Choosing a surname for your child

What is it?

For your first child, you can choose the surname yourself. You can give your child your own surname or that of your partner. It is also possible to give your child both of your surnames. All subsequent children you and your partner have together will then automatically have the same surname as your first child.

Before the birth or when registering the birth, you must register the surname with the municipality.

2 last names

You can give your first child the surnames of both parents if they are born on (or after) January 1, 2024. No more than two names may be given. This double surname also applies to all subsequent children of the same parents. It is not mandatory to choose a double surname.

Foreign nationality

Does your child not have Dutch nationality, but one or more foreign nationalities? In that case, foreign rules determine the options for choosing a surname.
Does your child have multiple foreign nationalities?
Then you can choose which foreign rules determine the choice of surname.

For more information about the options available, please contact the government of your child's nationality or nationalities. Each country has its own rules regarding the choice of a surname. The Netherlands usually recognizes these rules.

What should I do?

You and your partner go to the municipality together to register your child's surname.

Please note! Often, the mother is unable to be present when registering the birth. It is therefore best to go to the municipal office together before the birth.

What do I need?

valid proof of identity
valid proof of identity of your partner

How long will it take?

The municipality will immediately register your child's surname.

How does it work?

If you do not choose a surname or register it with the municipality in time, the law will determine which surname your child will receive. Which name this will be depends on your personal situation. See below to find out which situation applies to you.

Man and woman, married or in a registered partnership

Your child will automatically receive the father's surname. If you want your child to receive the mother's surname, you must have this recorded at the municipality before or during the birth registration.

Two women, married or in a registered partnership

If the mother is pregnant from an unknown donor, your child will automatically receive the surname of the co-mother. This is only possible if the co-mother automatically becomes the legal parent at birth. This requires a declaration of parenthood. If you want your child to receive the surname of the birth mother, you must have this recorded together at the municipality.
If the mother is pregnant by a known donor and the co-mother acknowledges your child, your child will automatically receive the surname of the birth mother. If you want your child to receive the surname of the co-mother, you must have this recorded at the municipality.

Parents who are not married and are not registered partners

Your child will automatically receive the mother's surname. If you want your child to receive the father's or co-mother's surname, the father or co-mother must acknowledge your child. When acknowledging your child , you can then choose the surname together.

Family of two men

At the moment of a child's birth, there is always a mother. Motherhood can only end through adoption. In the case of adoption, you can choose the surname of your first child. This is done in court. Subsequent children of you and your partner together will have the same surname.