Blends are made by joining the start of one name to the end of the other at a natural sound break. Names marked "Real surname" appear in the 2020 Census list.
Combine two last names
Type both surnames and the last name combiner suggests blended names, cutting each name where the sounds join naturally, plus hyphenated and double-barrel versions. Names that turn out to be real surnames are marked, so you know if your new name already exists. Copy any idea with one tap. Think of it as a new last name generator built from the names you already have, and a hyphenated last name generator in one.
Ways couples share a last name
- One partner takes the other’s name. Still the most common choice.
- Hyphenated: both names joined with a hyphen, like Garcia-Lee. The order is up to you.
- Double-barrel without a hyphen: both names kept as two words.
- A blended name: part of each, merged into one new family name. This is where the combiner helps most.
- Both keep their own names.
Creating a new last name
To create a last name that feels like yours, start with a blend. A blended surname should be easy to spell and say, and should sound like a name rather than a word. Check whether it already exists with the surname lookup, and see how it sounds with each first name using the first-name match tool. Once you’ve chosen, the surname plurals tool tells you how to write it on holiday cards.
Frequently asked questions
Can you legally make up your own last name?
In the US you can usually take a new last name through a court name change, and some states allow a combined name as part of marriage. Rules differ by state, so check with your state or county. This is general information, not legal advice.
Which name goes first in a hyphenated last name?
There’s no rule. Many couples choose the order that sounds best, or put the name they want their children to use day to day last.
Does the combiner work for more than two names?
It works on two at a time. Combine the result with a third name if you need to.