No, you do not have to give your baby the dad’s last name. It is completely up to you and your partner to decide what last name you want your child to have. Some couples decide to make a composite name, hyphenate the two names together, or the baby can have only one of the parents’ last names.
Ultimately, you and your partner should take the time to discuss your thoughts and feelings on the matter to come to a decision that you both are comfortable with.
Whose last name does baby take if parents are not married?
If the parents of a baby are not married, the baby can take either the father’s or the mother’s last name. Many states have laws requiring that the father’s name be placed on the birth certificate if he is known and consents, unless the parents are married or a court order specifies otherwise.
In many cases, the mother alone has the legal right to name the child. However, in states where paternity must be established, the father may have to take legal action to gain parental responsibility and the right to choose the child’s surname.
In some states, the mother and father may agree on the surname, but there may be different requirements when the father is not listed on the birth certificate, such as filing a father’s declaration of paternity or requesting a court order.
Ultimately, the baby will usually take either the mother’s or father’s last name, but how that decision is made and how it is documented varies state-by-state.
Why should a child have the father’s last name?
Having the father’s last name is not only a familial tradition, but it also symbolizes the unity between the parents and their child. It also clearly identifies the child’s lineage, which is something that has been important throughout history.
Having the father’s last name can create a sense of connection and belonging for the child, as it signifies he or she is part of the family and connected to both parents. A father’s last name can provide a sense of stability for the child and may help them to create a strong bond with their paternal line and heritage.
In some instances, it can also bring with it a sense of pride, as the child may have the same last name as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle in the paternal line.
Whose last name should the baby have?
Ultimately, it is the decision of the parents to decide whose last name the baby should have. It is important to take into consideration the feelings and wishes of both parents when coming to a decision.
Some parents decide to hyphenate both of their last names and give their child both. Other parents choose to give their child the mother’s last name, the father’s last name, or a combination of the two.
Some parents opt for a completely different name for their baby altogether. Some countries have laws that dictate that the baby should have the same name as the father. Ultimately, the choice lies with the parents.
Whose last name goes first for baby?
When it comes to a baby’s last name, the proper etiquette is that the father’s last name should go first. This is something that is often discussed before or during a marriage so that both spouses are on the same page about which last names should be used for their children.
However, this is not always the case. It’s increasingly common for parents to combine both last names to create a unique family name for the baby, or alternatively, for the mother to keep and pass on her maiden name to the child.
Ultimately, this decision is completely up to the discretion of the parents and what works best for them and their family.