Wille, Donker, Wille Dark or Donker Wille. One of these surnames can be chosen when the Double Surname Bill is passed.
Recently, a bill was submitted to the House of Representatives which would allow parents to give their child the surnames of both parents. Parents will no longer have to choose between the surnames of either parent. Thus, the connection to both parents can be reflected in the surname. In addition, a double surname would better suit parents who, because of their multiple nationalities, have a different surname in the Netherlands, rather than in another country. For these parents, a name change procedure is now sometimes required to bring unity to their surnames.
Under the new law, parents would soon be allowed to give their child the name of the father (or duo mother), of the mother (or duo father) or a combination of both names. This name choice can only be made once at the birth of the first child. Later born brothers or sisters get the same surname. It will be possible for adopted children to choose a combination of their last name at birth and the names of their adoptive parents. However, there is also a maximum of two names in total. This choice does not apply to children born later within the same family. Double surnames, such as Veldhuizen Van Zanten, for example, are considered singular surnames. Thus, parents Veldhuizen Van Zanten and Jansen can also give their child a double surname, such as Veldhuizen Van Zanten Jansen.
The bill is currently with the House of Representatives and must then still go through the Senate. Whether the Netherlands will massively opt for the double surname remains to be seen. According to a public poll by the Ministry of Justice and Security in 2020, 32% of people believe that it should be possible for parents to give their children the names of both parents. The choice for a double surname is not mandatory. If parents do not make a choice, a child will receive the surname of the father or co-mother in the case of a marriage or registered partnership. In the case of unmarried or unregistered partners, the child automatically receives the surname of the birth mother.
We will inform you once the bill has been discussed by both the Lower and Upper House. If you have any questions about your child’s last name as a result of this article, please contact one of our family law attorneys.
