Choosing a Last Name for Your Child

Starting January 1, 2024, you may give your first child—if born on (or after) January 1, 2024—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.

Transitional Arrangement

If the oldest child was born on (or after) January 1, 2016, parents can take advantage of a transitional provision. This transitional provision is valid for 1 year.

Foreign nationality

• If your child does not have Dutch citizenship but does have one or more foreign citizenships, the rules of those countries will determine the options for choosing a last name.
• Does your child have more than one foreign nationality?
  In that case, you may choose which foreign rules 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.

If you do not choose a last name or do not register it with the municipality on time, the law will determine which last name your child will receive. 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 municipality before or during the birth registration.

Two women, married or in a registered partnership

If the mother is pregnant by an unknown donor, there are two ways for the woman who is married to the mother or in a registered partnership with her to become the other legal parent;

• Recognize the child no later than when you register the birth. 
• Request a donor declaration or parenthood declaration | Donor information. 

If the mother is pregnant by a known donor, the woman who is married to the mother or in a registered partnership with her can become the other legal parent through acknowledgment of paternity. Please note that, as of now, it is not possible for a child to have more than two legal parents. Even in a family consisting of two women who are not married or in a registered partnership, it is possible to acknowledge a child. There are other ways to become a legal parent, but they are more complex than the options described here. Choosing a surname for your child may vary depending on the situation. The nationality of the mother and her spouse also plays a role in this decision. Please keep in mind that each country has its own rules regarding this matter. If you would like to know more, please contact your local municipality. 

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.

You and your partner will go to 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. Therefore, it’s best to go to the municipal office together before the birth.

• a valid form of identification for yourself
• valid identification for your partner

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