Spanish Naming Customs

Spanish naming customs are those practiced in Spain. They are similar to those in other Spanish-speaking countries. In Spain, a person's name consists of a given name (simple or composite) followed by two family names (surnames). The first surname was traditionally the father's first surname, and the second the mother's first surname. In Spain this order may now be reversed, according to a new gender equality law.

In most situations, the practice is to use one given name and the first surname only, the full name being used in legal, formal, and documentary matters. For differences in Hispanic American usages, see Hispanic American naming customs.

Read more about Spanish Naming Customs:  Naming System in Spain, Denotations, Spain's Other Languages

Famous quotes containing the words spanish, naming and/or customs:

    As the Spanish proverb says, “He who would bring home the wealth of the Indies, must carry the wealth of the Indies with him.” So it is in travelling; a man must carry knowledge with him, if he would bring home knowledge.
    Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

    Husband,
    who am I to reject the naming of foods
    in a time of famine?
    Anne Sexton (1928–1974)

    Thus far women have been the mere echoes of men. Our laws and constitutions, our creeds and codes, and the customs of social life are all of masculine origin. The true woman is as yet a dream of the future. A just government, a humane religion, a pure social life await her coming.
    Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902)