Despite legal changes allowing parents to choose the order of their surnames, the vast majority of newborns in Spain still receive their father’s surname first. Since 2017, a legal reform has removed “an official order of surnames: father first, mother second.” Prior to that, since 2000, parents could agree to place the mother’s surname first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of babies are registered with the mother’s surname first?
Currently, only 6.5% of babies are registered with the mother’s surname listed first.
Who was interviewed for the podcast ‘Un tema Al día’ regarding this topic?
Sofía, Cristina, and Cova, three mothers who gave their children their first surname, were interviewed. The podcast too featured family lawyer Rosa Pérez Villar and genealogist Mireia Nieto.
How can listeners access the podcast ‘Un tema Al día’?
Subscribers to elDiario.es can listen to new episodes each night with early access via email. For non-subscribers, the episode is available each morning on any podcast application. It’s also available at elDiario.es/aldia.
The podcast ‘Un tema Al día’ explores the reasons behind this trend, featuring discussions with mothers who chose to prioritize their surname and experts analyzing the legal and historical implications of this practice.
Do you believe legal changes are sufficient to shift deeply ingrained societal norms?
