Why do Mexicans have two last names?

Published February 25, 2025

If you’ve ever met a Mexican and wondered why their name is twice as long as yours, you’re not alone. At first glance, having two last names might seem like an unnecessary complication, an administrative headache or an elaborate memory test. However, in Mexico, this tradition is more than just a naming convention; it’s a reflection of identity, heritage, and family pride, ensuring that both paternal and maternal lineage are acknowledged and preserved.

Unlike in English, where a last name is singular, in Spanish, we use the term apellido, and we have two. This system allows for precise identification and strengthens the connection to both sides of a person’s ancestry. The formula is simple: first name + father’s first apellido + mother’s first apellido. For example, if Luis Pérez Ramírez and María García López have a child named Juan, his full name will be Juan Pérez García, carrying both his paternal and maternal surnames forward.

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