Double-barrelled and meshed surnames: a guide for US, UK and Canadian couples
More couples now create a shared surname rather than one partner taking the other’s. Here’s how each option works.
By the NamesCombiner team · Published · Updated · 7 min read
Your options at a glance
| Option | Example | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| One partner takes the other’s | Smith | Simple, traditional | One family name disappears |
| Hyphenated double-barrel | Smith-Jones | Keeps both names visibly | Long; forms and databases sometimes mishandle hyphens |
| Unhyphenated double | Smith Jones | Both names, no hyphen | Often mistaken for middle name + surname |
| Meshed surname | Smones | Short, unique, shared equally | A brand-new name; neither original survives |
| Both keep their own | Smith / Jones | No paperwork | Decide what children will use |
Double-barrelled names
In the UK, double-barrelled surnames have a long history and are increasingly chosen by couples who want to keep both family names. In the US, hyphenated surnames are also common, and many Hispanic families traditionally use two surnames without a hyphen (usually the father’s first surname followed by the mother’s).
Order: there’s no rule. Couples decide by sound (“Smith-Jones” vs “Jones-Smith”), alphabetically or by family tradition. Say both out loud with your first names before you decide.
Practical tip: some online forms reject hyphens or spaces in surnames. Many people with double-barrelled names keep a consistent format on all official documents to avoid mismatches.
Meshed surnames
A meshed surname blends both names into a new one — Smith + Jones = Smones, Garcia + Miller = Garller. It gives a family a short shared surname that neither partner “gave up”. The trade-off is that it breaks the visible link to both family histories, and relatives may need time to get used to it.
Our last name combiner generates meshed options and ranks them by how natural they sound.
How the name change works in the UK
General information, not legal advice. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
- If you’re simply taking your spouse’s or civil partner’s surname, organizations usually accept your marriage or civil partnership certificate as evidence.
- A double-barrelled or meshed name is generally treated as a change of name, documented with a deed poll. An unenrolled deed poll can be made yourself; enrolled deed polls are recorded publicly.
- Then update your passport, driving licence (DVLA), bank, employer, GP and HMRC.
How the name change works in the US
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state.
- Many states let you choose your new surname on the marriage license application; which combinations are allowed (hyphenated, double or meshed) differs from state to state.
- Where a meshed name isn’t allowed on the license, you may need a court-ordered name change.
- Update your Social Security record first, then your driver’s license or state ID, passport, bank accounts and employer.
How the name change works in Canada
General information, not legal advice. Rules are set by each province and territory.
- In Quebec, spouses keep their birth names; a change of name goes through the Directeur de l’état civil.
- Elsewhere, you can usually use your spouse’s surname with your marriage certificate. Some provinces (for example Ontario) let you elect a hyphenated or combined surname with a simple form.
- A meshed surname usually needs a formal change-of-name application through provincial Vital Statistics.
- Then update your SIN record with Service Canada, your passport, health card and driver’s licence. More detail in our Canada guide.
What about children?
Parents in all three countries can generally choose the child’s surname when registering the birth — one parent’s, a double-barrel or a meshed name. If you plan to have children, it’s worth agreeing on a family surname early.
Compare every surname option for your names.
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