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Countries where babies receive their mother's surname

This uncommon practice is the norm in some countries

Countries where babies receive their mother's surname
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StarsInsider
16/07/2025 14:30 ‧ 1 day 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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