Switzerland to reinstate double surnames for married couples
The Swiss Federal Council has approved the return of double surnames for spouses, allowing various naming options.
The Swiss Federal Council decided to restore the option of double surnames for married partners, expanding naming choices beyond the single-name system introduced in 2013. Couples may now adopt either spouse's surname, a combined double name, or keep their original names, and they must specify the order and hyphenation. Those already married can request an official double surname from the civil registry.
Passports and identity cards will still reflect the official name, though a temporary allowance for a separate marital name remains. Children will not be eligible for double surnames; parents must agree on a single surname that will be passed to future generations. If a parent already has a double surname, only one component can be transmitted to the child.
Why it matters
The reform alters personal identity rules, affecting naming rights for couples and future generations in Switzerland.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage reports Germany's law to restore double surnames for married couples, while centrist coverage reports Switzerland's decision to reinstate the option, highlighting different national contexts and details.
LEFT
Reports Germany's reinstatement of double surnames as a restoration of a previously removed naming option, noting the ability for spouses to combine or hyphenate surnames and the restrictions on children's surnames.
CENTER
Covers Switzerland's move to restore double surnames as an expansion of naming choices, detailing the need to specify order and hyphenation and the continued limitation on children's surnames.
The left emphasises
- permits spouses to use a combined or hyphenated surname
- restores the double-name option removed in 2013
- children are not eligible for double surnames
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