Double barrelled surname

[Stilldreamingofsun]

Hey
Sorry- this is probably a really obvious question but genuinely don't know the answer and neither does DP! Our baby is about to be born and we will use both our surnames. Why do some people hyphenate the surnames and others don't? Are there pros and cons for each way? We definitely want both surnames and don't want the first to be mistaken as a middle name. Would appreciate your expertise- I think the names look nicer without a hyphen?

My surename is Spanish with the traditional two surenames and for that reason there is no hyphen. Most places (banks, payroll etc) still put a hyphen there even though I insist it doesn't have one. I think in the UK you'll have to put up with most people hyphenating it regardless if you want it or not! I know some online forms don't recognise my name when I don't put a space, without the hyphen!

Agree with the above that most people in the uk hyphenate a double barrel surname IME.

I have two surnames, no hyphen.

The advantage is that you can drop one surname if you want. I have my full name on my birth certificate, passport, driving licence, passport etc but for everyday use (at the hairdressers for example) it's sometimes easier just to use one surname.

The disadvantage is that people in the UK seem to expect a hyphen so I always have to explain that it's two surnames, no hyphen.

But I agree that it looks better with no hyphen!

Mean to write bank accounts instead of repeating passport!

Oh and when I collect prescriptions, I always ask them to look under the letters for both surnames, otherwise they look for J for Jones (for example) and can't find it because it's been filed under S for Smith, or vice versa.

Minor inconvenience though. I still like the fact that my parents gave me both their surnames.

I think some people hyphenate to ensure (as best they can) that both surnames are always used rather than one surname becoming the dominant, every day surname. And vice versa some people choose not to hyphenate as it gives the name more flexibility i.e. one of the names can be dropped as and when it suits.