Ignore the hyphen and file the two words as one unit. Others will do Smith Andersen, just Smith, just Andersen and still others add the hyphen because if they don't get smashed together. For example American Airlines puts my 2 names together (SmithAndersen). When you’re applying for your marriage license, tell the county clerk that you would like to hyphenate your last name. Two last names would probably be even worse. Required fields are marked *, We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. Then you have to go through the actual process of changing your last name on all of your state and federal identification, as well as all of your personal accounts. Create a new last name by combining … Note, Example: Sarah (first) Ann Smith (middle) Jones (last) or Sarah (first) Smith (middle) Jones (last). compound name (with or without hyphen) of each spouse’s or partner’s original surname for either or both parties; or EXCEPTION: An entirely new first and last name as shown on the name change document which is permitted under statutory law per Regional Chief Counsel Precedent is acceptable evidence of a change to the first and last name. Which name goes first? if I don't hyphenate my last name and add husbands last name to my maidain name will I be able to use my maidan name legally. Have you ran into any issues with paperwork Again, it’s your name so it’s to you! check with your county cleck offices (where you’ll apply for a marriage license) to see what last name change options are accepted in your state. People don't "get" the two first names things and I'm finding increasingly people don't know what a bloody hyphen is. Pretty self-explanatory as it’s like hyphenating but without the hyphen. By the time he turned one, we had encountered issues with almost every major institution we interacted with. You will need to sign all legal documents with both names, but you can introduce yourself with one last name, thus forgoing the mouthful that hyphenated last names can create. Your email address will not be published. A hyphenated last name is just what it sounds like: your and your partner's last names, connected with—you guessed it—a hyphen. Your name change is considered legal after your name has been updated with the Social Security Administration. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our, Cornell keeps an updated marriage law database. Although there are more cons than pros listed, is hyphenating is still a great name change option. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? Just as we’d been warned, the hyphen was a real pain. Your email address will not be published. Do you just fill in the last name field with two last names including the space? Your marriage certificate serves as your legal name change document which you will use throughout your entire name change after marriage process. 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. Start changing your name everywhere else – driver’s license, passport, banks, credit cards, investment accounts, etc. In British tradition, a double surname is heritable, and mostly taken in order to preserve a family name which would have become extinct due to the absence of male descendants bearing the name, connected to the inh… Before considering this option, Example: Sarah and Adam Smith-Jones or Sarah and Adam Jones-Smith, This requires you and your spouse to both go through court-ordered name changes. I know it’s a thing but how does it work on paperwork and doing the name change legally? My child will only have one last name though (my husbands). Sometimes a husband and wife keep their own last names and form their children's last names by connecting both last names with a hyphen. Next, the hospital sent us two bills for his birth, one with the first half of his last name, the other with the second. Based on my conversations, the verdict on hyphenation was mixed. When Hyphen Boy Meets Hyphen Girl, Names Pile Up The practice of hyphenating last names upon marriage was particularly popular in the 1980s and '90s. Changing your last name is a big deal, so take your time to think about what’s best for you and your spouse! 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. Anyone have two last names without a hyphen? :: Terms of Use The word "barrel" probably refers to the barrel of a shotgun, as in "double-barreled shotgun". For example, Green and Rosen would become Greenrosen. Or is it not-unheard-of and won't be a problem? If you’re expecting a child, you and your spouse must decide which last name you’d like the child to have. Name of individuals are transposed when filed as follows: last name, first name or initial, then middle name or initial. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. Some common reasons spouses choose to keep maiden names are if it’s closely tied to their profession,  if they’re the last person in their family to carry the last name, or if you just love your last name. 3. :: Privacy Policy I also think it is too much and too confusing for the child. This way, your marriage license will be filled out properly if it asks for your desired post-marriage last name. I found this one Wikipedia: Double-barrelled name. I hope this is helpful. Option 4: Take your maiden name as a middle name … People act like you chose your name specifically to inconvenience them. Report 1 Reply. One common option is to simply put both of your last names together without a hyphen. A. Use a hyphen to connect two or more words that work together as one adjective before a noun. 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). Ok, now that we talked about the pros and cons of hyphenating your last name it’s time to talk about how you go about a hyphenated name change. I have a hyphen in my first name and it's bloody awful. Still, hyphenated names are not entirely a relic of the ’70s, like sideburns and lava lamps: witness the Jolie-Pitts. The good news it the choice is 100% up to you and your spouse! Of course, there’s more to a hyphen than meets the eye. Or, take your maiden name as a middle name. If your marriage license requires you to enter your post-marriage name, make sure to write in your desired hyphenated last name. But Tate has also observed an uptick, specifically in the last 18 months or so, in women seeking guidance as to how to change their legal names to … Absolutely not! Beecher is not her middle name. Contact your country clerks office to make sure your state permits hyphenated last names after marriage. As we discussed in length above, hyphenation will allow you to keep your maiden name while still adding your spouse’s. Julia Smith-Jacobson Hyphenated Adjectives. Other… It is her maiden name. how to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, Each state has different laws about what is considered a marriage name change, make sure to research what’s legal in your state, Changing Your Name During Tax Season [Updated for 2021], Name Change After Divorce – An 11 Step Guide, REAL ID Act: What You Need To Know Before The 2021 Deadline, Marriage Licenses & Certificates | A Complete Guide. This might not apply to all people with two last names, but generally it’s because that was done generations before and the name’s been passed down that way. by Karen (Los Angeles). Is this going to be difficult to deal with when I apply for the updated passport? If you don't like hyphens but still want to use both names, your child can simply have two last names. No, your child will need to go through a court-ordered name change in order to hyphenate. This may be a stupid question but I wanted to double check: recently I booked flights for myself and two friends from London Gatwick to Alicante with Monarch Airlines.They both have two last names which I hyphenated when I booked the flights, but I have now found out that their names are not hyphenated on their passports.As I am going to Spain, I have to give Advanced … Uncertain which new last name is best for you? A double-barrelled name comes about when two different family names are joined together, usually after a marriage Baby gets a new name Pros: One way to get around hyphens yet honor both parents is to create a new name from both parents' last names. If you try to give him two last names, be assured that the rest of his life will be spent telling people "it's … If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. jumping in to say that my kids all have two last names (mine then his, no hyphen), and it’s never been much of a problem. Take two last names without a hyphen. In the Western tradition of surnames, there are several types of double surname. Plus, it’s the easiest as it requires ZERO post-marriage name change paperwork. Helena Bonham Carter is from the Bonham Carter family. This option drops your maiden name entirely and replaces it with your spouse’s. In the absence of a hyphen, alphabetize by the final name. Again, this is another … Does anyone know the process of legally having two last names without a hyphen? What’s the right hyphenated last name order? I found some company's computers do not know how to handle 2 last names without a hyphen. The child may carry the mother’s last name, father’s last name, or a hyphenated 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. ... Hyphenated names may only last for one generation. For example, Sarah Smith marries Adam Jones. I’ve seen a few couples who’ve created new blended last names. This method will allow you to go by either last name interchangeably. The first thing to do is to check with your state to learn more about what your marriage name change surnames options are. Behind the hyphens. If your spouse is male, have him take your name. Apply for your marriage license and tell the county clerk that you would like to hyphenate you and your spouse’s last names. A hyphenated last name is a combined last name of two spouses. After your marriage is over, visit your Social Security office with your marriage certificate and apply for a new Social Security card. Once your wedding is complete, you will receive your marriage certificate which documents that you are your spouse are married. :: Cookie Policy This doesn’t work as well with two longer last names like Anderson and Tillman, so in that case you could take parts of each name and merge them into one name, like Anderman or Tillerson. No, it’s your spouse’s choice too. It’s totally up to you but it’s most common for your last name to be the first (the person hyphenating) and your spouse’s second (assuming your spouse isn’t hyphenating). You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. There are two spaces! Thanks for reading! My son has my maiden name as his middle name. Both names are long and hardish to spell, so I do spend a lot of time spelling them for people, but I was used to that already from just having my name :). Disclosure: We are an affiliate of some of the companies and products mentioned and may be compensated if you click one of these links and make a purchase. If you are unsure, check with your county cleck offices (where you’ll apply for a marriage license) to see what last name change options are accepted in your state. About Examples: Jane Midde Name Maidan Name-His last name and Jane Middle Name Maidan NameHis Last Name (no hyphenated). I just took my husband’s last name because it’s traditional and seemed like the best thing to do at the time. Tradition And Rules Of How To Write Double Barrel Names In Different Countries: If you want … Hi all. Can I hyphenate my last name without legally changing it? Luckily, there are tools like NewlyNamed that can help make the rest of the name change process much easier. This name change option allows you to have both surnames but use them interchangeably. Does my spouse have to hyphenate too? Although >80% of spouses end up changing their last name after marriage, there has been a recent uptick of spouses choosing to keep their maiden name – either by not changing their last name at all or hyphenating. If you’re already married and can’t find your marriage certificate, check out our guide on how to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. There are so many options when it comes to combining names that it may take you quite a while to come up with the best last name for you. How do I hyphenate my last name after marriage? Have you decided if you’re going to change or hyphenate your last name (surname)? Regardless, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to keep your maiden name! Keep two last names (without hyphen) Keep your maiden name and add your husband’s last name and use them interchangeably. Can I hyphenate my child’s last name with my name? You can learn more about court-ordered name changes, Example: Sarah Smithnes (combined Smith and Jones). You can use a hyphenated last name in informal social settings (on social media, amongst friends, etc.) :: Contact Deciding which last name to take or not take is stressful enough. Not a lot to explain here. Players can (among other things): inherit double-barrelled names from their parents’ already hyphenated names like Ryan Rowland-Smith; combine both of their parents’ last names like BenJarvus Green-Ellis (39% percent of the players with hyphenated names fall into this category) December 2014. A Married Name Without The Hyphen. NewlyNamed provides personalized name change kits that provide all the forms and step-by-step instructions so you can easily change your name everywhere after your marriage. With all the energy, time and money spent on planning a wedding, now you also have to think about your name change. Everyone has a different reason for choosing to or choosing not to take on a new last name. One for the groom, too!" 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. You can also keep your middle name or drop it – it’s up to you. So you’re getting married – congrats! This is the norm in many Spanish-speaking countries, where kids get one last name from each parent. This is an increasingly popular option if you’d like to keep your maiden name in your full name. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? We think it’s important that you know all of the name change options before your big day. After you have your marriage certificate in hand, you can start your name change process by applying for a new Social Security card in your new name. No, your child will need to go through a court-ordered name change in order to hyphenate. What is a combined (or merged) last name? Hyphenate your last names. Example: Sarah Smith-Jones Sarah Jones-Smith. Question: I'm getting married in a few months, and we each plan on adding the other's last name to our current names. Same here. To be fair, most … It’s the most common and traditional marriage name change routine. © U.S. Passport Service Guide, All Rights Reserved. Now you have two sir names, so sign all the legal documents with those two last names and you can prefer to have others call you whichever name you like. A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. All Abbreviations in names should be alphabetized as though they were spelled out.. :: Sitemap There a lot of great reasons to hyphenate your last name – but also a few things to consider. Note, you are encouraged to include a letter with the application form explaining the use of two non-hyphenated last names in order to prevent any possible error. Every state is different and the marriage name change options are constantly changing. Explaining that I have 2 first names and no middle name got old before I'd even left school ... you won't believe this. A hyphenated last name my also be called a double surname or double-barrelled surname. If a person has two last names, but they are not hyphenated, like Harriet Beecher Stowe, how do you alphabetize them—by Beecher or Stowe? If the two names are joined with a hyphen, it may also be called a hyphenated surname. but you will need to use your legal name everywhere else (at work, on your personal accounts, when signing your name, etc.). (For the examples below, suppose Sarah Ann Smith marries Adam Jones). Are passport expediting services legitimate? I don’t regret my decision but I wish I read this post so I knew about all of the name change options available. You’ll still need to sign all paperwork with both last names since it’s considered your legal last name. Example: Sarah Smith Jones. Many states allow a male to change last names due to marriage. Every state is different and the marriage name change options are constantly changing. 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. if I hyphenate last name will I be able to continue to use my maidan last legally. In English-speaking and some other Western countries, a double-barrelled name (or double surname) is a family name with two parts, which may or may not be joined with a hyphen.It may also be known as a hyphenated name.An example of a hyphenated double-barrelled surname is Moore-Towers; an example of an unhyphenated … I’m choosing to hyphenate my last name. Take your spouse’s last name or move your last name to use as your middle name and add your spouse’s name. I have two last names without a hyphen (my own and my husbands). NewlyNamed provides personalized name change kits that provide all the forms and step-by-step instructions so you can easily change your name everywhere after your marriage. Take Your Spouse’s Last Name, But Keep Yours As Your Middle Name. So my name will be MyFirst, MyMiddle, MyLast HisLast - two last names, not hyphenated, not run together. BuckyC member. It’s totally up to you but it’s most common for your last name to be the first (the person hyphenating) and your spouse’s second (assuming your spouse isn’t hyphenating). 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. What exactly does a passport expediter do? Not really. that can help make the rest of the name change process much easier. It’s an exciting time but also a stressful and confusing one. Option 3: Take two last names sans hyphen. Many states allow a male to change last names due to marriage. Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office, Routine vs. To be honest, I didn’t think about what options I had when it came to changing my last name after I got married. Cornell keeps an updated marriage law database where you can select your state to learn more about its marriage laws. It’s your choice which name comes first. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose, 23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, Lodging & More. Too confusing for the child may carry the mother ’ s up to you and one. Partner 's last names sans hyphen NewlyNamed that can help make the rest of the change..., then middle name and too confusing for the child may carry the mother ’ s considered your legal name! Know how to Choose, 23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, &... Name field with two last names Midde name Maidan Name-His last name to take on a Social... 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Cons than pros listed, is hyphenating is still a great name change document which you will throughout.