Can my child have both parents last name?

Can a baby have both parents last name if not married? With a few exceptions, most states allow parents to choose their child's name, without restriction. Unmarried partners can decide to choose one parent's last name, hyphenate both last names, or create a new last name that combines both parents' names.

Does a baby have to have one of the parents last name?

Whether you are married or not, you don't have to give the baby the last name of either parent if you don't want to, and the child does not have to have the father's last name to be considered "legitimate." (See the article Legitimacy of Children Born to Unmarried Parents for more on the subject.)

Can you have two last names?

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 2 families have the same last name?

Many people ask the question, are people with the same last name related? Surnames can be shared between unrelated people without a biological relationship. Just because two people share the same does not mean they are related. There are many common surnames.

Can you give your kid your second last name?

In California, as in many states, parents are free to give their child whatever last name they choose, including the mother's surname, father's surname or a completely different surname altogether. If an unmarried woman gives birth, she is free to make this decision by herself.

Why Should I Give My Child My Baby Daddy Last Name?

Why do kids have two last names?

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.

Whose last name should baby get?

For example, most states mandate that the child should have two names. Typically, that is the last name of the mother if she is not married and the last name of the father if married. There are states that allow unmarried mothers to choose her or the father's name.

Can a US citizen have two last names?

Answer: U.S. citizens are required to use their current legal names on their U.S. passports. Unless you can provide documentation that proves sole use of that one last name instead of two, you need to include both last names in your passport application.

Can a baby have both parents last name if not married?

With a few exceptions, most states allow parents to choose their child's name, without restriction. Unmarried partners can decide to choose one parent's last name, hyphenate both last names, or create a new last name that combines both parents' names.

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. Some couples decide to have both partners change to the hyphenated last name, as a show of unity and equality.

What are the disadvantages of having two last names?

How do you write two last names on a birth certificate?

You can use the mother's last name or you can use both the mother's last name and the father's last name with a hyphen, such as “Gonzales-Reyes.” What you decide is up to you, just be sure it's exactly what you want as a permanent record. To change it later will require a court order to do so.

Can I use any last name for my baby?

You can pretty much give your baby any random surname you want, in the U.S.. In certain jurisdictions, in paternity cases, however, the father can petition to have the name changed on the birth certificate to his last name. There are very few jurisdictions where this is the case, but Tennessee is one of them.

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

"The surname remains the only way of showing legitimacy. Without it, there's no certainty that the kid has a legal father."

Do babies take father's last name?

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.

How long can a baby go without a last name?

The hospital may ask you to fill out the birth certificate before you leave. But if you need more time, you do not have to decide at the hospital. If you do not choose a name within 10 days, the state will make a birth certificate for “baby boy” or “baby girl” with the mother's last name.

What surname do you give a baby if not married?

Parents can give their child whatever name or surname they want! Although it's traditional to give a child the father's surname, or, less commonly, the mother's surname, the child's surname could be a combination of both (for example) — or something completely different.

Can I use two names legally us?

Legally you should only have 1 legal name. HOWEVER you can have shortened or abbreviated names, nicknames and assumed names. Assumed names can be registered in county or state offices in the US.

How do you file someone who has two last names?

If your dependent has two last names or a hyphenated last name, both last names need to be entered in the last name box as it appears on the social security card. Also, if the social security card has a middle initial/name on it, that will need to be entered in the program after the first name.

Can I name my kid Jesus?

United States. III, Jesus Christ, Adolf Hilter, Santa Claus and @ were all ruled illegal by courts in the U.S.

Can a baby have two last names without a hyphen?

Having two legal last names allows your child to have both surnames but use them interchangeably. He/She will need to sign all legal documents with both names, but they can introduce him/herself with one last name, thus forgoing the mouthful that hyphenated last names can create.

What happens if parents don't agree to last name baby?

Go to a hearing

In most cases, you'll go to a court hearing. If the other parent doesn't agree, the judge will hear both sides and make a decision about your child's name change.

What does the 2nd mean in a last name?

A man named after his grandfather, uncle, or cousin uses the suffix II, “the second.” In writing, a comma is used to separate the surname and the suffixes Jr.

How does it work with 2 last names?

A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. It's your choice which name comes first. Hyphenating your last name is considered a legal name change – meaning you can't drop your spouse's name or the hyphen in the future without having to go through a court-ordered name change.

Can I hyphenate my child's last name without father's consent?

Can You Change Your Child's Last Name Without Father Consent? Yes you can.