the spelling.

Can I make up a new last name?

It's certainly not as common as the more conventional solutions of combining names or taking on a new name at marriage, but inventing last names is definitely a thing. And it's totally legal, though it can cause paper trail hassles until everything is all straightened out.

Why do guys have hyphenated last names?

People in Britain during the 15th century began hyphenating their last names in order to commemorate the combining of their family fortunes. Also, when there were no male heirs, the bride's name could be taken on by the husband.

What is a compound last name?

Surnames that are composed of more than one word, including double-barrelled surnames. There may or may not be a hyphen.

Which name comes first in double barrel?

Which name goes first? There are no rules as to whether you or your partner's surname goes first in a double barrel.

Can I remove father's name from birth certificate?

It is not possible to remove father from birth certificate who is the natural father of a child. Therefore, no matter how strained your relationship is with your former partner you are not able to remove father from birth certificate.

How do I hyphenate my child's last name?

Given both circumstance, and increasing compromise between both parents in a paternity case is to hyphenate the last name. The court will take the mother and father's last name and hyphenate it together. Many courts are encouraging hyphenated last name to increase settlement in cases.

How is a baby's last name determined?

The name of the mother is listed on the birth record as First, Middle and Last (Maiden). In other words, her last name on the birth record would be the last name given to her at her birth.

Why should a child have the father's last name?

"[Giving the man's last name to the child] can be a way of having a sense of two parents," she explains. "It's also a way of trusting in the marriage -- saying, 'This is someone I can count on. ' It's about enjoying the good parts of being part of a family, of feeling somehow that this man is making a commitment."

What surname does a baby take when parents are not married?

Children normally take the surname of their father unless their mother wishes them to have a different surname and the father agrees to this. Unmarried fathers do not have to register their children's birth and have no independent right to have their name entered on the birth certificate.

What names are forbidden?

Can I name my kid Jesus?

Some people wonder whether they can name their child a number or a trademark, or emoji. Although there are certain states with no naming laws at all —such as Kentucky— in most states, these names would be prohibited. Here are some examples of illegal names in the United States: Jesus Christ.