Choose a surname for your child

You can register the surname in a certificate of surname choice (akte van naamskeuze) at the municipality. However, this is not mandatory. The chosen surname will be given to all subsequent children born to the same parents.

Other citizenship for the child

• Will your child have the citizenship (nationality) of another country? The municipality will then examine the rules in that country on the choice of surname.
• Will your child have Dutch citizenship plus the citizenship of another country? And is another surname allowed in that country? Then you can also choose this surname for the child.

Married parents

Married parents are allowed to choose whether their 1st child will get the surname of the mother, the father or a double surname (the surnames of both parents). This can be done:

• before the birth (this is called: Begin external link: certificate of surname choice(External link), end external link.)
• during the registration of birth (the mother must also be present)

Single parent

Are you an unmarried mother? And has your child not been officially acknowledged? Then the child will get your surname.

Parent with a same-sex partner

Is a woman with a partner of the same sex expecting a baby? Then the child will get the name of the biological mother. Do you want something different? Look for more information on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..

Unmarried parents

If the parents are not married, the child will automatically get the mother’s surname. Would you like the child to get the father’s surname or a double surname? Then the parents have to acknowledge the child. This can be done:

• Begin link: before the birth, end link. (this is called: ‘acknowledgement of an unborn child’)
• when the birth is registered (the mother must also be present)
• Begin link: after the birth, end link.

Have you acknowledged the child? And will you (the parents) later get married or enter into a civil partnership? Then you are allowed to change the child’s surname. Indicate this to the civil registrar when you arrange your marriage or civil partnership. This person will assist you.

If you do not make a choice

You do not have to choose a surname. It is not compulsory to have a certificate of surname choice drawn up. If you do not do this, the following rules apply in the Netherlands:

• Are the parents married? Then the child automatically gets the father’s surname.
• Are the parents unmarried? Then the child gets the mother’s surname.

• Both parents must report the choice of surname in person at the Public Service counter at City Hall Spui or the Leyweg City Office. Both parents must take their Begin link: valid form of identification, end link. .
• Make an appointment for this.

Free.

The choice of surname will be registered immediately.

Read more about double surnames for your child on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..

Also see Changing your name