Ehenamen

Ehenamen is the surname used by people after marriage in German-speaking contexts. The term encompasses the various forms a married couple may adopt for their shared or common family name, as well as the surname that results from marriage for each partner.

Common forms include: one spouse adopting the other's surname while the other keeps their birth name; both partners retaining their own birth surnames; or creating a combined surname, often written as a double-barrelled or hyphenated name. In some jurisdictions it is also possible to choose a newly created surname that serves as the Ehename. The selected name is then used in official documents and civil records, such as passports, national IDs, and marriage certificates.

Legal framework and procedures vary by country. In many places, the authorities that administer civil status or family law provide options to declare a preferred Ehename after marriage. If a couple opts for a double surname or for both partners to keep their birth names, the corresponding name is entered into official registries and appears on identifying documents. Changes may require official notification or a formal declaration and can depend on local language, spelling conventions, and administrative rules.

Contemporary practice shows a range of preferences. Some couples favor a single inherited surname, others maintain separate birth surnames, and many choose a double-barrelled or hyphenated Ehename for practical or personal reasons. The concept reflects evolving norms around identity, gender equality, and family branding, with usage varying by country, culture, and individual choice.