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.
Which last name goes first when hyphenating?
When it comes to hyphenated last names, which goes first? 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.
Why would a male have a hyphenated last name?
The hyphenated surname or double barrelled surname was primarily used when two families of a certain standing melded together, one dying out in the male line, or when a relative left their estate on condition they took their surname. Occasionally a person with an ordinary surname who had done well, added another surname.
How do you abbreviate hyphenated last names?
How do you monogram a hyphenated 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. Read, more elaboration about it is given here. In this way, how do you do initials on a monogram?
Can you legally have two last names without a hyphen?
Two last names without the hyphen. You’ll still need to sign all paperwork with both last names since it’s considered your legal last name. Each state has different laws about what is considered a marriage name change so you may need to go through a court-ordered name change to have two last names without a hyphen.
What is a hyphenated last name?
When did the hyphenated surname start?
Why do people hyphenate their last names?
How to change your name when you have a spouse?
Do you have to give up your birth name?
Do you have to hyphenate your name on your marriage license?
See more
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Which name goes first in hyphenated last name?
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.Jun 13, 2019
Do you have to use both last names if they are hyphenated?
Some couples decide to have both partners change to the hyphenated last name, as a show of unity and equality. But can you have two last names while your partner only has one? Absolutely.Nov 23, 2020
When you have 2 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.Jul 19, 2019
How do you address a last name with a hyphen?
Hyphenated Last Name In the case of a wife who has chosen to hyphenate her last name, then she should be addressed using Ms. (Mrs. is also acceptable) + her first name + maiden name + married name: Mr. David Crosby and Ms. Lynn Carter-Crosby.Dec 6, 2013
Can you hyphenate your last name on Social Security card?
Your legal name is your first and last name only. The SSA will still print your middle name and suffix on your social security card if enough space is available. Your name may only contain letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Suffixes are okay.
Do guys hyphenated last names?
It's rare for men who get married to change their last names -- whether they take their wife's, adopt a hyphenated version or create a combination of the two. But those that do tend to be less educated, according to a new Portland State University study.May 10, 2018
Should I hyphenate baby's last name?
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.
Are hyphenated last names annoying?
Hyphenated last names are annoying. They smack of posh British peerage or unyielding Birkenstock feminism. 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.Jan 19, 2012
How do you hyphenate your last name when married?
Most of the time, though, the most popular compromise is to hyphenate your last name and the last name of your Groom. For example, if your Groom's name is John Smith and your name is Kate Jones, you would name yourself Kate Jones-Smith or Kate Smith-Jones.
How do you write maiden name with married name example?
Always enter a woman's maiden name (surname at birth) in parentheses if you have it. You may choose to either include or leave out a husband's surname, just make sure that you are consistent.Jun 24, 2021
Hyphenated last names vs not! | Weddings, Etiquette and Advice ...
I completely understand not wanting to take your husband's last name, but I don't think hyphenating is the answer. Let's say you hyphenate and your future child's last name is now Wilson-Jones.
Can I hyphenate my last name after getting married and then use ... - Avvo
I am a widow after 20 years of marriage and accumulated retirement accounts, property etc. during the marriage. I am now thinking of remarrying and don't want to go through the hassle of changing all of the assets should I take on my future husbands last name.
Hyphenated last names vs not! | Weddings, Etiquette and Advice ...
My parents have been happily married for 40 years and my mother never changed her name. She thought it was sexist and archaic (i.e. Mrs. is the possessive form of Mr.).
Can you legally have two last names without a hyphen? - Quora
Answer (1 of 7): I do! After I got married, I went to Social Security to see about getting my name dealt with. I had already decided to keep my maiden name, but use my married name as well. When the man was filling out forms, I mentioned my extreme dislike for hyphens and lamented having to use ...
If you already have a hyphenated last name, what should you do when you ...
Answer (1 of 15): Say that Jennifer MacArthur-Smith marries James Johnson. Here are the options, from best to worst, in my humble opinion: 1. Jennifer Johnson. This is the traditional way of doing things and demonstrates family unity. 2. Jennifer MacArthur-Smith. If you don't want to take your hu...
People of Reddit with hyphenated last names who married people with ...
I have a buddy who was in this situation. It turned into such a shitstorm that they just made up a new last name, and they both changed their names.. It makes sense if you think about it: two sets of parents who refused to give up their names, and also demanded that the other parent take their name...Either you're going to have four hyphens in your last name, or you're going to have to drop ...
What does hyphenated last name mean?
A hyphenated last name is just what it sounds like: your and your partner's last names, connected with—you guessed it—a hyphen. Oftentimes, hyphenated last names are described as a merge of a woman's "maiden" and "married" names (her prewedding surname and her spouse's surname). But this name change option definitely isn't gender-exclusive.
What are the pros and cons of hyphenating last names?
What are the pros and cons of hyphenated names? The biggest advantage of hyphenated last names is the absence of having to choose between two last names. It allows you to retain your identity while still legally adopting your partner's moniker. However, there are some drawbacks to hyphenating.
Can you list your maiden name 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.
Do you have to change your name before marriage?
In some states, the marriage license application asks soonlyweds to declare their married name before the wedding day. Pay close attention, because if yours does and you don't, you'll have to petition the court for a name change instead (which is a much more involved—and usually costly—process).
Can you hyphenate your name?
You can't hyphenate and then flip-flop between your original name and your partner's name when it comes to official paperwork. You can't drop the hyphen or switch the order of the two last names either.
What does it mean when you change your last name?
When you change your last name, that means you need to make all your legal documents match. For instance, you need to change your name on your insurance and at your bank. All of your bills need to have your new name. Have your marriage license ready so you can show that you changed your name.
Why do women keep their maiden name?
However, you can also switch over to your new hyphenated name. Some women keep using their maiden name because they are well-known in their community under that name. For instance, if you're a local author or real estate agent, it may be better to keep using your maiden name.
What document is needed to change your name on Social Security?
When changing your name on your Social Security card, you need to have proof of your new name. Because you are likely changing your name because of marriage, the best document is a marriage license that shows your new name. [1]
Can you give your child a hyphenated name?
When naming your kids, you do have several options. You can give them either one of the parent's original surnames. You can also give them the hyphenated name. Some parents form hybrid names, so the kid isn't stuck with a hyphenated name.
Is it okay to give your child your surname?
Giving your child either your surname or your spouse's is a good option if one of you feels more strongly about carrying on your family's name. For instance, it can also create identity issues, as your kids' names are not technically the same as your name, if you have a hyphenated name.
Can you change your name to hyphenation?
Once you change your name to a hyphenation, though, that's just the beginning . You have to change it with other organizations, such as the Social Security Administration, and you have to deal with the ramifications privately and professionally. Steps.
Can the IRS recognize hyphenated names?
For instance, the IRS won't recognize your hyphenated name if it's not the one that's associated with your Social Security Number. Obtain the form. You can print out the form online. You can also get the form at your local Social Security office.
1 Search
Search for the first of the hyphenated names, if trying to find records. Many organizations, such as Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources, only list the first of the two or more last names.
2 Address a person
Address a person with a hyphenated last name by both last names, as the situation dictates. For example, for a person with the last name “Smith-Jones,“ do not call her “Ms. Smith” or “Ms. Jones.” Instead, refer to her as “Ms. Smith-Jones.”
3 Combine the last names into one word
Combine the last names into one word when using a filing system. For example, for the hyphenated last name “Smith-Jones,” enter the name as “Smithjones” into computer filing systems that do not allow for hyphens. Do not enter the first name in the hyphenated name into the middle name section.
Why is it important to hyphenate your last name?
Hyphenating your last name allows you to maintain your identity while also accepting your spouse’s. Your friends, colleagues, and clients won’t lose track of you after your name change. Keeps your professional identity. Hyphenating can be great if you use your current last name for professional reasons.
What does it mean when you hyphenate your name?
You’ll have a long name. Hyphenating means you’ll probably have a super long last name. It’s worth writing your hyphenated name out a few times and saying it aloud to make sure you like how it looks and sounds.
Can you hyphenate your maiden name?
Hyphenate your name with your spouse’s. As we discussed in length above, hyphenation will allow you to keep your maiden name while still adding your spouse’s. Many spouses choose hyphenation because they feel it’s the best of both worlds because they don’t lose their name and they’re able to take their spouses.
Is hyphenating a legal name change?
Hyphenating is considered a legal name change so you’ll still need to go through the process of updating all of your legal documents (social security card, driver’s license, passport, etc) and personal accounts (banks, credit cards, TSA Pre✓, etc.).
Can a child's last name be hyphenated?
No, your child will need to go through a court-ordered name change in order to hyphenate. If you’re expecting a child, you and your spouse must decide which last name you’d like the child to have. The child may carry the mother’s last name, father’s last name, or a hyphenated last name.
Can you use hyphenated last names?
You can use a hyphenated last name in informal social settings (on social media, amongst friends, etc.) but you will need to use your legal name everywhere else (at work, on your personal accounts, when signing your name , etc.) Deciding which last name to take or not take is stressful enough.
Can a male change his last name?
Many states allow a male to change last names due to marriage. Before considering this option, make sure to research what’s legal in your state. Example: Sarah and Adam Smith-Jones or Sarah and Adam Jones-Smith. Create a new last name. This requires you and your spouse to both go through court-ordered name changes.
Why do people use hyphens in their names?
This is probably due to an English tradition in which doubled (or even tripled) up names are a way of demonstrating one's heritage; in this tradition, for instance, an upper-class woman could marry and retain the status of her unmarried name by grafting it on to her husband’s. Similarly, if two upper-class families joined through marriage, the couple might take a combined name to signify their connections to both lineages.
Can a married woman change her name?
There is no decision that a married woman can make about her name that won't have someone, somewhere judging her for it — if she keeps her maiden name, she must be a man-hating feminist, and if she changes her name, she must be a slave to the patriarchy, right? (Clearly, we would all be better off if we could simply stop judging people for the choices they have every right to make). It’s the same when you hyphenate, with a slight difference: When you keep only one name, a stranger doesn't immediately know whether your name is your maiden name or your spouse’s name. When you hyphenate, the hyphen makes it obvious that you’ve chosen to combine names (although, to be fair, some people have hyphenated names given to them by their parents).
When to use hyphenated surname?
The hyphenated surname or double barrelled surname was primarily used when two families of a certain standing melded together, one dying out in the male line, or when a relative left their estate on condition they took their surname.
What happens if your child's name is your name of origin?
And if the child's name is either your name of origin or your spouse's, it will engender the following assumptions: 1. The child is the biological child of the co-named spouse and not the other. 2. The child is somehow closer or more obligated to "carry on" the legacy of one spouse over the other.
Why did Stroyer say that enslavers disallowed their slaves to select their own last names?
Stroyer explained that enslavers disallowed their slaves to select their own last names because “to allow him to use his own name would be sharing an honor which was due only to his master, and that would be too much for a negro, said they, who was nothing more than a servant.”.
Do staters have hyphens?
Some Staters I know, at least 20 of them, have hyphenated last names. Admittedly they are old established families. I also know many French and Belgian, as well as German families who have hyphenated last names-admittedly, again, they are from old established families:Cuene-Grandidier, Gazeau De Villepin, Bernard-Bries, Lippe-Detmold, ...
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. It becomes a legal document after the marriage when ...
When did the hyphenated surname start?
This practice began in the 15th century and was limited to nobility or those of great wealth. In Victorian times, the hyphenated, or what is also called the double-barreled surname, became more popular and gradually the practice has moved from upper-crust Brits to anyone.
Why do people hyphenate their last names?
Why People Hyphenate Their Last Names. In Britain, hyphenated double surnames were historically passed down to heirs. They commemorated the com bining of family fortunes and affiliations by marriage. When there were no male heirs to the estate in the bride's line, the name could be used by the husband, usually done if he was from a family less ...
How to change your name when you have a spouse?
You might want to keep the name you have, but if you are changing your name, you have options: Take your spouse’s last name or move your last name to use as your middle name and add your spouse’s name. Create a new last name by combining both surnames. Take a completely new surname. Hyphenate your name, or both of you can hyphenate your names.
Do you have to give up your birth name?
The best of both: You don't have to give up your birth name, just add your partner's name to it. Professional identity: Hyphenation would be a practical way to keep your name recognition. Easier ancestry: Genealogists will appreciate that your lineage is still traceable.
Do you have to hyphenate your name on your marriage license?
Some states require you to write your new hyphenated name on your marriage license application. This application becomes the legal marriage document after the wedding. If you don't get this right, you may have to spend time and money petitioning the courts for a legal name change after the marriage.
