Can I have two last names but only use one?

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.

When having two last names which one do you use?

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.

Is having 2 last names normal?

The use of double surnames is legal but not customary. Children traditionally take on their father’s surname (or, more recently, optionally their mother’s).

Can you be born with two last names?

In Spain and Spanish American countries, except Argentina, each person has two surnames. Some of the Spanish records in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Texas may use two surnames, although this varies by time period.

How do you monogram a two word last name?

For an individual with a hyphenated last name, begin with the first name initial, followed by the two last name initials, and end with the middle name initial. The two last name initials (center) will be larger.

Is it annoying to have a hyphenated last name?

Hyphenated last names are annoying. They’re impractical (what’s a hyphenate supposed to do if they marry another hyphenate?) and they force small children to lug around big, unwieldy names that never fit on their cubbies.

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.

Why do we hyphenate a child’s last name?

Judges have done so in the past because the hyphenated name becomes a symbolic reminder to the child of his or her relationship with both the father and mother. The hyphenated name becomes a reminder of the ethics heritage of both parents.

Can you 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.

Which name goes first in hyphenated last name?

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.

Should I give my child a hyphenated last name?

Even though it’s still much more common for kids to take on either their father’s or their mother’s last name, there are more than enough hyphenated kids running around for it to be shocking. While giving your baby a hyphenated last name can lead to a few inconveniences in life, it was the right decision for us.