HAVE you ever skilled – or extra doubtless, prompted – confusion over your use of surnames?
In the event you’re not Spanish, the rule. Two Christian names, one surname.
Instance – the British Prime Minister is Sir Keir Rodney Starmer.
Not troublesome, is it?
But when he went right into a financial institution or City Corridor in Spain, he would trigger havoc. They’ll ask him, “Señor Keir, what are your apellidos?” (‘Apellido’ is the Spanish phrase for surname).
They could even name him, “Señor Rodney”.
Think about displaying up with two sources of ID – your British passport and a Spanish residence card, for instance. One surname on one doc, two on the opposite.
Mayhem.
The Spaniard dealing with you’ll inform you blankly, “You possibly can’t exist.”
Right here’s the Spanish rule: one Christian title, two surnames.
Instance – Spanish actress Penélope Cruz Sánchez
Dad’s surname, adopted by mum’s.
Penelope will use each surnames for something formal or official.
When giving her title informally, she’ll simply use her first surname. So, if the Olive Press asks to interview her she’ll go by her well-known display screen title “Penélope Cruz”.
It’s her father’s surname.
However there are two sub-rules that we want to consider.
1. If her surnames have been reversed and her dad’s surname was Sánchez and mom’s Cruz, Penélope’s first surname could be a bit of boring. “Sánchez” is a bit like being referred to as ‘Jones’ in Cardiff. Spaniards like issues to be showy, glittery. “Cruz” is rather more fascinating. So she might have chosen to be referred to as “Penélope Cruz” anyway.
2. When Penélope married fello actor Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem she did NOT undertake her husband’s title and develop into Penélope Encinas Bardem. She remained “Penélope Cruz Sánchez” – as do all Spanish girls, who retain their maiden title(s). However any youngsters they might have will formally take the male surnames and develop into Pedro (for instance) Encinas Cruz.
In abstract, then, use your father’s surname first, and your maternal surname second, UNLESS you favor your maternal surname – and ladies, if you happen to marry, don’t change names!
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