George Boyle
When two people get married, they may choose to combine their surnames, creating a hyphenated last name. This practice is also known as a double-barrelled surname. For example, if Ms. Hall marries Mr. Miller, she may become Mrs. Hall-Miller or Mrs. Miller-Hall. The decision about which name comes first is a matter of personal preference. A hyphenated last name is considered one name, not two separate names, and is legally recognised as a valid name change option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for hyphenating | Preserve your profile in your community, sustain name recognition, bridge the gap between your personal and professional life, sustain your career, make it easier for friends, family, and colleagues to transition to your new name |
| Reasons against hyphenating | Long name, character limits on forms of identification, technical difficulties with online forms, administrative burden, potential future roadblocks |
| Considerations | Whether names flow together, whether to use maiden name on an informal or professional basis, whether to use two middle names, state laws |
| Process | Tell the county clerk when applying for a marriage license, use marriage certificate to change name on Social Security card, bank accounts, credit cards, insurance policies, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Reasons for hyphenating two last names
There are several reasons why someone might choose to hyphenate two last names after getting married.
Firstly, hyphenating two last names allows both partners to keep their original surname while still adding their spouse's. This can be seen as a compromise, allowing both individuals to maintain their identity and honour their commitment to their spouse. It also ensures that neither person's name is lost or forfeited, which may be important if one or both partners have strong ties to their lineage or have established a successful career with name recognition.
Secondly, hyphenating can make it easier for friends, family, and colleagues to adjust to the new name, as it provides a sense of familiarity. This can be especially important for professionals who have built a profile and reputation under their original surname.
Additionally, hyphenating two last names can help to simplify the process of changing one's name after marriage, as it provides a clear and consistent format for the new surname. This can be especially relevant when dealing with legal documents, forms, and identification, where having two separate last names without a hyphen may result in technical difficulties or issues with character limits.
Finally, some people may choose to hyphenate their last names for personal or sentimental reasons. For example, they may want to honour their family roots or create a unique blend of both partners' names. Ultimately, the decision to hyphenate two last names is a personal choice, and what works for one couple may not work for another. It is important to consider the various factors involved and decide what feels right for both individuals.
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How to legally hyphenate two last names
Hyphenating your last name with your spouse's is a great way to retain your identity while also accepting your spouse's name. A hyphenated last name is a combined last name of two spouses, also called a double-barrelled surname. For example, if Sarah Smith marries Adam Jones, a hyphenated last name could be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith.
- Decide on the naming order: There are no set rules for the order of names in a hyphenated surname. You can follow personal preference, alphabetical order, aesthetics, or traditional norms, which can vary by culture or family practice.
- Consider the length: If your names are long, you may want to shorten one or both to avoid issues with character limits on official documents and online forms.
- Notify the relevant authorities: When applying for your marriage license, inform the county clerk that you intend to hyphenate your last names. This ensures that your marriage license and certificate reflect your chosen hyphenated name.
- Initiate the name change process: Once you have your marriage certificate, you can begin the legal name change process. This may involve obtaining a new Social Security card, updating official records, and amending legal documents to reflect your new hyphenated surname.
- Be consistent: It is essential to consistently use your chosen hyphenated name in legal documents, official records, and signatures. Any changes to your name in the future, such as removing the hyphen or switching the order, will likely require a court-ordered name change.
- Consider the implications: Understand the social, professional, and legal implications of hyphenating your last names. Be aware that some states may not allow hyphenated names, and there may be technical difficulties with online forms and character limits on official documents.
Remember, the decision to hyphenate your last names is a personal choice, and it is essential to discuss it with your partner to determine what is right for both of you.
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The pros and cons of hyphenating two last names
Combining two last names with a hyphen is a popular option for many couples. It is a way to honour both families' roots and can be a good solution for those who are hesitant to take their partner's name after marriage. However, there are several pros and cons to hyphenating two last names that should be considered.
Pros of Hyphenating Two Last Names
One of the biggest advantages of hyphenating two last names is that it allows both partners to retain their identity while still legally adopting their partner's last name. It can be a good option for those who have established a successful career with name recognition, prefer their original surname, or have strong ties to their lineage. Hyphenating two last names can also make it easier for friends, family, and colleagues to transition to the new name, as they will have something familiar to latch onto. Additionally, hyphenating two last names can help to bridge the gap between your personal and professional lives, especially if you have built a profile in your community under your original name.
Cons of Hyphenating Two Last Names
One potential drawback of hyphenating two last names is the possibility of having a different last name than your children, as it is not common to give hyphenated names to children. This can be a concern for some parents who want to share the same last name as their children. Another con of hyphenating two last names is the potential for technical difficulties, especially with online forms and identification documents. Some forms may not correctly read or register the hyphen, and character limits may pose an issue if the combined last names are too long. Additionally, hyphenating two last names can complicate your online presence, making it challenging to set up consistent email addresses and social media usernames. Finally, some people may find that having a hyphenated last name can be confusing, especially if they have to repeat themselves often or deal with misfilings due to their name.
Ultimately, the decision to hyphenate two last names is a personal choice, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is important to consider the pros and cons and decide what feels right for you and your partner.
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Social and cultural considerations of hyphenating two last names
The decision to hyphenate two last names in a wedding has social and cultural considerations that individuals should be aware of. While the practice is common in some cultures, it may be considered unusual or even taboo in others. For example, in British and Spanish traditions, double surnames are heritable and often used to preserve a family name that would otherwise become extinct. In Spanish culture, individuals traditionally carry both their father's and mother's surnames, while in British culture, double-barrelled surnames are often associated with aristocratic families. On the other hand, in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, having a space between two last names is more common than using a hyphen, and in Russia, it is customary to use a hyphen.
In the context of weddings, the decision to hyphenate last names is often influenced by cultural norms and expectations. Traditionally, women were expected to take their husband's last name after marriage, and while this practice remains common, there has been a recent increase in spouses choosing to keep their maiden names or to hyphenate their last names with their spouse's. This decision can be influenced by a variety of factors, including family legacy, career considerations, and personal preference. For some individuals, hyphenating their last name allows them to maintain a connection to their family of origin while also adopting their spouse's name, which can be seen as a symbol of unity and compromise.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Hyphenated last names can be long and cumbersome, particularly if both original last names are lengthy. This can lead to practical issues, such as difficulties fitting the full name on official documents or exceeding character limits on forms. Additionally, individuals with hyphenated last names may encounter challenges when trying to create consistent email addresses or social media usernames, and they may need to repeatedly correct or clarify their name with others. These considerations can also extend to future children, who may inherit a hyphenated last name or even face the prospect of "hyphens atop hyphens" if they marry someone with a hyphenated name.
Ultimately, the decision to hyphenate two last names in a wedding is a personal choice that should take into account cultural norms, family dynamics, and practical considerations. While hyphenating last names can be a way to honour both families and create a sense of unity, it may also lead to administrative complexities and potential confusion. It is important for individuals to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision that aligns with their values and preferences.
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Alternatives to hyphenating two last names
There are several alternatives to hyphenating two last names. One option is for both partners to keep their original surnames, with one or both partners choosing to pass on one of the surnames to their children. This practice is seen in Denmark, where it originated in the 19th century due to naming acts that obliged commoners to adopt heritable surnames. Another option is for one partner to take the other partner's surname as their own, which is still the most common choice for many.
Some couples may also choose to create a new blended last name, which requires a court-ordered name change. For example, a couple with the surnames McMorrow and Zanaty might choose the blended surname McZan. Alternatively, one partner can take the other's surname as their middle name, or one spouse can take the other's last name, with the other spouse taking their new middle name as their last name.
It is important to note that the laws and traditions surrounding name changes after marriage vary across different states and countries. For example, in some states, the marriage license application requires couples to declare their married name before the wedding, while in other states, the application only asks for original names. Similarly, some states may not allow hyphenation, and international variations also exist. For instance, in Spanish tradition, double surnames are the norm, while in Swedish culture, having a space between two surnames is more common than using a hyphen.
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Frequently asked questions
A hyphenated last name is when you and your partner combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. For example, if Sarah Smith marries Adam Jones, a hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. It’s your choice which name comes first.
Hyphenating your last name allows you to keep your maiden name while still taking your spouse's. Many spouses choose hyphenation because they feel it’s the best of both worlds. It can also be a way to preserve your profile and name recognition in your community and career.
Some online forms may not correctly read or register your name, and there may be character limits for certain forms of identification. If your hyphenated name is long, it may not fit on all forms of identification. You may also encounter issues with alphabetisation, as well as people dropping one of your surnames or shortening your name due to space constraints.
