Does your child have to share your last name?

You can pretty much give your baby any random surname you want, in the U.S.. In certain jurisdictions, in paternity cases, however, the father can petition to have the name changed on the birth certificate to his last name.

Should I give my child her father’s last name?

At the same time, Circle of Moms members agree that if the father is engaged in the child’s life, an unmarried mom should at least consider giving the child his last name. advises: “It’s a lot easier as well when they grow up to have the same name as you, because if not they ask why they are different.”

Why should a child have the father’s last name?

“[Giving the man’s last name to the child] can be a way of having a sense of two parents,” she explains. “It’s also a way of trusting in the marriage — saying, ‘This is someone I can count on. ‘ It’s about enjoying the good parts of being part of a family, of feeling somehow that this man is making a commitment.”

Why are last names important?

Names are important. We use them to identify ourselves and they become part of our identity. Thus, as important as it is to pronounce names correctly, it is equally important to write and use them correctly. Calling someone by his/her right surname can generate a sense of belonging.

Can my baby have my boyfriend’s last name?

With a few exceptions, most states allow parents to choose their child’s name, without restriction. Unmarried partners can decide to choose one parent’s last name, hyphenate both last names, or create a new last name that combines both parents’ names.

Do I have to give my baby my boyfriends last name?

Should an unmarried mother give the baby the father’s last name?

Whether you are married or not, you don’t have to give the baby the last name of either parent if you don’t want to, and the child does not have to have the father’s last name to be considered “legitimate.” (See the article Legitimacy of Children Born to Unmarried Parents for more on the subject.)

Who decides a child’s last name?

In cases where the child is born out of wedlock, the child often gets the mother’s last name. But if paternity is established, both parents have the right to petition the court to change the child’s last name. After the name change, the court will issue a new birth certificate with the changed name.