Why do people in Spain have 2 last names?

The two surnames refer to each of the parental families. Traditionally, a person’s first surname is the father’s first surname (apellido paterno), while their second surname is the mother’s first surname (apellido materno).

Why do some countries use two last names?

When people with two surnames from Spanish-speaking countries emigrate to countries where one surname is custom, they have several choices. Some will drop one surname, usually the maternal or second surname. It also fosters an appreciation and respect for different cultures, traditions, and customs.

What are the general rules for double surnames in Spain?

For the last two hundred years surnames in Spain have been passed from parents to children according to the same general rule. People have two surnames, which are inherited from their parents. The first surname is the father’s first surname and the second the mother’s first surname.

Do Spanish have two surnames?

Traditionally in Spain, babies are given two surnames at birth: the first is the father’s and the second, the mother’s.

How many last names do people from Spain have?

2 surnames
In Spanish cultures, people traditionally have 2 surnames. The first is the paternal surname (apellido paterno), the father’s first surname, and the second is the maternal surname (apellido materno), the mother’s first surname.

Why are Spanish last names so long?

You may wonder why people from Spanish speaking countries have such long names. This is because we have usually two family names (surnames), when not more. Following an ancient tradition, when a child is born, he/she receives the first surname from the father and the second surname is the first surname of the mother.

Which last name do you use in Spanish?

When addressing someone by their surname in Spanish cultures, as a general rule you use their paternal surname. So, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero would be known as Señor Rodriguez, not Señor Zapatero.

How do you alphabetize Two last names in Spanish?

Alphabetize Spanish names by the full surnames. Even persons commonly known by the maternal portions of their surnames, such as Lorca, should be alphabetized by their full surnames. A biographical dictionary may provide assistance in distinguishing surnames and given names.

Can I take my Spanish husbands surname?

There is no legal chance in Spain to keep her husband’s surname as her first surname upon applying for Spanish citizenship.

How do Spanish surnames work when married?

Spanish women do not change their name when they marry, and offspring are given the first surname of both their parents – regardless of whether their parents are married or not.