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Mum's the word: countries where babies receive their mother's surname

This uncommon practice is the norm in some countries

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Daniela Ayoub
08/05/2025 11:00 ‧ 1 week ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

Culture

In many cultures around the world, children receive their father’s surname at birth. This is often due to cultural norms, but it can also be enforced through legal frameworks.

However, there are some nations where children receive hyphenated names containing both their parents’ surnames or a double surname. Others have the common practice of giving children their mother’s surname. Although a relatively uncommon practice, this gallery provides an overview of the nations where this is the norm.

Curious to know which countries conduct this practice? Click through the gallery to find out.

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