Can You Legally Use Two Last Names?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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). ... Either spouse or both can take a double name. Based on a family's foreign name tradition, children can get surnames also based on a grandparent's surname.

What does it mean when someone has two last names?

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 license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application.

Can someone have 2 last names?

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). ... Either spouse or both can take a double name. Based on a family's foreign name tradition, children can get surnames also based on a grandparent's surname.

When you have 2 last names which one do you use?

In the Western tradition of surnames, there are several types of double surname (or double-barrelled surname). If the two names are joined with a hyphen, it may also be called a hyphenated surname . The word “barrel” probably refers to the barrel of a shotgun, as in “double-barreled shotgun”.

Can I keep my previous married name if I remarry?

You could decide to maintain your prior spouse's name, hyphenate prior maiden or prior spouse and new spouse, or even return to your maiden name. You must decide what works best for you and agree on the way forward with your future spouse about name changes.

Can you have 3 surnames?

Double barrelled names are a fairly common occurrence, but triple barrelled names are found less frequently. ... have “triple-barrelled” surnames (sometimes created when one spouse has a double-barrelled name and the other has a single surname).

Can a person have 2 first names?

For the first name, put whatever you want people to actually call you. In America, two first names is actually not uncommon : in addition to the Hispanic population, it's an long-standing Southern tradition. For the last name, put both names, or else you will confuse people.

Can I use both maiden and married name?

Although a married woman may continue to use her maiden name as a professional name , it is, in the eyes of the law, an assumed name. ‘ She is required, therefore, to use her married name in any transaction that by law must be conducted under her legal name.

Why do Spanish have 2 last names?

Within the Hispanic tradition, the woman does not change her surnames when she gets married. Instead, the combination of our parents' first surnames represents the unity of two families and the formation of a new one. Hence, both surnames carry great value for many Hispanics .

Why would a woman keep her ex husband's last name?

Continuity with children — One of the most common reasons an ex may keep your last name is to keep her name the same as any children . ... Even though you are getting a divorce, your wife has likely spent the marriage building a brand for herself around that name.

Can a divorced woman keep her married name?

When a couple gets divorced, each spouse has the right to keep his or her married name . No spouse can force the other to change back to his or her previous name, and there is little anyone can do to prevent an ex-spouse from continuing to use the married name after divorce.

Can I use my ex husband's last name?

A After a divorce a woman is free to keep her ex-husband's last name, go back to her maiden name or choose a completely new name . Although name changes are controlled by state law, most states allow individuals to change their name pretty easily. ... want to go by her name, legally they can.

Can I use my maiden name legally?

Brette's Answer: You can use your maiden name at any time you want . To change it on legal documents such as a driver's license, Social Security card, or passports though you need a court order, which usually happens in your divorce decree. What name you use has no impact on bills or settlement.

Does my name automatically change when I get married?

Since your name does not change automatically when you get married , you have to make sure you follow all the necessary legal steps to changing your name after the wedding.

Can you still be Miss after marriage?

Miss (pronounced /ˈmɪs/) is an English language honorific traditionally used only for an unmarried woman (not using another title such as “Doctor” or “Dame”). ... Its counterparts are Mrs., usually used only for married women, and Ms., which can be used for married or unmarried women.

What is the longest Spanish name?

Esternocleidooccipitomastoideos (31-letters) is the plural of the noun esternocleidooccipitomastoideo, which is the sternocleidomastoid, a muscle in the human neck. The word has a 22-letter synonym: esternocleidomastoideo, which is shorter because it omits the Latin prefix occipito- (occipital).

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.