Ready to join the ranks of Brangelina, Kimye and thousands of other couples who have combined their names to make a totally new name?
Then you’re ready to learn how to combine couple names so you land on something memorable that you and your spouse can agree on.
Let’s dive in. Here’s everything you need to know about combining names for couples.
6 Couple Name Combination Methods
There’s more than one way to combine names as a couple. Try these six methods to come up with something you love.
1. Hyphenated
The couple can combine their last names with a hyphen. For example, if John Smith and Jane Doe got married, they could become John Smith-Doe or Jane Doe-Smith.
2. Portmanteau
A portmanteau is a word that combines two words to create a new word. For example, if John Smith and Jane Doe got married, they could become the Sminoe family or the Doemith family.
3. Blend
A blend combines parts of each name to create a new name. For example, if John Smith and Jane Doe got married, they could become the Smidoe family or the Johndoe family.
4. Mashup
A mashup is a combination of two or more words or phrases. For example, if John Smith and Jane Doe got married, they could become the Smidoes, or the John-Jane Smith-Doe family.
5. Double-Barrel
A double-barrel name combines both last names without a hyphen. For example, if John Smith and Jane Doe got married, they could become the Smith Doe family.
6. Compound
A compound name combines both last names into one word. For example, if John Smith and Jane Doe got married, they could become the Smithdoe family.
Famous Couple Combination Name Examples
There are several famous combined couple names, often referred to as “celebrity couple names” in the media. Here are some examples:
- Brangelina: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
- Kimye: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
- Bennifer: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
- TomKat: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
- Jelena: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
- Sprousehart: Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart
- Hiddleswift: Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift
- Robsten: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart
- Zanessa: Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
- Speidi: Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
Should You Combine Your Name with Your Spouse? Pros and Cons
Combining names as a couple isn’t for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
There are several potential benefits to combining names as a couple:
- Symbolic representation of unity. Combining names can be a way to symbolize the union of two people as a couple and a family.
- Honoring both families. Combining names can be a way to honor both families and their respective histories.
- Creating a unique identity. Combining names can create a unique and distinct identity for the couple and their family.
- Simplifying legal processes. Combining names can simplify legal processes, such as changing names on legal documents, bank accounts, and other official records.
- Avoiding traditional gender roles. Combining names can avoid traditional gender roles associated with name changes when getting married, such as a woman taking her husband’s last name.
- Establishing a legacy. Combining names can establish a legacy for future generations by creating a new family name that reflects the couple’s shared values and identity.
It’s important to note that combining names is a personal decision and may not be the best choice for every couple. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks and consider the cultural and social implications before making a decision
Cons
While there are potential benefits to combining names as a couple, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Loss of family history. Combining names can result in the loss of family history associated with one or both of the original names.
- Awkward or difficult names. Some combinations of names may be awkward or difficult to pronounce or spell, which can lead to confusion and frustration.
- Cultural implications. Combining names can have cultural implications, and it’s important to consider how it might be perceived by family members, friends, and society at large.
- Legal and administrative challenges. Combining names can create legal and administrative challenges, such as changing names on official documents and records, and updating identification and bank accounts.
- Personal identity. Combining names can affect personal identity, and some individuals may feel a loss of personal identity or connection to their original name.
- Difficulties in future generations. Combining names can create difficulties for future generations who may have to choose which name to pass on to their children.
It’s important for couples to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and weigh them against the benefits before deciding whether to combine names. It’s also worth exploring other options, such as hyphenation or using both names separately. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and authentic to the couple.
Get Ideas with the Couple Combination Name Generator
Running out of ideas? Get ideas for your combined couple name with our free word combination generator. Just enter your name and your spouse’s name and get countless combined couple name ideas.