Do you know people with hyphenated surnames?
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (389754)
Rockingham, Australia
October 19, 2026 2:47am CST
The photo is from Amanda’s Garden and has nothing to do with the discussion.
When I was younger, hyphenated surnames were looked upon as denoting someone of high standing. Perhaps that’s still the case.
Maybe daughters of a prominent family didn’t want their surname to die out so they tacked it on in front or behind their husband’s. Probably behind 
(that’s a joke). Sometimes, a joined names sounds a bit fancier than ‘Jones’ or ‘Smith’.
So I heard a line on TV the other day that I thought was clever. A guy had been invited to spend the day on a very expensive yacht with members of the aristocracy and he said that there were more surnames than guests.
(that’s a joke). Sometimes, a joined names sounds a bit fancier than ‘Jones’ or ‘Smith’.
So I heard a line on TV the other day that I thought was clever. A guy had been invited to spend the day on a very expensive yacht with members of the aristocracy and he said that there were more surnames than guests.11 people like this
10 responses
@JohnRoberts (107590)
• Los Angeles, California
9h
Hyphenated names is sort of a UK thing.
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (14605)
• United Kingdom
4h
I wouldn’t say it was a UK thing …..it happens occasionally. But it’s not the norm by any means.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (81927)
• Philippines
8h
Me. I went to law school unmarried and before I graduated I got married. Since my documents used my maiden name, I was told to keep it and my husband’s name was added using a hyphen.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (92461)
• United States
4h
I think hyphenated surnames have become way more popular these days. Not only have married people hyphenated their names but I do know a few women who have kept their own maiden name and not taken their husbands name at all.
@teamfreak16 (48026)
• Denver, Colorado
Just now
I don't know anyone personally. A lot of athletes seem to have them these days.
@snowy22315 (213763)
• United States
5h
Not really hyphenated, but it is very common especially here for women to use their maiden names with their married names. My nephew was saying at one point if or when they have children..they might use some combination of their last names for the kid. That sounds confusing..just hyphenate the surnames.
Maybe he was partially joking.
Maybe he was partially joking.
@Orson_Kart (8871)
• United Kingdom
5h
Like you, I’ve always associated hyphenated names with the well-to-do. However, with the emancipation of women, many aren’t changing their surnames to the man’s when they get married, keeping their own instead. Then, if they have children, the children are getting the hyphenated surnames. What happens when two hyphenated children get married and have children of their own, I’ve no idea. It becomes unworkable in my eyes.
@rebelann (118851)
• El Paso, Texas
4h
It's a common practice among the hispanic community here especially when a woman is unmarried and wants to make sure her child has both moms and dads surnames.
Often men also have 2 surnames so they can show their mothers maiden name along with their fathers.
I once worked with a gentleman whose last name was Garcia-Garcia, I just thought that was too funny but I never told him that.
