Why do some kids have 2 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.

Is it common for kids to have two last names?

Pros: Two percent of families in the BabyCenter survey gave their child both parents' last names, either linked with a hyphen or not.

What's the purpose for having two last names?

Professional identity: Hyphenation would be a practical way to keep your name recognition. Easier ancestry: Genealogists will appreciate that your lineage is still traceable. Preventing the extinction of a name: If you have children together, your surname will carry on for at least another generation.

Why would a child have a hyphenated 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.

Why do Mexican kids have two last names?

The two surnames names are ancestral, with the father's family name followed by the mother's family name. In Colombia, for example, “Ernesto Escobar Vega” uses two surnames (“Escobar Vega ”) as his legal name, with “Escobar” coming from his father and “Vega” coming from his mother.

What Your Last Name Means

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.

What are the disadvantages of having two last names?

Whose last name does baby take if parents are not married?

In cases where the child is born out of wedlock, the child often gets the mother's last name. But if paternity is established, both parents have the right to petition the court to change the child's last name. After the name change, the court will issue a new birth certificate with the changed name.

Whose last name goes first when hyphenating?

Generally, there are no set rules or etiquette when it comes to deciding exactly how your hyphenated last name will read. 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.

Do you need fathers permission to hyphenate last name?

Can You Change Your Child's Last Name Without Father Consent? Yes you can. Unfortunately, a father is often not in the picture when a child is growing up.

Why do people have 2nd names?

But the way we use middle names today originated in the Middle Ages when Europeans couldn't decide between giving their child a family name or the name of a saint. They eventually settled on naming their children with the given name first, baptismal name second, and surname third.

How do you list someone with two last names?

If the surname is hyphenated, include both names and the hyphen in the reference list entry and in-text citation.

Can I have two last names but only use one?

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.

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.

What makes a last name rare?

There are a number of reasons why you might have a rare surname. Names linked to niche professions that no longer exist, migration, colloquialisms and even entire families being wiped out during war could contribute to your family name being less common than others.

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.

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.

Why do blacks have hyphenated last names?

Hyphenated names are also common in African culture where names can be derived from family history (see Pops Mensah-Bonsu) and in Hispanic culture where the mother's name is included in the family name (see David Diaz-Infante).

Do I have to take both of my husband's last names?

No. When you marry, you are free to keep your own name or take your husband's name without a court-ordered name change. The same is true whether you're in a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage.

What is the last name of a child born out of wedlock?

A child born out of wedlock is usually given the mother's last name, particularly if paternity has not been established.

Do kids get mom or dad's last name?

Though few studies on the topic have been conducted, evidence suggests that in almost every American family with a mom and a dad, children receive their father's last name.

Can a mother legally not put father on birth certificate?

It is not illegal for a mother not to put the father's name on the birth certificate. A father's name does not have to be added at the time of registering the birth. A father's name can be added to the birth certificate at a later time.

How do you address someone with two last names?

The same way you address someone with one last name: you use the last name, whether it is one name or two names or hyphenated. For example, if the person's name is Powlett Jones, you address him as Mr. (or if female, Mrs. or Miss or Ms, depending upon her status) Powlett Jones.

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.

How do you address a family with two last names?

It is also acceptable to use "John and Mary Smith and Family" or "The Smith Family." However, it is acceptable today to also have the mother's name first in family signatures such as "Mary, John, Matthew and Susan Smith." If there are two different last names and the couple has children, then it would be proper to sign ...