Create a Double-Barrelled Surname in the UK [2026 Deed Poll Guide]
Everything you need to know about creating a hyphenated surname - from marriage certificates to deed polls, costs, and examples.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can create a double-barrelled surname in the UK! After marriage, you need a deed poll (£0-£35) to combine both surnames with a hyphen, e.g., Smith-Jones or Brown-Williams.
Important: Your marriage certificate alone won't let you double-barrel - you must use a deed poll to legally create the hyphenated name.
What is a Double-Barrelled Surname?
A double-barrelled surname (also called a hyphenated surname) combines two surnames with a hyphen, creating one new surname. This is increasingly popular after marriage when couples want to honor both family names.
Common Examples:
- • Sarah Smith
- • John Jones
- • Sarah Smith-Jones
- • John Smith-Jones
Why You Need a Deed Poll (Not Just Marriage Certificate)
This surprises many couples: your marriage certificate alone doesn't allow you to create a double-barrelled surname. Here's why:
Marriage Certificate vs Deed Poll
✓ Marriage Certificate Lets You:
- • Take your spouse's surname entirely (Smith → Jones)
- • Keep your maiden name (Smith → Smith)
- • That's it. Only these two options.
✗ Marriage Certificate Does NOT Let You:
- • Create a double-barrelled name (Smith-Jones)
- • Combine surnames without hyphen (SmithJones)
- • Create any "new" surname
✓ Deed Poll Lets You:
- • Create any double-barrelled combination (Smith-Jones, Jones-Smith)
- • Choose the order of names
- • Both partners can take the same double-barrelled name
- • Combine surnames in any way you want
How to Create a Double-Barrelled Surname
Step-by-Step Process
Get Married First
You must be legally married before you can use a deed poll to create a double-barrelled surname based on marriage. Read our marriage name change guide.
Decide on Your New Surname
Choose which order you want the names:
- • Your surname first: Smith-Jones
- • Partner's surname first: Jones-Smith
- • Alphabetical order: depends on your preference
There's no rule - choose what sounds best to you!
Get Your Deed Poll
Option 1: Free DIY deed poll (check wording, signing and witnessing carefully)
Option 2: Professional service £14.99-£48.99 (support if an organisation queries the document)
Sign With Two Witnesses
Both of you sign your new double-barrelled surname on the deed poll, witnessed by two people (18+, not family).
Update All Your Documents
Use BOTH your marriage certificate AND deed poll together to update:
- • Passport (needs both documents)
- • Driving license (needs both)
- • Banks (usually just deed poll)
- • Work records, utilities, etc.
Both Partners Taking Double-Barrelled Surname
Both spouses can take the same double-barrelled surname! This is becoming increasingly popular.
Example: Both Partners Double-Barrelling
- • Emma Brown (bride)
- • James Taylor (groom)
- • Emma Brown-Taylor
- • James Brown-Taylor
Cost of Double-Barrelled Surnames
Total Cost Breakdown
Popular Double-Barrelled Surname Options
Traditional Order
Bride's surname first, then groom's:
- • Smith-Jones
- • Brown-Williams
- • Taylor-Davies
- • Wilson-Thompson
Alphabetical Order
First surname alphabetically comes first:
- • Adams-Smith (not Smith-Adams)
- • Brown-Jones (not Jones-Brown)
- • Clark-Williams (not Williams-Clark)
Sound & Flow
Choose based on what sounds better:
- • "Wilson-White" sounds better than "White-Wilson"
- • "Evans-Edwards" flows nicely
- • Say it out loud before deciding!
Family Significance
Honor the more significant family first:
- • Family business name first
- • Rarer surname first (to preserve it)
- • Surname with family heritage first
Common Questions About Hyphenation
Can I create a double-barrelled name without marriage?
Yes! You don't need to be married to create a double-barrelled surname. Anyone can use a deed poll to combine two surnames for any reason - personal preference, civil partnership, honoring family, etc.
Do we need to use a hyphen?
Technically no, but we strongly recommend it. Without a hyphen (e.g., "SmithJones"), many computer systems will interpret it as a single surname and it looks odd. The hyphen (Smith-Jones) makes it clear it's two surnames combined.
How long is the surname? Is it too long?
Most double-barrelled surnames are fine. However, if each surname is very long (e.g., "Montgomery-Fotheringham"), it might not fit on some forms or ID cards. Most combinations like "Smith-Jones" are perfectly manageable.
What surname do our children get?
If both parents have the double-barrelled surname (e.g., both are Brown-Taylor), your children will be registered with that double-barrelled surname at birth. No deed poll needed for them - it's their birth surname.
Can I change back later if I don't like it?
Yes. You can change your name again using another deed poll. However, each change requires updating all your documents again (passport, license, etc.), so choose carefully. See costs.
Do I need both surnames on all documents?
Yes. Your double-barrelled surname is one complete surname. You can't drop one half on some documents - it's Smith-Jones everywhere, or you haven't legally changed your name properly.
Can same-sex couples create double-barrelled surnames?
Absolutely yes. Same-sex married couples or civil partners use exactly the same process. Both can take a double-barrelled surname combining both names. Read our civil partnership guide.
My partner already has a double-barrelled name - can we triple-barrel?
Legally yes, but practically no. Triple-barrelled names (e.g., Smith-Jones-Williams) are extremely long, won't fit on most ID documents, and are rejected by many computer systems. We strongly advise against it - pick two surnames maximum.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages ✓
- ✓ Both families honored equally
- ✓ Modern, progressive choice
- ✓ Preserves both family names
- ✓ Children carry both family lines
- ✓ Professional identity maintained
- ✓ Sounds distinctive and unique
Disadvantages ✗
- ✗ Longer to write and say
- ✗ Some forms have character limits
- ✗ Requires deed poll (costs £0-£35)
- ✗ More complex than single surname
- ✗ Some people hyphenate incorrectly
- ✗ Children inherit the long surname
Ready to Create Your Double-Barrelled Surname?
Get your professional deed poll from just £9.99
support if an organisation queries the document • Takes 5 minutes • Works for couples
Related Guides
Marriage Name Changes
Complete guide to changing your name after marriage in the UK.
Civil Partnership Names
How civil partners can change surnames and create double-barrelled names.
Cost Breakdown
How much does it cost to create a double-barrelled surname?
Update Your Passport
How to update your passport with your new double-barrelled surname.