Choosing a last name for your child

You can choose whether your first child will have the surname of the mother, father or duo mother. As of Jan. 1, 2024, you can also give your first child two surnames. From each parent 1 name. The order does not matter. Each subsequent child from the same relationship will be given the same last name or surnames as the first child.

Do you adopt a child? Then the child may keep their own last name or have 1 or 2 names of the adoptive parents. Or you can combine the child's own last name with the last name of one of the adoptive parents.

Do you not communicate your choice? Then your child will automatically be given a last name. It depends on your family situation which surname your child will automatically receive. For more information on surnames, visit Rijksoverheid.nl.

You let the choice be known no later than the birth declaration.

Is the child not recognized and you were not married or in a registered partnership at birth? Then the child will receive the mother's last name. You can change your children's last name to that of the other parent. This is possible if the other parent still recognizes the child. The conditions for this are:

• Is the child under the age of 12? Then the mother must consent to the name change.
• Is the child between the ages of 12 and 16? Then the mother and child must both consent to the name change.
• Is the child 16 or older? Then the child must consent to the name change.

• Both parents must be present at the name selection.