Choosing a child's surname

In most cases, you choose the last name your first child will have at birth. This depends on your personal situation. Generally speaking, children from the same parents are given the same last name. This depends on your personal situation. The child’s last name is recorded on the birth certificate. For more information, see: Registering a Birth and Choosing a Child’s Name | Rijksoverheid.nl

2 surnames

From January 1, 2024, you can give your first child born on (or after) January 1, 2024, the surnames of both parents. No more than 2 names may be given. This double surname also applies to all subsequent children from the same parents. Choosing a double surname is not mandatory.

Transitional arrangement

If the eldest child was born on (or after) January 1, 2016, parents can make use of a transitional arrangement. This transitional arrangement is valid for 1 year.

Foreign nationality

Does your child not have Dutch nationality, but does have 1 or more foreign nationalities? Then foreign regulations determine the possibilities for choosing the surname.
Does your child have multiple foreign nationalities?
Then you may choose which foreign regulations determine the choice of surname.

For more information about the options, please contact the authorities of your child's nationality or nationalities. Each country has its own rules regarding the choice of a surname. NL generally recognises these rules.

How does it work?

If you do not choose a surname or fail to register it with the municipality in time, the law will determine your child's surname. Which surname that is depends on your personal situation. Please review the applicable situations below.

Man and woman, married or in a registered partnership

Your child will automatically receive the father's surname. If you want your child to receive the mother's surname, you must arrange this together at 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, the woman who is married to the mother or has a registered partnership with her can become the other legal parent in two ways;

acknowledge the child no later than at the birth registration.
submit a donor statement Requesting a parental statement | Donor data.

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 acknowledgement. Please note that, as of now, a child cannot 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 recognize a child. There are other ways to become a legal parent, but these 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. At that acknowledgement , you will then choose the last name together.

Family of two men

At the time of a child's birth, there is always a mother. Maternity can only end through adoption. In the case of adoption, you can choose the surname of your 1st child. This takes place through the court. Subsequent children of you and your partner together will receive the same surname.

What to do?

You and your partner will visit the municipality together to have your child's surname registered.

Please note! Often the mother cannot be present at the birth registration. Therefore, it is best to visit the municipality together prior to the birth.