By Patricia Ann Talley, Editor
Last Names are Different in Spanish Cultures
“Apellido” Means “Last Name” (Surname) in Spanish
My Spanish word of the day is “Apellido.” You will find it on your immigration/declaration form if you fly to/from Mexico. Apellido is a masculine noun meaning “surname” or “family name.” Apellido de soltera indicates “maiden name.”
English Surnames – People Use Father’s and Husband’s Last Names
It is customary in the English-speaking world for men and women to use the last name (or family name/surname) of their fathers. In the English world, married women customarily change their last name to their husband’s family name, or sometimes use a hyphenated name, combining both their father’s and husband’s last names.
Spanish Surnames – People Use Father’s and Mother’s Last Names
But, names are different in the Spanish-speaking world! In Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, people commonly use the last names of both their father and their mother (in that order).
When a woman marries, she usually keeps her full maiden name, rather than adopting her husband’s last name. In the past times, a woman used “de” (of) to add her husband’s family name, but this is not as common today. Mexicans also use academic titles in front of their names.
A Spanish Family Example
Pedro García Fernández is typically addressed as Señor Garcia, or if he is a college graduate, he is addressed as Lic. Garcia. His wife will retain her maiden name of María Piñedo Saavedra which is a combination of her father’s and mother’s family names. If she has an academic title such as a teacher, she is addressed as Maestra Piñedo Saavedra.
Pedro García Fernández and María Piñedo Saavedra have a daughter named Eva. She is known as Eva García Piñedo. This custom is followed in all official documents, though in everyday use many people use only their first surname. So, if Eva García Piñedo married Carlos Hernández Río, she could either keep her own name intact or be known as Señora de Hernández Río. In Latin America, she might also be known as Eva García Piñedo de Hernández.
Warning to Ladies! In today’s global world, it is best not to change your name when you marry. Add-on if you like, but maintain your original family name!
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