Choose a last name for your child

What is it?

For your first child, you can choose the last name yourself. You can give your child your own last name or your partner’s. It is also possible to give your child both of your last names. Any subsequent children you and your partner have together will then automatically receive the same last name as your first child.

You must register the last name with the municipality before the birth or when filing the birth certificate.

2 last names

If your first child is born on or after January 1, 2024, you may give the child the last names of both parents. No more than two last names may be given. This dual last name also applies to all subsequent children of the same parents. Choosing a dual last name is not mandatory.

Foreign nationality

If your child does not have Dutch citizenship but does have one or more foreign nationalities, the rules of those countries will determine the options for choosing a last name.
Does your child hold multiple foreign nationalities?
In that case, you may choose which foreign laws will govern the selection of the last name.

For more information about the options available, please contact the government of the country(ies) of your child’s nationality. Each country has its own rules regarding the choice of a last name. The Netherlands generally recognizes these rules.

What should I do?

You and your partner will go to the city hall together to have your child’s last name officially registered.

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

What do I need?

a valid form of identification
valid identification for your partner

How long does it take?

The municipality will immediately register your child's last name.

How does it work?

If you do not choose a last name or do not register it with the municipality in time, the law will determine what last name your child will have. Which name that is 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 take the father’s last name. If you want your child to take the mother’s last name, you must have this officially recorded with the local government before or at the time of the birth registration.

Two women, married or in a domestic partnership

If the mother is pregnant by an anonymous donor, your child will automatically take 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 take the birth mother’s surname, you must have this officially recorded at the municipal office.
If the mother is pregnant by a known donor and the co-mother acknowledges your child, your child will automatically take the birth mother’s last name. If you want your child to take the co-mother’s last name, you must have this officially recorded with the local government.

Parents who are not married and do not have a registered partnership

Your child will automatically take the mother’s last name. If you want your child to take the father’s or co-mother’s last name, the father or co-mother must acknowledge paternity or maternity. When acknowledging paternity or maternity , you will then choose the last name together.

A family of two men

When a child is born, there is always a mother. Motherhood can only end through adoption. In the case of adoption, you can choose the last name of your first child. This is done in court. Any subsequent children you and your partner have together will have the same last name.

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